With the Flow – New York State Watershed Report for the Week of Nov 29-Dec 4, 2021
WaterToday looks at New York’s state’s public drinking water systems that draw from surface water sources: creeks, rivers, lakes and reservoirs, summarizing from the most recent annual water quality report published.
In each weekly report, you will find a snapshot of the volume of water flowing through the state’s major rivers and their contributors, as recorded at USGS streamflow monitoring stations. The report captures your watershed flows from headwaters to outlet for a brief moment in time, as observed in the days prior to the report’s publication. Systems reporting much above normal or high flows are shown in boldface, flows in action stage or flood stage appear in red.
Impaired Water Bodies in each watershed are listed here – these are lakes, creeks, rivers and reservoirs that have been recommended for a Clean Water Plan, a collaboration of municipal, industrial and environmental groups working together in an overlay zoning district for the specific purpose of addressing water quality. These are surface water bodies where water quality tests indicate stress: excess nutrients, contaminants, or low oxygen; these water bodies are listed on New York State 2018 Final Section 303 (d) list, along with the contaminant of concern and suspected source of contamination. The NYS DEC recommends the water body for a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) watershed protection plan, and local watershed organizations, industry and municipalities are encouraged to undertake projects.
Hazardous materials spills reported to NYS Spills Database are included in the relevant in watershed section each week. The spill records are received and stored by county, we report these spills in their relevant watersheds on the basis of the majority of the county being in a given watershed.
WaterToday New York gathers data from EPA, USGS, NWS, NOAA sources; accuracy is dependent on these sources.
Central NY Watersheds emptying into Atlantic Ocean at Long Island Sound
Upper Hudson River Watershed –
The Upper Hudson River Watershed drains the south side of the Adirondack Mountains, originating on Mt. Marcy and flowing south; the watershed management area extends to the Albany-Rensselaer County line. From the confluence of the Mohawk River, the Lower Hudson River gathers volume and carries on south to the Atlantic via Long Island Sound tidal estuary.
Including Sacandaga River, Schroon River, Indian River, Fish Creek, Hoosic River, Batten Kill, Great Sacandaga Lake, Indian Lake, Schroon Lake, Saratoga Lake
Flows: parts of Essex, Hamilton, Saratoga, Washington, Rensselaer and Warren Counties (updated 11-28-21)
- The Upper Hudson River drains an area of 8288 sq miles from headwaters to Albany; the flow at Port of Albany is not rated, but is registering 1.41 ft deep and 3.9C°; Newcomb in Essex County is normal, 76% above mean at 297 cfs and 2.45 ft deep; at North Creek in Warren County is 93% above mean at 1400 cfs and 4 ft deep; at Fort Edward is 119% above mean at 7610 cfs and 22 ft deep; at Thomson in Washington County is 111% above mean at 7670 cfs and 21.2 ft deep; above Lock 1 near Waterford is flowing above normal, 142% above normal at 12600 cfs;
- Indian River drains an area of 132 sq miles in Hamilton County. The flow near Indian Lake is above normal at 171 % above mean flow at 408 cfs and 2.7 ft deep
- Sacandaga River drains an area of 1055 sq miles in Hamilton and Saratoga Counties. The flow is normal near Hope, 68% above mean at 843 cfs and 2.8 ft deep; at Stewart’s Bridge near Hadley is flowing above normal, 161% above mean at 4090 cfs and 5.45 ft deep.
- Glowegee Creek drains an area of 26 sq miles in Saratoga County. The flow near West Milton is normal, 82% above mean at 37.5 cfs and 3.4ft deep.
- Batten Kill drains an area of 396 sq miles of Washington County. The flow below Mill at Battenville is much above normal, 115% above mean at 937 cfs and 5.62 ft deep
- Hoosic River drains an area of 510 sq miles in Rensselaer County. The flow near Eagle Bridge is flowing 87% above mean at 1000 cfs and 3.9 ft deep.
- Schroon River drains an area of 527 sq miles in Warren County; the flow at Riverbank is not rated, registers 3.68 ft deep
- Glens Falls Feeder (canal) in Washington County is flowing 3% above mean at 3 cfs and 2.2 ft deep
Upper Hudson River – Black River Regulating District operates the largest reservoir in the state, the Conklingville Dam, 37.7 billion cubic ft of storage from which flows 40% of the Hudson River volume.
Impaired Water Bodies (3 recommended for total maximum daily load TDML plan)
- Dwaas Kill and tributaries
- Ballston Lake
- Tributaries to Lake Lonely
When the impaired water body is also a drinking water source, see below.
Drinking Water Source Protection Program (DWSP2) –
According to NYS DEC advice, an overlay district is a special zoning area placed over the “base” zoning district(s) for the purpose of protecting a resource such as a waterbody or historic area, addressing a special problem, or to guide development within a special area.
In the case of waterbodies, an overlay district may be established to protect streams, wellheads, establish buffer areas, restrict activities within buffers, and more. The overlay zone is protecting water quality by setting additional standards for development and incorporating site-specific review procedures. Overlay districts, like other comprehensive zoning tools, aid with controlling or limiting non-point source pollution and future development.
The Drinking Water Source Protection Plan should contain the overlay zone boundaries, defined standards, stakeholder engagement and review procedures. Funding may be available, consult NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.
Drinking Water Sources:
Saratoga County: Saratoga County Water Authority (SCWA) draws and treats water from the Upper Hudson River for delivery to residents of Moreau, Wilton, Ballston Spa, Clifton Park Water Authority, Halfmoon, Malta, Stillwater Town and Village, Luther Forest Tech Campus. The treatment plant uses a coagulant, membrane filtration and active carbon filtration, followed by pH adjustment with soda and an anti-corrosive. As of 2020 annual report, the water supply was clear of the common contaminants. Check the Annual Water Quality Report at SCWA online. Mechanicville draws drinking water from the Mechanicville Reservoir; Saratoga Springs draws from Loughberry Lake.
Upper Hudson River – Black River Regulating District planned release volume for 11- 24-21 to 12- 1-21
- Great Sacandaga Lake reservoir set to release 4000 cfs Wed Nov 24 through Sun Nov 28; dropping to 350 cfs Mon Nov 29, 350 cfs Tues Nov 30 and back to 4000 on Dec 1
- Indian Lake 403 cfs release Nov 24 through Mon Nov 29, increasing to 484 cfs Tues Nov 30 and back to 406 cfs Wed Dec 1
- Stillwater Reservoirs is set to release 600 cfs daily, Nov 24 – Dec 1; rate is unchanged from previous week
- Sixth Lake Reservoir planned release 73 cfs Nov 24 gradually dropping down to 71 cfs by Tues Dec 1
- Old Forge Reservoir will be releasing 173 Nov 24, stepping down by 1 cfs daily to 165 cfs Tues Dec 1
Washington County: Fort Edward draws water from four reservoirs, according to Hudson Riverkeepers.
Warren County: Queensbury, Glens Falls draw from Upper Hudson River.
Rensselaer County: The Tomhannock Reservoir near Troy is the drinking water source for several communities, including Troy, Brunswick, East Greenbush, North Greenbush, Poestenkill and Schaghticoke, Waterford, Schuylerville, Victory, Menands and Rensselaer. As of May 2021, two cast iron main lines installed in 1914 are being replaced from the Tomhannock Reservoir to the water treatment plant. The four miles of pipe for this project is estimated to take another year to year and a half to complete.
Spill Report
Saratoga County:
-Other cause in Malta caused unknown amounts of gasoline to be spilled on an unknown resource 11/24/21, unresolved
Washington County: None reported
Warren County:
-Equipment failure in Queenbury caused unknown amounts of hydraulic oil to be spilled on an unknown resource 11/24/21, unresolved
Hamilton County: None reported
Mohawk River Watershed
The Mohawk River originates in the western Adirondacks and the Tug Hill Plateau and flows 140 miles to the east where it joins the Hudson River. Sections of the Mohawk River also serve as the New York State Barge (Erie) Canal.
Including Schoharie Creek, West Canada Creek, East Canada Creek; Hinkley Reservoir, Delta Reservoir, Peck Lake, Schoharie Reservoir; joins the Hudson River below Albany.
Flows: parts of Schenectady, Oneida, Herkimer, Montgomery and Albany Counties (updated 11-28-21)
- Mohawk River drains an area of 3450 sq miles in Oneida, Herkimer, Montgomery, Schenectady and Albany Counties. The flow at Delta Dam near Rome is flowing normal, 74% above mean at 290 cfs; near Utica in Herkimer County is flowing much above normal, 68% above mean flow at 1350 cfs and 7 ft deep; at Fonda is flowing 128% above mean at 5830 cfs; at Amsterdam in Montgomery County is flowing 122% above mean at 7540 cfs, and 12 ft deep; at Lock 8 near Schenectady in Schenectady County is 10.5 ft deep and 3C; at Freeman’s Bridge in Schenectady County is flowing 145% above mean at 7260 cfs and 10.4 ft deep; at Cohoes in Albany County is flowing above normal, 148% above mean at 8820 cfs at the confluence with the Hudson River.
- Oriskany Creek drains an area of 144 sq miles in Oneida County into the Mohawk River. The flow at Oriskany is 73% above mean at 269 cfs and 3.5 ft deep
- West Canada Creek drains an area of 560 sq miles in Herkimer County into the Mohawk River. The flow at Kast Bridge in Herkimer County is normal, 111% above mean at 1300 cfs and 3.83 ft deep
- East Canada Creek drains an area of 289 sq miles of Herkimer County into the Mohawk system. The flow at East Creek in Herkimer is normal, 68% above mean flow at 646 cfs and 2.43 ft deep
- Fulmer Creek drains an area of 21.7 sq miles of Herkimer County into the Mohawk system. The flow at Mohawk is normal, 59% above mean at 20 cfs and 2.72 ft deep.
- Sauquoit Creek drains an area of 59.8 sq miles of Oneida County into the Mohawk River. The flow at Whitesboro is normal, 42% above mean at 84.6 cfs and 2.35 ft deep.
- Steele Creek drains an area of 26.4 sq miles in Herkimer County into the Mohawk River. The flow at Ilion is normal, 141% above mean, 59 cfs and 2 feet deep.
- Otsquago Creek drains an area of 61 sq miles in Montgomery County into the Mohawk system. The flow at Fort Plain is normal 39% above mean at 50.5 cfs and 1.5 ft deep.
- Schoharie Creek drains an area of 886 sq miles of Schoharie County north to the Mohawk system; at near Lexington is 37.5% above mean at 129 cfs and 2.5 ft deep; at Prattsville is flowing normal, 48% above meat at 301 cfs and 3.72 ft deep; at North Blenheim is flowing above normal, 130% above mean at 476 cfs and 2.78 ft deep; at Breakabeen is flowing much above normal, 108% above mean and 589 cfs; at Burtonsville in Schoharie County is flowing normal 96% above mean, at 1040 cfs and 1.82 ft deep;
- Schoharie Reservoir takes the runoff from an area of 315 sq miles in Schoharie County.
- Platter Kill drains an area of 10 sq miles in Schoharie County into the Schoharie Creek. The flow at Gilboa is above normal at 164% above mean flow, 22.5 cfs and 2 ft deep
Impaired Water Bodies (9 recommended for TDML plan)
These are lakes, reservoirs, rivers or parts of rivers where water quality tests indicate the system is impaired; the water body is placed on New York State 2018 Final Section 303 (d) list, along with the contaminant of concern and suspected source of contamination. The NYS DEC recommends the water body for a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) watershed protection plan.
- Mohawk River main stem, portion 12 and 13 (Herkimer, Oneida)
- Utica Harbor (Oneida)
- Ann Lee (Shakers) Pond, Stump Pond
- Collins Lake
- Mariaville Lake
- Schoharie Reservoir
- Cobleskill Creek and lower tributaries
- Steel Creek
- Ballou, Nail Creeks
Drinking Water Source Profile: Hinckley Reservoir (01343900)– (from USGS Water Quality Watch)
Located on West Canada Creek in Herkimer County, Hinckley Reservoir collects streamflow from an undeveloped natural area of 374 square miles in the Adirondack Mountains,
And supplies drinking water for the City of Utica. The earth and concrete dam began storing water in 1914, with diversion for the city of Utica beginning several years later. Drinking water treatment and distribution is provided by Mohawk Valley Water Authority, serving 126,250 customers through 650 miles of pipe to 38,900 service connections. The water treatment plant at Prospect (1992) double filters to remove organic matter and chlorinates the water to kill bacteria. Fluoride is added, along with lime and soda ash to render the water non-corrosive to pipes and plumbing. Water quality is monitored by the MVWA certified laboratory staff. The Annual Water Quality Report 2020 is available here https://www.mvwa.us/WaterQuality/2020AWQR.pdf
Hinckley Reservoir was selected for intensive (monthly) sampling through the NYSDEC Division of Water’s Lake Classification and Inventory (LCI) program in the summer of 2011. The lake was classified as mesotrophic, or moderately productive. (Lake Classification and Inventory Survey, Lake Water Summary, Newman et al, NYS DEC 2011)
More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at
800-426-4791 or the Oneida County Health Department at 315-798-5064.
Spill Report
Montgomery County: None reported
Schoharie County: None reported
Herkimer County: None reported
Greene County:
-Equipment failure in Coxsackie caused unknown amounts of #2 fuel oil and kerosene to be spilled on an unknown resource 11/24/21, unresolved
Schenectady County:
-Unknown cause in Schenectady caused unknown amounts of tetrachlorethene to be spilled in the soil 11/24/21, unresolved
Fulton County: None reported
Lower Hudson River Watershed –
The Lower Hudson Watershed begins where the Mohawk River joins the Hudson system at the Troy Dam and extends down to Manhattan. The lower end of the Hudson system, 153 miles, is technically a tidal estuary, not a river.
Rondout/Wallkill Rivers, Stockport/Kinderhook Creeks, Catskill Creek, Esopus Creek, Croton River; Ashokan Reservoir, Rondout Reservoir, New Croton Reservoir, Alcove Reservoir, Cross River Reservoir, Muscoot/Upper New Croton Reservoir
Flows: parts of Albany, Rensselaer, Dutchess, Columbia, Ulster Counties
- Hudson River drains a total area more than 12,600 sq miles in New York State. At Green Island in Albany County, the Hudson is flowing above normal, 117% above mean to 19800 cfs; the tidal estuary near Poughkeepsie in Dutchess County is flowing at 11700 cfs and .88 ft deep; at Piermont the flow is not rated, 2.08 ft deep; at South Dock at West Point in Orange County is 2.4 ft deep and 7.9 degrees Celsius.
- Esopus Creek drains an area of 419 sq miles of Ulster County; below Lost Clove Rd at Big Indian in Ulster the flow is above normal, 173% over mean at 73.5 cfs and 3.7 ft deep; at Allaben is 152% above mean at 211 cfs; near Lomontville is flowing high, 556% above normal at 980 cfs and 5 ft deep; at Mount Marion is much above normal, 201% above mean at 1120 cfs and 15.5 ft deep
- Valatie Kill drains an area of 9.8 sq miles of Rensselaer County before joining the Hudson; the flow near Nassau is normal 93% above mean at 17.5 cfs and 1.75 feet deep
- Kinderhook Creek drains an area of 329 sq miles in Columbia County before joining the Hudson River. The flow at Rossman is above normal, 148% above mean at 670 cfs and 3.3.5 ft deep
- Wappinger Creek drains an area of 181 sq miles of Dutchess County; the flow at Wappinger Falls is above normal, 128% above mean at 299 cfs and
- Rondout Creek drains an area of 383 sq miles in Ulster County; at Lowe’s Corners is much above normal, 261% above mean, 343 cfs and 2.84 ft deep; the flow at Rosendale is normal, 73% above mean at 457 cfs and 9.8 ft deep;
- Croton River drains an area of 378 sq miles of Westchester County into the Croton Reservoir for the New York City water supply. The flow at New Croton Dam near Croton-on-Hudson is normal at 66% above mean at 196 cfs and 2.2 ft deep.
- Muscoot River drains an area of 19.7 sq miles in Westchester County into the New Croton Reservoir. The flow below dam at Amawalk is 62% above mean at 19.7 cfs and 8.65 ft deep.
Impaired Water Bodies (25 listed for Total Maximum Daily Load plan, as of June 2020)
- Sawmill River, Lake Shenorock, Lake Lincolndale, Lake Ketonah, Truesdale Lake, Teatown Lake, Lake Meahagh, Wallace Pond, Lake Mohegan in Westchester County
- Hillside Lake, Wappingers Lake, Falkill Creek in Dutchess County
- Krumkill Creek, Patroon Creek, Minor tributaries west of Hudson River in Albany County
- Sparkill Creek in Rockland County
- Lost Lake, Putnam Lake in Putnam County
- Monhagen Brook in Orange County
- Ashokan Reservoir and Esopus Creek in Ulster County
- Robinson Pond in Columbia County
- Sleepy Hollow Lake in Greene County
- Duane Lake in Schenectady County
- Nassau Lake and Snyders Lake in Rensselaer County
Public Drinking Water Systems – Surface Water Sources
Poughkeepsie Town wide Water District serves 43000 in Dutchess County, Highland Water District, serving 4000 in Ulster County, Kingston Water District, Ulster County, United Wappinger Water Improvement District, serving 14000 in Dutchess County. Beacon City PWS serves 19000 in Dutchess County, Newburgh City serves 28000 in Orange County, Cornwall on Hudson serves 23000 in Orange County.
New Windsor Consolidated Water District serves 30000 in Orange County.
According to the latest annual water quality report, 2019, source includes surface water drawn from the Ashokan Reservoir via the Catskill Aqueduct. The water is treated with chemicals and filtered, with chlorine added to sanitize and pH balancers (caustic soda) added to prevent corrosion of pipes. Annual water quality reports can be found on at water.ny.gov, searchable by location, PWS (public water supply) number, or county.
Spill Report
Westchester County:
-Traffic accident in New Rochelle caused 50 gallons of transformer oil ot be spilled in the sewer and impervious surface 11/21/21, resolved 11/26/21
-Equipment failure in Whiteplains caused unknown amounts of #2 fuel oil to be spilled in the soil 11/22/21, unresolved
-Equipment failure in Scarsdale caused unknown amounts of #2 fuel oil to be spilled on an unknown resource 11/22/21, resolved 11/22/21
-Unknown cause in New Rochelle caused unknown amounts of gasoline to be spilled in the soil 11/22/21, unresolved
-Equipment failure in South Salem caused unknown amounts of #2 fuel oil to be spilled in the soil 11/22/21, unresolved
-Equipment failure in Somers caused 50 gallons of diesel to be spilled on an unknown resource 11/22/21, unresolved
-Tank Test Failure in Bedford caused unknown amounts of #2 fuel oil to be spilled on an unknown resource 11/23/21, unresolved
-Equipment failure in Hawthorne caused unknown amounts of #2 fuel oil to be spilled in the soil and ground water 11/23/21, unresolved
-Equipment failure in New Rochelle caused unknown amounts of #2 fuel oil to be spilled on an unknown resource 11/23/21, unresolved
Orange County:
-Equipment failure in Monroe caused unknown amounts of #2 fuel oil to be spilled in the soil 11/22/21,unresolved
-Equipment failure in Greenwood caused unknown amounts of #2 fuel oil to be spilled in the soil 11/22/21, unresolved
-Equipment failure in Newburgh caused unknown amounts of gasoline to be spilled on an unknown resource 11/23/21, unresolved
-Equipment failure in Montgomery caused unknown amounts of #2 fuel oil to be spilled in the soil 11/23/21, unresolved
-Traffic accident in Woodbury caused 10 gallons of motor oil and hydraulic oil to be spilled on an unknown resource 11/23/21, unresolved
Putnam County:
-Equipment failure in Putnam village caused unknown amounts of #2 fuel oil to be spilled on an unknown resource 11/23/21, unresolved
-Equipment failure in Mayopac caused unknown amounts of #2 fuel oil to be spilled on an unknown resource 11/24/21
Columbia County:
-Equipment failure in Chatham caused 20 gallons of transformer oil to be spilled in the soil 11/22/21, unresolved
Rensselaer County:
-Human error in Troy caused unknown amounts of gasoline to be spilled on an unknown resource 11/22/21, resolved 11/23/21
Delaware River Watershed
The headwaters flow down from the Catskill Mountains into Delaware Bay/Atlantic Ocean. The watershed area includes East Branch Delaware River, West Branch Delaware River, Neversink River, Mongaup River, Pepacton Reservoir, Cannonsville Reservoir and Neversink Reservoir.
Flows: parts of Delaware, Ulster, Sullivan Counties
- East Branch Delaware River drains an area of 458 sq miles in Delaware County. The flow at Roxbury is normal, 76% above mean at 20 cfs, at Margaretville 73% above mean at 312 cfs and 3.24 feet deep, 3.3° C; at Downsville in Delaware County reporting flow much above normal, 504% above mean, 697 cfs and 3.84 ft deep, 8.9°C; at Harvard flowing above normal, 199% above mean, 890 cfs and 4.23 ft deep.
- West Branch Delaware River drains an area of 595 sq miles of Delaware County. The flow upstream from Delhi is normal, 71% above mean at 233 cfs and 2.88 ft deep; at Walton in Delaware County is normal, 78% above mean at 713 cfs and 4.9 ft deep; at Stilesville in Delaware County is much above normal at 553% above mean at 1500 cfs and 8.86 ft deep and 9.2°C; at Hale Eddy in Delaware County is flowing much above normal, 289% above mean flow at 1870 cfs and 4.68 ft deep, 9.7°C;
- Tremper Kill drains an area of 33 sq miles of Delaware County; the flow at Andes in is 81% above normal at 70 cfs and 3 ft deep
- Neversink River drains an area of 93 sq miles in Ulster and Sullivan Counties. At Winnisook Lake near Frost Valley headwaters, the flow is 62% above mean at 1.56 cfs and 1.3 ft deep, 4.2 degrees C; at Bridgeville is normal, 42% above mean at 136 cfs and 5.36 ft deep; at Neversink is flowing much above normal, 402% above mean at 172 cfs and 3.7 ft deep; near Claryville in Sullivan County is normal, 73% above mean at 207 cfs and 6.5 ft deep;
- Delaware River drains an area of 1820 sq miles of Delaware County and across the state line to empty into. The flow at Calicoon is above normal, 176% above meat at 4880 cfs and 4.7 ft deep, near Barryville is flowing normal, 110% above mean at 4160 cfs and 4.7 ft deep:
Little Delaware River drains an area of 49.8 sq miles in Delaware County into the Delaware River. The flow near Delhi is normal, 69% above mean at 95.4 cfs and 2.93 ft deep
- Trout Creek drains an area of 20.2 sq miles in Delaware County direct to the Delaware River. The flow at Trout Creek is normal, 65% above mean at 45.3 cfs and 3.53 ft deep
- Beaver Kill drains an area of 241 sq miles in Delaware County. The flow at Cook’s Falls is normal, 56% above mean at 470 cfs and 2.64 ft deep and 2°C.
- Callicoon Creek drains an area of 110 sq miles in Sullivan County. The flow at Callicoon is above normal, 191% above mean at 447 cfs and 2 ft deep
- Mongaup River drains an area of 200 sq miles in Sullivan County. The flow near Mongaup Valley is normal, 57% above mean at 117 cfs and 3.4 ft deep, 8.7C.
Impaired Water Bodies (6 recommended for Total Maximum Daily Load plan development, as of June 2020)
Sullivan County
- Davies Lake, Pleasure Lake, Evens Lake, Swan Lake, Bodine/Montgomery Lake
Broome County
- Fly Pond/Deere Lake
Spill Report:
Sullivan County:
-Unknown cause in Bethel caused unknown amounts of unknown petroleum to be spilled in the soil, ground water and surface water 11/22/21, unresolved
-Equipment failure in Barrowsburgh caused unknown amounts of #2 fuel oil to be spilled in the soil 11/22/21, unresolved
Delaware County: None reported
Ulster County: None reported
Housatonic River Watershed
A small portion of the headwaters of the Housatonic lie in eastern New York State. These waters drain the Taconic and Berkshire Mountains before joining the Housatonic and eventually emptying into Long Island Sound. Includes Tenmile River, Green River, Indian Lake, Swift/Crane Ponds
Flows: parts of Dutchess County
Housatonic and Green Rivers are flowing at normal range, as noted in monitoring stations at Great Barrington, Vermont.
Impaired Water Bodies
- none
Spill Report:
Dutchess County:
-Equipment failure in Poughkeepsie caused unknown amounts of #2 fuel oil to be spilled in the soil 11/21/21, unresolved
-Equipment failure in Dover Plains caused unknown amounts of #2 fuel oil to be spilled in the soil 11/22/21, unresolved
Ramapo River Watershed
The northern headwaters of the Passaic basin lie within a small portion of southeastern New York State, including the Ramapo and Hackensack Rivers drainage areas. It is the smallest watershed in New York State. Including Ramapo River, Hackensack River, Greenwood Lake, DeForest Lake.
Flows: parts of Rockland and Orange Counties
- Mahwah River drains an area of 12 sq miles in Rockland. The flow near Suffern is 60% above mean at 13 cfs and 1.9 feet deep
- Ramapo River drains an area of 93 sq miles in Rockland County. The flow at Mahwah is normal, 69% above meant at 122 cfs and 3.35 ft deep; at Suffern is normal this week, 60% above mean at 104 cfs and 2.85 ft deep.
Impaired Water Bodies (2 recommended for TDML plan)
Rockland County
- Rockland Lake
- Congers Lake/Swartout Lake
Spills Report:
Rockland County:
-Traffic accident in Tallman caused 10 gallons of diesel to be spilled on an unknown resource 11/23/21, unresolved
-Equipment failure in Ipper Nyack caused unknown amounts of #2 fuel oil to be spilled on an unknown resource 11/23/21, unresolved
Atlantic Ocean/Long Island Sound Watershed
The Atlantic Ocean/Long Island Sound Watershed drains most of the New York City Metropolitan Area and all of Long Island. The drainage area includes all marine waters in New York Harbor, Long Island Sound, Block Island Sound, and along the South Shore of Long Island, and the fresh waters that drain into them.
Includes 1415 square miles of marine estuary waters, the Bronx River, Mamaroneck River, Mianus River, Peconic River, Kensico Reservoir, Lake Ronkonkoma.
Flows: parts of Bronx, Queens, Kings, Suffolk, Nassau and New York Counties
- Valley Stream drains 3.77 sq miles in Nassau County. The flow at Valley Stream is above normal of 238% at 5.3 cfs and 1.1 ft deep
- Sampawams Creek drains an area of 23 sq miles in Suffolk County. The flow at Babylon is above normal, 157% above mean at 14.8 cfs and .77 ft deep.
- Bellmore Creek drains an area of Nassau County. The flow at Bellmore is above normal, 115% above mean and 5.6 cfs.
- Massapequa Creek drains an area of 38.6 sq miles in Nassau County. The flow at Massapequa is normal, 52% above mean at 4.5 cfs and .7 ft deep
- East Meadow Brook drains an area of 28.7 sq miles of Nassau County. The flow at Freeport is normal, 64% above mean at 6.4 cfs and .5 ft deep
- Mill Neck Creek drains an area of 8.58 sq miles of Nassau County. The flow at Mill Neck is normal, 115% above mean at 10.7 cfs and .24 feet deep
- Swan River drains an area of 8 sq miles in Suffolk County. The flow at East Patchogue is above normal, 112% above at 13.2 cfs and .53 ft deep
Impaired Water Bodies (49 recommended for TDML plans)
Richmond County:
- Arthur Kill (oxygen demand)
- Grasmere Lake/Brady’s Pond (phosphorous)
New York County:
- The Lake in Central Park (phosphorous)
- Harlem Meer (phosphorous)
Bronx County:
- Van Cortlandt Lake (phosphorous)
- Reservoir #1/ Lake Isle (phosphorous)
Westchester County:
- Bronx River, Upper and tributaries (oxygen demand, fecal coliform)
- Larchmont Harbour (fecal coliform)
- Hutchison River, upper and tributaries (oil and grease, oxygen demand, fecal coliform)
- Mamaroneck Harbour (fecal coliform)
- Mamaroneck River, lower, Upper, tributaries (oxygen demand, silt/sediment)
- Sheldrake River (phosphorous, silt/sediment)
- Silver Lake (phosphorous)
- Milton Harbor/Lower Blind Brook (fecal coliform)
- Port Chester Harbor/Lower Byram River (fecal coliform)
Nassau County
- Manhasset Bay and tidal tributaries (fecal coliform)
- Hempstead Harbour (fecal coliform)
- Beaver Lake (phosphorous)
- Massapequa Cove, Upper Creek and Tributaries (fecal coliform, phosphorous)
- Seaford, Seamans Creeks, tidal tributaries (fecal coliform)
- Tributaries to East Bay (freshwater silt/sediment and phosphorous)
- Canaan Pond (phosphorous)
- East Meadow Brook upper and tributaries (silt/sediment)
- Milburn/Parsonage Creek and tributaries (phosphorous)
- Hempstead Bay and tributaries /Broad Channel (phosphorous, nitrogen)
- Hewlett Bay (nitrogen)
- Browsere Bay (nitrogen)
- Hog Island Channel (nitrogen)
- East Rockaway Channel (nitrogen)
- Hempstead Lake (phosphorous)
- Grant Park Pond (phosphorous)
- Woodmere Channel (nitrogen)
- Bannister Creek/Bay (nitrogen)
- Prospect Park Lake (phosphorous)
Queens County
- Meadow Lake (phosphorous)
- Willow Lake (phosphorous)
- Kissena Lake (phosphorous)
- Little Neck Bay (fecal coliform)
Suffolk County
- Millers Pond (phosphorous, low oxygen)
- Long Island Sound (fecal coliform)
- Mattituck/Marratooka Pond (phosphorous, low oxygen)
- Agawam Lake (Phosphorous, low oxygen)
- Shinnecock Bay (Nitrogen)
- Quantuck Bay (Nitrogen, low oxygen)
- Moriches Bay, East and West, tidal tributaries (Nitrogen, low oxygen, fecal coliforms in west tributaries)
- Great South Bay, East, Middle and West (low oxygen, nitrogen)
- Canaan Lake (phosphorous, silt/sediment)
- Lake Ronkonkoma (fecal coliform, phosphorous)
- Champlin Creek, upper and tributaries (thermal changes)
Spill Report:
Kings (Brooklyn):
-Traffic accident in Brooklyn caused 20 gallons of diesel to be spilled on an unknown resource 11/22/21, resolved 11/22/21
-Equipment failure in Kings caused unknown amounts of mercury to be spilled on an impervious surface 11/23/21, resolved 11/23/21
Queens County:
-Equipment failure in Far Rockaway caused unknown amounts of #2 fuel oil to be spilled on an unknown resource 11/22/21, unresolved
-Human error in Bellerose caused 130 gallons of #2 fuel oil to be spilled in the soil 11/23/21, unresolved
Nassau County:
-Deliberate cause in Merrick caused unknown amounts of gasoline to be spilled on an impervious surface 11/21/21, unresolved
-Other cause in Mineola caused unknown amounts of #2 fuel oil to be spilled on an unknown resource 11/22/21, unresolved
-Unknown cause in Floral Park caused 4 gallons of #2 fuel oil to be spilled on an unknown resource 11/22/21, unresolved
-Equipment failure in East Meadow caused unknown amounts of #2 fuel oil to be spilled in the soil, and impervious surface 11/22/21, unresolved
Suffolk County:
-Equipment failure in Wyandanch caused 20 gallons of #2 fuel oil to be spilled on an impervious surface 11/21/21, unresolved
-Deliberate cause in Laurel caused unknown amounts of unknown petroleum to be spilled in the soil 11/21/21, resolved 11/22/21
-Equipment failure in Greenlawn caused 1 gallon of transformer oil to be spilled in the soil and impervious surface 11/22/21, unresolved
-Unknown cause in West Islip caused 3 gallons of hydraulic oil to be spilled on an unknown resource 11/22/21, resolved 11/22/21
-Equipment failure in Manorville caused 2 gallons of #2 fuel oil to be spilled on an unknown resource 11/22/21, unresolved
Richmond County: None reported
Bronx County:
-Unknown cause in the Bronx caused unknown amounts of unknown material to be spilled on an unknown resource 11/22/21, unresolved
Northeast Watersheds– emptying into Atlantic Ocean via St. Lawrence River
Lake Champlain Watershed
The Lake Champlain Watershed drains the area between the Adirondack Mountains in northeastern New York State and the Green Mountains in northwestern Vermont.
Includes the Ausable River, Saranac River, Great Chazy River, Boquet River, Mettawee River, Ticonderoga Creek/Lake George, Lake George,
Upper Saranac Lake, Lower Saranac Lake, Lake Placid, Lake Champlain
Flows: parts of Washington, Essex and Clinton Counties
- Mettawee River drains an area of 167 sq miles of Washington County into Lake Champlain. The flow near Middle Granville is normal, 117% above mean at 398 cfs and 4.42 feet deep (updated 11-28-21)
- Boquet River drains an area of 207 sq miles of Essex County. The flow at Willsboro is normal, 84% above mean at 236 cfs and 2.9 ft deep
- Ausable River drains an area of 198 sq miles of Clinton County. The flow at Au Sable is normal, 64% above mean at 363 cfs and 1.74 ft deep
- Salmon River drains an area of 63 sq miles in Clinton County. The flow at South Plattsburgh is normal is 89% above mean, 53.2 cfs and 1.35 ft deep
- Saranac River drains an area of 608 sq miles. The flow at Plattsburgh is normal, 89% above mean at 721 cfs at 3.71 ft deep
- Great Chazy River drains an area of 243 sq miles in Clinton County. The flow at Perry Mills is normal, 99% above mean at 254 cfs and 2.51 ft deep
- Little Chazy River drains an area of 50 sq miles in Clinton County. The flow near Chazy is normal, 68% above mean at 46 cfs and 2.2 feet deep
Impaired Water Bodies (6 recommended for TDML plan)
Clinton County –
- Great Chazy River, lower main stem (silt/sediment from agriculture and erosion)
Warren County-
- Lake George and its tributaries, including east tributaries and lake village (silt/sediment from urban stormwater drainage and erosion)
- Huddle/Finkel Brook and tributaries (silt/sediment from urban stormwater drainage and erosion)
- Indian Brook and tributaries (silt/sediment from urban stormwater drainage and erosion)
- Hague Brook and tributaries (silt/sediment from urban stormwater drainage and erosion)
Washington County-
- Wood Creek/Champlain Canal and tributaries (phosphorous, low oxygen, fecal coliforms)
Spill Report:
Clinton County:
-Human error in Plattsburgh caused unknown amounts of other material to be spilled on an unknown resource 11/22/21, resolved 11/24/21
-Other cause in Plattsburgh caused unknown amounts of wastewater to be spilled on an unknown resource 11/22/21, resolved 11/24/21
-Other cause in Morrisonville caused unknown amounts of kerosene to be spilled in the soil 11/24/21, unresolved
Essex County:
-Human error in Ticonderoga caused 1 gallon of #6 fuel oil to be spilled in the soil 11/24/21, unresolved
St. Lawrence River Watershed
185 km of the St. Lawrence River catches the runoff from the northern and western Adirondack Mountains, drawing from portions of eight states, a combined area of 5600 square miles.
St. Lawrence Watershed collects the flow from eleven thousand miles of freshwater rivers and streams, including the Oswegatchie River, Raquette River, Saint Regis River, Grass River and Indian River; including Black Lake, Cranberry Lake, Raquette Lake, Tupper Lake and Long Lake. Densely forested woodlands, peatlands and areas of flat agricultural plains make up the natural surface water filtration system of this watershed area.
Flows: parts of St. Lawrence and Franklin Counties (updated 11-28-21)
- Raquette River drains 1125 sq miles of St. Lawrence County. The flow at Piercefield is normal, 123% above mean at 1650 cfs and 6.37 ft deep; at South Colton is below normal, 26% above mean at 399 cfs and 2.9 feet deep; at Raymondville is flowing normal at 87% above mean at 1780 cfs and 3 ft deep
- St. Regis River drains an area of 612 sq miles in St. Lawrence County. The flow Brasher Centre is normal, 85% above mean at 962 cfs and 6.64 ft deep
- Oswegatchie River drains an area of 986 sq miles in St. Lawrence County. The flow at Oswegatchie is normal 100% above mean, 594 cfs and 3.31 ft deep; the flow at Heuvelton is normal at 71% above mean, 1490 cfs and 2.7 feet deep
- West Branch Oswegatchie River drains an area of 258 sq miles in St. Lawrence County. The flow near Harrisville is normal, 65% above mean at 428 cfs and 2.92 feet deep
- Little Salmon River drains an area of 92 sq miles of Franklin County. The flow at Bombay is above normal, 108% above mean at 173 cfs and 3.4 ft deep.
Impaired Water Bodies (4 recommended for TDML plan)
St. Lawrence County
- Raquette River lower and minor tributaries (fecal coliform from onsite WTS)
- Black Lake Outlet, Black Lake (phosphorous, agriculture)
- Fish Creek and minor tributaries (phosphorous from OWTS, sanitary discharge)
- Little River and tributaries (priority organics from industrial site and landfill)
Spill Report
Franklin County: None reported
St. Lawrence County:
-Unknown cause in Hammond caused unknown amounts of unknown petroleum to be spilled in the soil 11/23/21, unresolved
Black River Watershed
Filters and drains most of Jefferson and Lewis Counties along with parts of Herkimer, Hamilton and Oneida Counties.
Major tributaries in the system include Moose River, Beaver River, Independence River and Deer River, Stillwater Reservoir, Fulton Chain of Lakes, Lake Lila and Big Moose Lake.
Flows:
- Beaver River drains 291 sq miles in Lewis County. The flow at Croghan is above normal, 131% above mean, 851 cfs and 3.34 ft deep.
- Independence River drains an area of 88.7 sq miles in Lewis County. The flow at Donnatsburgh is normal, 78% above mean at 206 cfs and 4.04 feet deep
- Black River drains an area of 1864 sq miles of Jefferson County. The flow at Boonville is normal, 90% above mean and 771 cfs and 5.16 ft deep; at Watertown flow is normal, 98% above mean at 4690 cfs and 4.93 feet deep
Impaired Water Bodies (1 recommended for TDML plan)
Lewis County
- Mill Creek south branch and tributaries (nutrients and fecal coliform from agriculture)
Spill Report:
Jefferson County: None reported
Lewis County: None reported
Northwest Watersheds – empty into Atlantic Ocean via Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River
Lake Ontario and Minor Tributaries
This watershed includes the areas between the larger rivers (including Genesee, Oswego and Black Rivers) that empty into Lake Ontario. It is divided into western, central and eastern sections that stretch all along the Lake Ontario Shoreline.
*Includes Salmon River Reservoir, Sodus Bay, North Pond, Irondequoit Bay and Perch Lake, Salmon River, Oak Orchard Creek, Irondequoit Creek, Sandy Creek
Flows: parts of Monroe and Jefferson Counties
- Northrup Creek drains an area of 10.1 sq miles in Monroe County. The flow at North Greece in Monroe County is much above normal, 184% above mean at 30.3 cfs and 1.41 ft deep and 3.7°C
- Sandy Creek drains an area of 137 sq miles in Jefferson County. The flow at Adams is normal, 68% above mean at 317 cfs and 2.53 ft deep
Impaired Water Bodies (6 recommended for TMDL plans)
Wayne County
- Lake Ontario Shoreline Central (fecal coliform from urban stormwater runoff)
Monroe County
- Rochester Embayment East and West, (fecal coliform from urban stormwater runoff)
- Buck Pond (phosphorous from urban stormwater/runoff)
- Long Pond (phosphorous from urban stormwater/runoff)
- Cranberry Pond (phosphorous from urban stormwater/runoff)
Orleans County
- Lake Ontario Shoreline, Western (fecal coliform from agriculture source, municipal and other sources)
Spill Report
Orleans County: None reported
Wayne County
-Equipment failure in Marion caused unknown amounts of unknown material to be spilled on an unknown resource 11/16/21, unresolved
Oswego: None reported
Niagara River/Lake Erie Watershed
The Niagara River drains an area encompassing more than 265,000 square miles in the north-central United States and south-central Canada, including Tonawanda Creek, Cattaraugus Creek, Buffalo River; Attica Reservoir and Lime Lake.
