Uncertainty and potential for error is associated with any forecast of water quality. The RiverCast should be considered a guideline and general estimate of water quality at a given period of time and not a direct measurement of water quality.
Other information, policies, regulations, public health statements, data, or observations should be considered in addition to the RiverCast before any individual or organized river recreation occurs. The RiverCast does not endorse or permit activities that are in violation of any City, State, and Federal policies, regulations, and laws.
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The Philadelphia portion of the Schuylkill River is located at the very bottom of the Schuylkill River Watershed and is subject to contamination from many upstream sources and activities that either discharge directly or enter the river during rain events. Because rivers are vulnerable to such contamination, there is risk of illness or infection when using any river for recreation.
The Philly RiverCast is intended to inform the public about water quality in the Schuylkill River between Flat Rock Dam (Manayunk) and Fairmount Dam (Boathouse Row), and to help the public make decisions about recreation. For more information about the RiverCast, email RiverCastInfo@phila.gov.