A new report shows that combined-sewer overflows (CSOs) from Camden County — including the city of Camden, New Jersey — continue to dump raw sewage mixed with stormwater into the Delaware River and other local waterways far too often.
According to data from 2016–2024, systems on the Camden County side overflowed on average 76 days per year. One outfall into the Cooper River reported overflows 118 days per year on average, and the highest-frequency outfall into the Delaware River averaged 94 overflow days annually.
Even though Camden doesn’t publicly track the total gallons of sewage discharged, the “solids/floatables” collected at overflow outfalls — debris, waste, and contamination — offer a strong signal that the rivers remain polluted and unsafe for recreation.
Why This Matters
Raw sewage overflows can contaminate waterways with bacteria, viruses, and harmful pollutants — posing serious health risks for anyone swimming, boating, or fishing.
Even during dry weather, the legacy of outdated combined-sewer infrastructure means communities like Camden remain vulnerable to sewage flooding during storms.
Local authorities such as the Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority (CCMUA) are investing in upgrades and “green infrastructure” — like rain gardens, pipe separation, and sewer-system improvements — to reduce CSO events and improve water quality.
What’s Next
To restore the Delaware River and other waterways to a swimmable, fishable standard, community advocates are calling for more aggressive action: better funding for infrastructure upgrades, regular public reporting of overflows, and accelerated deployment of green-stormwater solutions.