Flows: parts pf Niagara, Wyoming and Erie Counties
- Tonawanda Creek drains an area of 349 sq miles in Niagara, Genessee and Wyoming Counties. The flow at Attica is normal, 51% above mean at 82.1 cfs and 3.62 ft deep; at Batavia in Genesee County is normal, 63% above mean at 162 cfs and 2.23 feet deep; at Rapids is normal, 97% above mean at 443 cfs and 2.46 ft deep
- Ellicott Creek drains an area of 82 sq miles in Niagara County. The flow at Williamsville is normal, 65% above mean, 125 cfs and 2.43 ft deep
- Cazenovia Creek drains an area of 135 sq miles in Erie County. The flow at Ebenezer is normal, 53% above mean at 213 cfs and 2.96 ft deep
- Buffalo Creek drains an area of 142 sq miles in Erie County. The flow at Gardenville is normal, 102% above mean at 204 cfs and 1.4 ft deep
- Cayuga Creek drains an area of 96 sq miles in Erie County. The flow at Lancaster is normal, 51% above mean at 105 cfs and 3.7 ft deep
- Cattaraugus Creek drains an area of 436 sq miles in Erie County. The flow at Gowanda is normal, 80% above mean at 833 cfs and 2.62 ft deep
Impaired Water Bodies (11 recommended for TDML plan)
Niagara County:
- Gill Creek and tributaries (unknown biological from urban runoff, contaminated sediment)
- Hyde Park Lake (phosphorous from urban stormwater runoff)
- Bergholtz Creek and tributaries (phosphorous and fecal coliform from urban runoff)
Erie County:
- Ransom Creek Upper Lower and tributaries (oxygen demand and fecal coliforms from onsite wastewater treatment system)
- Two Mile Creek and tributaries (oxygen demand and fecal coliform from combined sewer overflow (CSO’s), municipal source)
- Scajaquada Creek, upper, middle and lower (phosphorous, low oxygen, fecal coliform from combined sewer overflows (CSO), urban runoff)
- Delaware Park Pond (phosphorous from urban storm runoff)
- Lake Erie (fecal coliform from urban runoff)
- Rush Creek and tributaries (fecal coliform and phosphorous, from CSOs, urban runoff and municipal sources)
- Green Lake (phosphorous from urban runoff)
Chautauqua County:
- Lake Erie, main lake south, Dunkirk Harbor (fecal coliform from urban storm runoff)
Spill Report
Erie County:
-Unknown cause in Orchard Park caused unknown amounts of unknown non petro material to be spilled in the sewer 11/21/21, resolved 11/21/21
-Other cause in North Tonawanda caused 100 gallons of transformer oil to be spilled in the soil 11/22/21, unresolved
-Other cause in Tonawanda caused unknown amounts of other material to be spilled on an unknown resource 11/23/21, unresolved
-Other cause in Buffalo caused unknown amounts of unknown material to be spilled in the soil 11/24/21
Niagara County:
-Equipment failure in Niagara Falls caused 10 gallons of hydraulic oil to be spilled in the soil 11/22/21, resolved 11/23/21
-Equipment failure in Niagara Falls caused 2 gallons of hydraulic oil to be spilled in the soil 11/22/21, unresolved
-Unknown cause in Lockport caused unknown amounts of unknown petroleum to be spilled on an unknown resource 11/23/21, unresolved
-Unknown cause in Niagara Falls caused 2 gallons of motor oil to be spilled on an unknown resource 11/24/21, unresolved
Genesee River Watershed
Including: Conesus Lake, Silver Lake, Mount Morris Reservoir, Hemlock Lake, Honeoye Lake; Cassadaga Creek, Honeoye Creek, Oatka Creek, Black Creek
Flows: parts of Monroe, Livingston and Allegany Counties
- Genessee River drains an area of 2474 sq miles in Monroe, Livingston and Allegany Counties. The flow at Wellsville in Allegany County is normal, 65% above mean at 357 cfs and 5 ft deep; at Portageville in Wyoming County is normal 70% above mean at 1070 cfs and 9.89 ft deep; near Mount Morris in Livingston County is above normal, 81% above mean at 1570 cfs and 4.49 ft deep; at Avon flow is above normal, 93% above mean flow, 1850 cfs and 19.7 ft deep; above normal at Ford St Bridge in Rochester, Monroe County, flow is normal, 82% above mean at 2230 cfs and 12.17 ft deep
- Honeoye Creek drains an area of 196 sq miles of Monroe County. The flow at Honeoye Falls in Monroe County is above normal, 160% above mean at 162 cfs and 3.41 ft deep
- Conesus Creek drains an area of 72 sq miles in Livingston County. The flow is below normal near Lakeville in Livingston County, 23% above mean at 11.1 cfs and 2.48 ft deep
- Canaseraga Creek drains an area of 88.9 sq miles of Livingston County. The flow above Dansville is above normal, 157% above mean, at 121 cfs and 1.2 ft deep; at Shakers Crossing in Livingston County is flowing above normal as well
- Oatka Creek drains an area of 200 sq miles in Monroe County. The flow at Garbutt is normal, 44% above mean at 34.3 cfs and 3.52 ft deep
- Black Creek drains an area of 130 sq miles in Monroe County. The flow at Churchville is normal, 104% above mean at 106 cfs and 2.12 ft deep
Impaired Water Bodies (11 recommended for TDML plan)
Monroe County:
- Black Creek, Lower and minor tributaries (phosphorous from ag and municipal sources)
- Mill Creek Blue Pond Outlet and tributaries (phosphorous from agriculture)
Genesee County:
- Mill Pond (phosphorous from ag)
- Oatka Creek Middle and minor tributaries (phosphorous from agriculture, municipal sources)
- LeRoy Reservoir (phosphorous from agricultural sources)
- Black Creek, Upper and minor tributaries (phosphorous from agriculture and municipal sources)
Ontario County:
- Honeoye Lake (phosphorous and low oxygen demand from agriculture and onsite Waste treatment system)
Livingston County
- Conesus Lake (phosphorous and low oxygen from internal loading)
- Christie Creek and tributaries (phosphorous from agriculture source)
Allegany County:
- Andover Pond (phosphorous from agriculture source)
- Amity Lake/Saunders Pond (phosphorous from unknown source)
Spill Report:
Livingston County: None reported
Allegany County:
-Traffic accident in Grove caused unknown amounts of propane gas to be spilled on an unknown resource 11/22/21, resolved 11/23/21
