OWA’s members and stakeholders have typically been very conservative. OWA has been very cautious about advocacy and has not pursued issue-specific advocacy.

• We do advocate for clean water and natural resource protection and restoration in the Octoraro watershed

• We have enjoyed a long-term partnership with Chester Water Authority (CWA) and work closely with them on Source Water Protection through Amish and English outreach and clean water advocacy, water quality monitoring, and implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs) - both agricultural and stormwater.

• We place very high natural resource (ecosystem) value on the lands (about 2,000 acres) that CWA holds adjoining the reservoir as source water protection acreage

• In October 1983 we received our PA Wild & Scenic River designation (Act 1983-43) and placed very high value on public access to the reservoir and hiking trails, and preservation of rural vistas.

  • 12.25 scenic miles and 24.25 pastoral miles on the East Branch, West Branch & Mainstem

  • We appreciate the reservoir being open to the public for boating and fishing.

  • We also appreciate that CWA is cooperating with the Pennsylvania Game Commission to allow public hunting on parts of their property.

• From an OWA point of view, the best thing that could happen is for the lands currently held by CWA to be placed under permanent easement. This would:

  • provide long-term protection of the ecosystem (and the source water)

  • preserve and protect 2000 acres of the Octoraro watershed’s farmlands, forest, and shorelines

  • honor our Scenic River designation.

  In a way that provides recreational use for the public

• See The Chronicle Article Below: