Cold, Dry January Leads to Drop in Water Levels

U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Geological Survey

Contact:
Wendy McPherson (wsmcpher@usgs.gov)
Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center
5522 Research Park Drive
Baltimore, MD 21228
Phone:(443)498-5500
FAX: (443)498-5510

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Updated: February 5, 2004

Streamflow and groundwater levels have dropped from their high levels and many water levels in many streams are now in the normal range across Maryland and Delaware, according to hydrologists at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). These declines have also reduced the flow into the Chesapeake Bay. Streamflow has decreased because of the lack of precipitation and the cold temperatures during January. Since the ground is frozen, the snow and water frozen in the ground holds water in storage that will be released when the temperatures are above freezing for an extended period

Chesapeake Bay

Monthly mean streamflow into the Chesapeake Bay during January averaged 60.9 bgd (billion gallons per day), which is only 6 percent above average. Flow to the Bay has been above average since March 2003, with several months with near record-setting high levels. The abundant flow has contributed to higher amounts of nutrients and sediment entering the Bay.

The findings of the USGS Chesapeake Bay ground-water study have been summarized in a fact sheet “The Influence of Ground Water on Nitrogen Delivery to the Chesapeake Bay, Online Publication - FS-091-03” and a comprehensive technical report “Residence Times and Nitrate Transport in Ground Water Discharging to Streams in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, Water-Resources Investigations Report 03-4035”. More information about USGS studies to help with the protection and restoration of the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed can be found at http://chesapeake.usgs.gov.

Precipitation

Snowfall in January resulted in only 1.26 inches of water in Baltimore, Maryland, which is 2.21 inches below normal, according to the National Weather Service. Temperatures were also 4.8 ?F colder than normal, averaging 27.5?. Only seven days had temperatures above freezing. The cold temperatures cause water in the soil to freeze, and the water (as ice) is essentially held in storage until it melts and either recharges aquifers or contributes flow to streams.

Status of Streams and Wells for December 2003

The map to the right shows the wells and streams used by the USGS to monitor water conditions in Maryland, Delaware, and Washington, D.C. In January, all wells were at above normal levels (dark circles). A well in Prince Georges County, Maryland was at its highest January level in 40 years (represented by an asterisk).

Streamflow was at normal levels for most streams. Since the region recovered from the drought last winter, water levels in most of these streams and wells had frequently been at above normal levels.

Streamflow

Streams across Maryland and Delaware were flowing at normal to above normal levels in January after several months of above normal flow. Streamflow data in January may have been affected by ice build-up at the gaging stations. Five-year monthly streamflow hydrographs from the USGS stream-gaging network can be viewed on the USGS website at http://md.water.usgs.gov/surfacewater/streamflow/. Current and historical streamflow data can be monitored on the web at: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/.

Daily streamflow on the Potomac River near Washington, D.C. in January averaged 7.6 bgd, which is 16 percent below normal for January. More information on the Potomac River is available at: http://md.water.usgs.gov/monthly/poto.html

Groundwater-Unconfined or Shallow Aquifers

Groundwater levels in most of the wells used by the USGS to monitor unconfined or shallow aquifer response to climatic conditions in the bi-state region dropped during January. Although many water levels dropped in January, a well in Prince Georges County, Maryland, was at its highest January level in 40 years. This is the fifth consecutive month of record-setting high groundwater levels for Prince Georges County. For 5-year hydrographs of groundwater levels for the climatic indicator wells, visit: http://md.water.usgs.gov/groundwater/.

Water levels are expected to rise as groundwater resources are recharged through the winter and spring months when most plants are dormant and temperatures are lower. Generally, recharge is suspended when the ground freezes and resumes when the temperatures rise above freezing

Groundwater-Confined or Deep Aquifers

Although water is plentiful at the surface (streams, reservoirs, and shallow groundwater reserves are full), some of the deep confined aquifers used for water supply by many people living in southern and eastern Maryland and Delaware continue to decline. The water levels continue to decline because they are being pumped at rates higher than deep groundwater is recharged and since the confined aquifers are deep, water levels in confined aquifers take longer to respond to climatic conditions than shallow aquifers. Confined aquifer wells are measured monthly and can be viewed at: http://md.water.usgs.gov/groundwater.

Reservoir Storage

High groundwater levels and above normal streamflow and rainfall helped to keep reservoir storage levels in the Baltimore reservoir system at capacity in January. Storage in the Triadelphia and Duckett Reservoirs on the Patuxent River has decreased to 95 percent of capacity.

USGS 125th Year Anniversary: Successor to Lewis and Clark

The Lewis and Clark Expedition was the first of many Government surveys of natural resources in the American West. The U.S. Geological Survey was established on March 3, 1879 in response to a report from the National Academy of Sciences, which had been asked by the Congress in 1878 to provide a plan for surveying and mapping the Territories of the United States that would secure the best possible results at the least possible cost. The USGS continues to serve the Nation as an independent fact-finding agency that provides scientific understanding about natural-resource conditions, issues, and problems. Because of its origin in natural resource surveys and the similarity of the USGS mission to Thomas Jefferson’s charge to Meriwether Lewis, the USGS can be seen as the organizational successor to Lewis and Clark. For more information, visit http://www.usgs.gov/features/lewisandclark.html.

USGS Water Monitoring

The USGS has been collecting national streamflow data for 120 years, or since 1884. Streamflow and groundwater levels are used to assess the current water conditions and can be used to predict the potential for flooding and drought conditions. These USGS data have been provided to State and local water resource managers and are critical for making appropriate decisions on water regulation. For more information on streamflow and groundwater levels in Maryland, Delaware, and Washington, D.C., visit Water Watch at: Water Watch.

The real-time streamflow stations used in this analysis are operated in cooperation with the Maryland and Delaware Geological Surveys, the Maryland State Highway Administration, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the Maryland Department of the Environment, Baltimore County, Baltimore City, and other agencies. The observation wells used in this analysis are operated in cooperation with the Maryland and Delaware Geological Surveys. The real-time wells are operated in cooperation with the Maryland and Delaware Geological Surveys, the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin, and Calvert County, Maryland. The USGS publishes data for 137 streamflow stations and 379 observation wells across Maryland and Delaware.

The USGS serves the Nation by providing reliable scientific information to describe and understand the Earth; minimize loss of life and property from natural disasters; manage water, biological, energy, and mineral resources; and enhance and protect our quality of life.

** * USGS * * *

In-depth information about USGS programs may be found on the USGS home page at http://www.usgs.gov and http://chesapeake.usgs.gov/ for Chesapeake Bay activities.

Archived News Releases 2000-Present

2006

• 01-06-2006 Water Resources Plentiful at End of December 2005; Chesapeake Bay Flow Normal in 2005

2005

• 07-06-2005 Water Levels Fall as Summer Arrives
• 04-06-2005 March 2005 Water Levels Near Normal
• 03-04-2005 Flow Below Normal in Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay
• 02-07-2005 January 2005 Water Levels Normal to Above Normal
• 01-07-2005 2004 Ends with Normal to Above Normal Water Levels

2004

• 12-04-2004 Water Levels Remain Generally Above Normal
• 11-04-2004 Dry October Causes Water Levels to Drop
• 10-06-2004 Highest September Flow to the Chesapeake Bay Since 1937
• 09-03-2004 August Hurricanes Raise Water Levels in Southern Maryland
• 08-06-2004 Localized Flooding in Northeastern Maryland and Delaware in July
• 07-07-2004 Water Levels Normal to Above Normal in June
• 06-04-2004 Streams Return to Normal Levels in Maryland and Delaware during May 2004
• 05-06-2004 Streams Rise to Above Normal Levels in Maryland
• 04-07-2004 Streamflow and Groundwater Levels Fell in March 2004
• 03-04-2004 Streamflow and Groundwater Levels Normal to Above Normal in February 2004
• 02-04-2004 Cold, Dry January Leads to Drop in Water Levels
• 01-06-2004 Wettest Year Leads to Record-High Water Levels Including Third Highest Flow to Chesapeake Bay in December and 2003

2003

• 12-04-2003 More Record-High Water Levels in November 2003
• 11-04-2003 Record High Groundwater Levels in October 2003
• 10-03-2003 Flow to Chesapeake Bay in Water Year 2003 Second Highest Since 1937
• 09-05-2003 Third Consecutive Month of High Flow into the Chesapeake Bay
• 08-06-2003 Flow into Chesapeake Bay near Record High Levels
• 07-07-2003 Record Breaking High Water Levels in Maryland and Delaware
• 06-06-2003 Streamflow and Groundwater Levels High in May
• 05-07-2003 April Water Levels Normal
• 04-05-2003 Water Levels High in March - Water Restrictions Lifted
• 03-05-2003 Exceptionally Wet February Leads to High Water Levels
• 02-06-2003 Maryland and Delaware Streamflow and Groundwater Levels Remain Normal in January 2003
• 01-07-2003 2002: A Record-Setting Year for Low Groundwater Levels - Water Levels Recover to Normal in December 2002

2002

• 12-01-2002 Hydrologic Drought Wanes as Water Levels Rise
• 11-01-2002 Water Levels Rise Across Maryland and Delaware, But Drought Persists in Some Areas
• 10-03-2002 Water Levels Remain at Record-Setting Lows
• 09-05-2002 Groundwater in Parts of Maryland Reaches Lowest Levels Since 1962, Despite Late August Rains
• 08-06-2002 Drought Conditions Lead to 10 Record Low Monthly Groundwater Levels in July
• 07-03-2002 Record Low Water Levels Show the Effects of Long-Term Hydrologic Drought
• 06-04-2002 Groundwater Levels Reflect Long-Term Effects of Drought
• 05-02-2002 April Showers Not Enough to Raise Groundwater Levels
• 04-05-2002 The Drought in Full Bloom: Low Water Levels Result in Water Restrictions

2001

• 12-03-2001 Record Low Water Levels Set in November
• 11-02-2001 Dry October Leads to Low Water Levels
• 10-05-2001 Water Levels Low in Northern Maryland
• 09-07-2001 Water Levels Stable in August
• 08-06-2001 High and Low Water Levels in July
• 07-06-2001 Water Levels Continued to Improve in June
• 06-06-2001 Needed Rain Helps Avert a Drought in May
• 05-08-2001 Water Levels Still Normal in April, but More Rain is Needed
• 04-05-2001 Spring Rains Help Water Levels
• 03-06-2001 Water Levels Improve, But Are Still Below Normal
• 02-06-2001 Streamflow Still Low in Maryland in January
• 01-05-2001 Streamflow to Chesapeake Bay in 2000 Reflects Dry Autumn

2000

• 12-05-2000 Streamflow in Maryland Beginning to Show the Effects of Lack of Rain
• 11-07-2000 Despite Lack of Rain October Water Conditions near Normal
• 10-06-2000 September Water Conditions Above Normal in Maryland, Delaware, and D.C.
• 09-08-2000 August Water Conditions Above Normal in Maryland, Delaware, and D.C.
• 08-07-2000 July Water Conditions Continue Normal in Maryland, Delaware, and D.C.
• 07-07-2000 June Water Conditions Normal in Maryland, Delaware, and D.C.
• 06-06-2000 Water conditions begin to decline in Maryland, Delaware, and D.C.
• 05-05-2000 Water Conditions Continue to Improve in Maryland, Delaware, and D.C.
• 04-07-2000 Water Conditions Continue to Improve in Maryland, Delaware, and D.C.
• 03-07-2000 Water Conditions Improving in Maryland, Delaware, and D.C.
• 02-08-2000 January Streamflow and Ground Water Levels Still Low
• 01-06-2000 1999 Flow Into Chesapeake Bay Lowest Since 1960s Drought