VIENNA — Each year, the Nanticoke Watershed Alliance (NWA) publishes a report card that evaluates the health of the river and gives it letter grades based on its overall health. These grades come from the information Nanticoke creekwatchers collect.

The Nanticoke Creekwatchers program relies on volunteers who regularly test the river’s water quality. They measure things like pH, oxygen levels, and water clarity at various sites from March to November.

These tests help the organization understand if there are too many nutrients, like nitrogen and phosphorus, in the water. High levels can lead to too much algae.

When algae bloom, they reduce oxygen in the water and block sunlight, harming aquatic life and creating “dead zones” where fish and other organisms can’t survive. Also, some algal blooms are harmful, which can cause illness when contracted by pets or humans.

“It is important that NWA continues to work closely with our Nanticoke Creekwatchers program to keep a close eye on the health of the Nanticoke River,” a statement from the group said. “We must maintain the river to prevent dead zones and keep the river healthy.”

This year, the report shows:

• Marshyhope Creek and the Delaware Headwaters earned a grade of B-, making them the healthiest areas.
• The Lower Nanticoke also scored a B-, a positive improvement since 2015.
• The Upper Nanticoke, Broad Creek, and Lower Creeks received C grades.
• The Upper Nanticoke and Broad Creek had the lowest grades, continuing a concerning trend. However, there were some improvements:
• Marshyhope Creek’s nitrogen grade improved from an F in 2022 to a D in 2023.
• The Lower Nanticoke and Lower Creeks showed better results in phosphorus and chlorophyll levels.
• Water clarity has either declined or remained the same in most areas. Nevertheless, dissolved oxygen levels are healthy throughout the river.

“The Nanticoke Watershed Alliance wants to thank our dedicated Nanticoke Creekwatchers and partners, including the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and the Chesapeake Monitoring Cooperative, for their on-going support,” the statement said. “The Nanticoke Creekwatchers follow the highest standards for volunteer monitoring, known as Tier 3 under the Chesapeake Bay Program.”

View the full report card at nanticokeriver.org/creekwatcher/creekwatcher-reports.