US Water Quality Index
Our composite Water Quality Score combines temperature, reservoir levels, and flow rates to rate conditions for swimming, fishing, and recreation.
How We Calculate Water Quality Score (0–100)
Maximum points when water temp is near ideal 71.5°F (22°C) for most recreational activities.
Full points when reservoir is at or near full pool capacity. Low levels reduce score.
Moderate, stable flow (100–5,000 cfs) earns full points. Extreme highs or lows reduce score.
Wallkill River At Phillipsburg Ny
Clyde River (Erie Canal) At Clyde Ny
West Branch St. Regis River Near Parishville Ny
Susquehanna River At Bainbridge Ny
Allegheny River At Salamanca Ny
Mohawk River At Freeman'S Bridge At Schenectady Ny
Saranac River At Plattsburgh Ny
Hudson River At North Creek Ny
West Branch Croton River Near Croton Falls Ny
Mohawk River Near Little Falls Ny
West Branch Oswegatchie River Near Harrisville Ny
Eighteenmile Creek At Newfane Ny
Kinderhook Creek At Rossman Ny
Ausable River Near Au Sable Forks Ny
Hudson River At Fort Edward Ny
Rondout Creek At Rosendale Ny
Tioga River Near Erwins Ny
Oswego River Near Phoenix Ny
Raquette River At Raymondville Ny
Unadilla River At Rockdale Ny
Understanding the Water Quality Index
The US Water Quality Index is a composite score designed to give anglers, swimmers, boaters, and outdoor enthusiasts a quick, at-a-glance assessment of water body conditions. Unlike traditional water quality indices that focus on chemical pollutants (which require laboratory analysis), our index uses real-time USGS sensor data to reflect physical conditions relevant to recreation.
Temperature Component (40 points)
Water temperature is the most important factor for recreational fishing, swimming, and wildlife activity. The ideal range for most activities — comfortable for swimming, optimal for bass and walleye fishing — is approximately 65–78°F (18–26°C). Our scoring peaks at 71.5°F and decreases proportionally as temperature moves away from this ideal.
Reservoir Level Component (30 points)
Reservoir levels (measured as a percentage of full pool) reflect drought conditions, drought recovery, flood risk, and overall ecosystem health. A reservoir at full pool (100%) scores maximum points. Severely depleted reservoirs — common during drought — score fewer points. This metric is particularly relevant in western states where water storage is critical.
Flow Rate Component (30 points)
River discharge (measured in cubic feet per second, cfs) indicates safe boating, wading, and kayaking conditions. Moderate, stable flow rates between 100–5,000 cfs are typically ideal for most recreation. Extremely high flows indicate flood risk, while extremely low flows suggest drought stress and limited habitat for fish.