The Susquehanna River Basin Commission (Commission) has released a new report, Cumulative Water Use and Availability Study for the Susquehanna River Basin, which represents the Commission’s most comprehensive evaluation to date that characterizes water use and availability. This multi-year effort is a part of the Commission’s mission to wisely manage the water resources of the Basin to assure short-term resource availability and long-term balance between healthy ecosystems and economic viability.
The purpose of the study was to closely examine sustainability within the context of water uses, needs, and the natural availability of water resources.
“The study provides valuable insight regarding the state of water use and availability in the Susquehanna River Basin, along with an evaluation of the effectiveness of various low flow management measures,” states Andrew Dehoff, P.E., and the Commission’s Executive Director. “This report also provides the framework for ongoing assessments and enhances public access to our data.”
Overall, water availability for most Basin watersheds was found to be adequate to satisfy approved water use quantities. However, certain areas of the Basin do show potential for future conflicts and warrant further examination. The study also suggests that current management practices should have a positive effect on managing water resources during a drought and provides insight into areas where additional management measures can increase water sustainability.
In addition to the report, planning tools have been developed to allow continued assessment of water use and availability throughout the Basin. A publically accessible, interactive web map was developed for use by the regulated community, partner agencies and organizations, and the public. The web map displays map layers depicting approved and reported water use and water availability summarized by watershed.
For a copy of the full report, a summary of the report’s findings, or to view the web map, please visit the Commission’s website at www.srbc.net/planning/cwuas.htm.
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission is a federal/interstate governmental agency responsible for protecting and wisely managing the water resources within the 27,500 square-mile Susquehanna River Basin without regard to political boundaries. The Susquehanna rises and flows through New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland into the Chesapeake Bay. For more information on the Commission, visitsrbc.net or follow us on Twitter: @SRBCnews.