Streamflow in the Watershed and Entering the Chesapeake Bay
The health of the Chesapeake Bay, and streams in the watershed, are affected by changes in surface-water flows. Runoff from storms carries pollutants, such as nutrients, sediments, and toxic contaminants, into streams throughout the 64,000 square-mile watershed, which drain to the Bay. The changes of stream flow, and associated pollutant loads, influence habitat conditions for fisheries and safe recreational use.
The USGS monitors stream flow throughout the watershed and estimates monthly river flow into the Bay. Our real-time site has up-to-date information on current streamflow conditions throughout the Bay watershed, and how they compare to historical data. Our estimated streamflow into the Bay site has summaries of monthly and annual river flow entering the Chesapeake Bay.
Real-time streamflow in the Chesapeake watershed
Visit the WaterWatch page showing the Mid Atlantic real-time streamflow compared to historical stream flow for the day of the year to learn more.
Estimated streamflow entering Chesapeake Bay
To read more about the stream flow in the Chesapeake Bay, access Estimated Monthy Streamflow entering the Chesapeake Bay.
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The health of the Chesapeake Bay, and streams in the watershed, are affected by changes in surface-water flows. Runoff from storms carries pollutants, such as nutrients, sediments, and toxic contaminants, into streams throughout the 64,000 square-mile watershed, which drain to the Bay. The changes of stream flow, and associated pollutant loads, influence habitat conditions for fisheries and safe recreational use.
The USGS monitors stream flow throughout the watershed and estimates monthly river flow into the Bay. Our real-time site has up-to-date information on current streamflow conditions throughout the Bay watershed, and how they compare to historical data. Our estimated streamflow into the Bay site has summaries of monthly and annual river flow entering the Chesapeake Bay.
Real-time streamflow in the Chesapeake watershed
Visit the WaterWatch page showing the Mid Atlantic real-time streamflow compared to historical stream flow for the day of the year to learn more.
Estimated streamflow entering Chesapeake Bay
To read more about the stream flow in the Chesapeake Bay, access Estimated Monthy Streamflow entering the Chesapeake Bay.
« Back to Chesapeake Bay Activities Water Quality