The watershed management area represents the Hackensack River drainage system. Waters within this area represent a major water supply to regions of high population density. The area lies mostly in Bergen and Hudson Counties and includes the following watersheds: Hackensack River and Pascack Creek

The Hackensack River drains an area of 202 square miles, which includes parts of Hudson and Bergen Counties. The Hackensack originates in New York State and flows south to Newark Bay. About 50 percent of the land in this watershed is undeveloped, with more than 30 percent residential. The remainder is commercial/industrial.

The Hackensack River from below the Oradell Reservoir to its joining with Newark Bay is regarded by the Department as an impaired waterway due to toxic discharges emanating from point sources. The contaminants of concern are arsenic, mercury, lead, zinc and nickel.

Seven hazardous waste or Superfund sites which are known or suspected to be contaminating local surface waters are found in the Hackensack watershed. In addition, extensive mercury contamination of Berry's Creek has occurred. Certain fish from the Lower Hackensack River have been found to contain high PCB and chlordane concentrations. As a result, the sale and consumption of striped bass and blue crabs are prohibited. There are also severe impacts from chemical spills, landfills, hazardous waste disposal sites and in-place contaminants.