August 31, 2017

The level of the Delaware River, as measured in Trenton, is at 8.56 ft.   This level is .044 below the level of the New Hope inlet located behind the former Odette’s.  The consequence is that no River water is entering the Canal, and the levels from New Hope to Bristol are slowly dropping.

From Bethany Hare – Assistant Park Manager

The pump at Center Bridge, which allows the Delaware Canal to be watered from Center Bridge south to New Hope, stopped working the other day.  After inspection by a representative from Sander Power Equip Co. it was determined that a piece of the internal impeller assembly had broken.  We are sending it out to be repaired today, but there is about a 2-week turnaround time before we can get the part back and replaced in the pump in the river.  Replacing the part in the pump is also dependent on river levels being low enough for our equipment to reach the pump out in the river; we do not expect any issues with this but it’s always a potential variable.

Our intention is to return the pump to working order as soon as possible, but with the turnaround time for the part there is risk for a fish kill, which we want to avoid.  Our staff will be watching for any fish in trouble in this stretch as the water continues to drop.  We welcome notifications from visitors/neighbors of fish in need, as well as assistance from volunteers with removing fish and returning them to the river.  If you have any questions, please contact the park office at 610-982-5560.