Stretching 444 miles from New York’s Otsego Lake to Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay, the Susquehanna River isn’t just a scenic landmark—it’s a geological titan older than the Appalachian Mountains themselves. New research confirms this 340-million-year-old river supplies 50% of the Chesapeake Bay’s freshwater while facing modern threats that could impact millions.
A Lifeline for Ecosystems and Economies
The Susquehanna’s watershed spans 27,500 square miles across New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, supporting over 4.2 million residents. Its tributaries fuel Pennsylvania’s $132 billion agricultural industry, while cities like Harrisburg and Binghamton rely on it for drinking water. Yet this ancient river faces a modern crisis: 30% of Pennsylvania’s waterways remain polluted by agricultural runoff and acid mine drainage.
Climate Battleground
In 2023, record rainfall tested aging infrastructure along the river’s course. The U.S. Geological Survey reported sediment levels 40% above safe thresholds in key sections—a lingering effect of Hurricane Agnes’ catastrophic 1972 flooding. Environmental groups now push for expanded EPA protections under the Clean Water Act’s 303(d) program after successful 2018 safeguards for a 46-mile stretch.
Conservation Breakthroughs
Innovative projects show promise:
- Oyster Restoration: Maryland scientists deployed 500 million filter-feeding oysters near the river’s mouth in 2024 to combat nitrogen pollution
- Smart Farming: Over 2,000 Pennsylvania farms adopted precision agriculture tech to reduce fertilizer runoff by 18%
- Mine Reclamation: New passive treatment systems neutralized acid drainage in 12 abandoned coal sites last year
