Natural Factors

Total river flow to the Bay during the 2008 water year (October 2007-September 2008) was 37.5 billion gallons per day (BGD). This is 3.5 BGD less than 2007 and 10 BGD less than the 47.2 BGD average flow from 1938-2008.

Assessments
Importance

Natural factors, such as temperatures and wind, as well as precipitation, which affects the volume of water flowing into the Bay, have a great impact on water quality, habitat and fish and shellfish populations. Annual rain and snowfall affect how much water flows in rivers. The levels of pollution entering the Bay each year generally correspond with the volume of water that flows from its tributaries.

Learn more about weather and river flow.

Goal

The indicators are not related to goals at this time.

Reporting Indicators
Contact

Nita Sylvester at 800-968-7229 ext. 711

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Last modified: 03/20/2009
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