Update:

Since February 2024, a team of experts led by Montgomery County has been conducting the Phase I study of flooding in the Perkiomen Watershed. The team is currently finalizing the study and identifying mitigation strategies to reduce the impacts of severe flooding events. To date, engineers have collected data from various sources, including direct correspondence with all of the municipalities and the four counties within the Perkiomen Watershed. A hydrology and hydraulics (H&H) model was created using the PCSWMM model, a well-accepted model used by the Army Corps of Engineers and has been used identify those areas most in jeopardy of flooding and causing property damage or risk to people.

The 20 Phase I flooding locations have been examined closely to determine appropriate mitigation techniques, estimated costs, and an implementation plan. One demonstration project will be supported for construction and another identified for planning-level design.

The overall goal of the project is to identify the areas most at risk of flooding, identify potential mitigation strategies, and provide guidance for property owners going forward. More information can be found online at Perkiomen Flood Study — Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy. 

Critical to the success of the efforts to reduce flood damage in the watershed is participation by every property owner. Guidance for on-lot stormwater mitigation will be included in the final plan. Additionally, long-term funding for new and upgraded stormwater infrastructure will be needed. The plan will include grant and other funding options that municipalities can pursue to help accomplish the goals of the project.

Upcoming Public Meetings:

Coming up on Wednesday, June 18, the Perkiomen Mapping & Flood Mitigation will host two virtual public meetings (3 p.m. and 7 p.m.) to share preliminary results, recommendations, and review study objectives. The same information will be provided at each meeting.

You can sign up using the following links:

Meeting 1: 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Register: https://tinyurl.com/PerkyMeeting1 

Meeting 2: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Register: https://tinyurl.com/PerkyMeeting2 

The Perkiomen Project

In the past decade, dozens of large storms and extreme weather events have passed through Pennsylvania causing extensive damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure, costing millions of public and private dollars to repair and reopen. One of the more devastating storms was Hurricane Ida (2021) which quickly dumped five to ten inches of rain in southeastern PA. This led to massive floods throughout the region and caused the USGS gage on the Perkiomen Creek at Graterford to max out at 24 feet. The final estimate for the day was 26.5 feet; flood stage begins at 11 feet.

While the cost of this flooding from Hurricane Ida is estimated to be over $100 million in Pennsylvania alone, within the Perkiomen Watershed, two people died and 75 homes were destroyed. Historical data tells us that these types of weather events are not only more common as witnessed in the past 20 years but are predicted to be more damaging and more deadly in the years to come.

Pennsylvania must take steps now to prevent future flooding and mitigate future risks. The Perkiomen Project, started by Representative Webster, brings together 4 counties and dozens of municipalities to study the entirety of the Perkiomen Watershed to create a comprehensive analysis of flooding along the Perkiomen Creek and its tributaries. The mapping and data will then be able to identify areas at most risk of flooding and what mitigation efforts need to be implemented.

Flooding devastation after Hurricane Ida, September 1, 2021. 

Perkiomen Watershed Tour

In March 2024, Rep. Webster was joined by the Acting Secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Jessica Shirley, her staff, Majority Leader Representative Matt Bradford, and Montgomery County Planning Commission official Drew Shaw to tour the lower Perkiomen watershed and speak with some of the people who were directly impacted by Ida and who continue to face challenges regarding flooding. 

The tour heard from officials from the Collegeville Borough, Schwenksville Borough, and Montgomery County, as well as staff from Providence Place and the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy.

Press Announcements & Articles

The Mercury: State and Montgomery County officials designate $1 million grant to launch Perkiomen Watershed initiative

Rep. Webster: Perkiomen Watershed Initiative Phase One Event

Resources

U.S. Geological Survey – Perkiomen Creek at Graterford

National Weather Service – Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service, Perkiomen Creek at Graterford