Streamflow Gains and Losses for Hellbranch Run, Franklin County, Ohio, August 2007

On August 7, 2007, the U.S. Geological Survey did a streamflow gain-loss study on Hellbranch Run in western Franklin County, Ohio. From Feder Road to Lambert Road, 26 stream and pipe-discharge measurements were made on the mainstem, tributaries and other sources of inflow. Mainstem streamflows ranged from no measureable flow to 1.75 cubic feet per second; tributary and pipe discharges ranged from 0.001 to 0.23 cubic foot per second. The uncertainty in each discharge measurement was considered when calculating the gain or loss of streamflow. Although streamflow losses occurred over short reaches, including a stretch of dry streambed, Hellbranch Run is gaining water from ground water in much of the study area.