DEP Issues ‘Do Not Eat’ Advisory for Wissahickon Creek Fish Amid Forever Chemical Detection
The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has issued a "do not eat" advisory for all fish within the Wissahickon Creek basin after forever chemicals were detected.
Philadelphia, PA, October 7, 2026 — The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has issued a public health advisory, warning against the consumption of fish caught in the Wissahickon Creek basin. The directive, classified as a “do not eat” advisory, comes after the detection of what are commonly referred to as “forever chemicals” within the local aquatic ecosystem.
The advisory applies to all fish species found throughout the Wissahickon Creek basin. Forever chemicals, also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are a group of man-made chemicals that can persist in the environment and in the human body for long periods. Due to their persistence, they have raised significant concerns among environmental and public health officials.
The specific nature of the contamination, including the precise levels detected and the exact chemicals identified, was not detailed in the initial summary. The scope of the Wissahickon Creek basin affected by the advisory was also not specified. The DEP has not released information regarding the source of the contamination or the timeline of its detection.
Further details regarding the duration of the advisory, any testing protocols, or proposed remediation efforts were not immediately available. Residents who have consumed fish from the Wissahickon Creek basin are advised to consult with healthcare professionals. The DEP is expected to provide further guidance and updates as more information becomes available regarding the extent of the contamination and protective measures.
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