‘DO NOT EAT’ FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORY ISSUED FOR WISSAHICKON CREEK BASIN
HARRISBURG, Pa. (October 7) –The Pennsylvania Departments of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Health and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) have issued a “Do Not Eat” advisory for all species of fish in the Wissahickon Creek Basin, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties, due to the high levels of Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS). PFOS, a “forever chemical,” was found in sampled fish tissue above the 0.04 parts per million “Do Not Eat” advisory level.
The “Do Not Eat” advisory extends to all species of fish within the entire Wissahickon Creek basin.
Because of this consumption advisory, the PFBC has canceled a trout stocking that was scheduled for October 15, 2026, on Wissahickon Creek, Section 04, in Philadelphia. To address the loss of angler opportunity on this stream and gather public input on future options for stocked trout management on Wissahickon Creek, the PFBC will hold a public meeting on Thursday, November 5, 2026, from 6-7 p.m. at the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, located at 8480 Hagy’s Mill Road, Philadelphia, PA 19128.
PFOS is one of a group of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl chemical substances (PFAS) that readily build up in fish tissue. Pennsylvania’s Fish Consumption Advisory Program has been evaluating sport-caught fish in Pennsylvania waters for various contaminants, including Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), pesticides, and heavy metals. Pennsylvania recommends different quantities and frequencies for fish consumption based on the species and where it is caught. Pennsylvania began collecting fish tissue samples to test for PFOS to incorporate those findings into the recommendations. Levels detected in fish tissue sampled from Wissahickon Creek were over the 0.04 parts per million (40.0 ng/g) “Do Not Eat” advisory level.
More information on PFOS and other PFAS chemicals