-Equipment failure in Angelica caused 80 gallons of leachate to be spilled on an unknown resource 11/23/21, resolved 11/23/21
Monroe County:
-Traffic accident in Wheatland caused 100 gallons of diesel to be spilled in the soil 11/23/21, unresolved
-Unknown cause in Rochester caused unknown amounts of unknown petroleum to be spilled in the soil 11/24/21, unresolved
Genesee County: None reported
Wyoming County: None reported
Oswego River and Finger Lakes Watershed
Including Otisco, Skaneateles, Owasco, Cayuga, Oneida, Seneca, Keuka, Canandaigua and Canadice Lakes; Oneida River, Clyde River, Cayuga Lake Tributaries and Seneca Lake Tributaries
Flows: parts of Oswego, Madison, Cayuga, Tompkins, Seneca, Onandaga, Yates and Ontario Counties
- Oswego River drains an area of 5100 sq miles of Oswego, Madison, Cayuga, Tompkins, Seneca, Onandaga, Yates and Ontario counties. The flow at Lock 7 in Oswego County is above normal, 167%, at 13300 cfs and 7.3 ft deep
- Seneca River drains an area of 3130 sq miles of Onandaga County. The flow near Baldwinsville in Onandaga County is much above normal, 195% above mean, at 7870 cfs and 3.96 ft deep, at Free Bridge Corners is 160% above normal at 4840 cfs and 10.26 ft deep; near Port Byron 167% above mean at 7050 cfs and 7.26 ft deep
- Canandaigua Outlet drains 195 sq miles of Ontario County. The flow at Chapin in Ontario County is much above 398% above mean at 453 cfs and 4.63 ft deep
- Flint Creek drains an area of 102 sq miles of Ontario County. The flow at Phelps in Ontario County is normal, 81% above mean flow at 67.4 cfs and 1.81 ft deep
- Keuka Lake drains an area of 207 sq miles in Yates County. At the outlet near Dresden in Yates County, the flow is above normal, 204% above mean, 412 cfs and 3.9 ft deep
- Onandaga Creek drains an area of 110 sq miles of Onandaga County. The flow at Spencer St in Syracuse is much above normal at 139% above mean at 277 cfs and 3.5 ft deep
- Fall Creek drains an area of 126 sq miles of Tompkins County. The flow near Ithaca is normal, 101% above mean at 226 cfs and 1.6 ft deep
- Canaseraga Creek drains an area of 88.9 sq miles in Livingston County. The flow at Dansville is normal 66% above mean at 88 cfs and .92 ft deep
Impaired Water Bodies (7 recommended for TDML plan)
Oswego County:
- Lake Neatahwanta (phosphorous from urban stormwater runoff)
- Pleasant Lake (phosphorous from unknown source
Madison County:
- Canastota Creek, lower and tributaries (fecal coliform, oxygen demand from municipal sources and combined sewer overflows)
Cayuga County:
- Owasco Upper Inlet and tributaries (nutrients from municipal and agricultural source)
- Duck Lake (phosphorous from unknown source)
Tompkins County:
- Cayuga Lake (phosphorous and silt/sediment from agriculture and urban stormwater runoff)
Seneca County:
- Reeder Creek and tributaries (phosphorous from unknown source)
Spill Report:
Seneca County: None reported
Cayuga County:
-Unknown cause in Owasco caused unknown amounts of unknown material to be spilled on an unknown resource 11/23/21, unresolved
Onondaga County:
-Traffic accident in Syracuse caused unknown amounts of diesel to be spilled on an unknown resource 11/23/21, unresolved
Schuyler County: None reported
Yates County:
-Unknown cause in Jerusalem caused unknown amounts of unknown material to be spilled on an unknown resource 11/23/21, unresolved
Ontario County: None reported
Madison: None reported
Tompkins: None reported
Oneida: None reported
Southwest Watersheds – Allegheny, emptying into Gulf of Mexico via Ohio River/Mississippi River; Chemung and Susquehanna emptying into Atlantic Ocean via Chesapeake Bay
Allegheny River Watershed (flowing west into Ohio River system)
Including Allegheny River, Chadakoin River, Conewango Creek, Canaseraga Creek, Cassadaga Creek, Olean Creek, Great Valley Creek, French Creek, Allegheny Reservoir, Chautauqua Lake
Flows: parts of Chautauqua and Cattaraugus County
- Chadakoin River drains an area of 194 sq miles of Chautauqua County. The flow at Falconer is above normal, 142% above mean at 666 cfs and 2.05 ft deep
- Chautauqua Creek drains an area of 35 sq miles in Chautauqua County. The flow below Westfield is 84% above mean at 103 cfs and 1.4 ft deep
- Allegheny River drains an area of 1608 sq miles of Cattaraugus County. The flow at Olean is 95% above mean at 1870 cfs and 3.45 ft deep; the flow at Salamanca is normal, 77% above mean at 2660 cfs and 4.39 ft deep
Impaired Water Bodies (8 recommended for TDML)
Cattaraugus County:
- Allegheny River/Reservoir (phosphorous from unknown source)
- Linlyco/Club Pond (phosphorous from unknown source)
- Case Lake (phosphorous from unknown source)
- Beaver Lake/Alma Pond (phosphorous from internal loading)
Chautauqua County:
- Middle Cassadaga Lake (phosphorous from agriculture)
- Chadakoin River and tributaries (phosphorous from urban/industrial runoff)
- Hulburt/Clymer Pond (phosphorous from agriculture)
- Findlay Lake (low oxygen demand from agricultural source)
Spill Report:
Cattaraugus County:
-Other cause in Gowanda caused 1 gallon of #2 fuel oil to be spilled on an unknown resource 11/22/21, resolved 11/22/21
-Vandalism in Olean caused 2 gallons of gasoline to be spilled on an impervious surface 11/24/21, unresolved
Chautauqua County: None reported
Chemung River Watershed
The Chemung River flows across the western portion of Southern Tier of New York State before joining the Susquehanna River and eventually emptying into the Chesapeake Bay.
Including Chemung River, Cohocton River, Tioga/Canisteo River; Lamoka Lake/Mill Pond, Waneta Lake, Almond Lake
Flows: parts of Steuben and Chemung Counties
- Canisteo River drains an area of 40 sq miles of Steuben County. The flow at Arkport is normal, 59% above mean at 27.1 cfs and 1.18 ft deep; below Canacadea Creek at Hornell in Steuben County is flowing above normal 79% above mean, 143 cfs and 1.49 ft deep; at West Cameron in Steuben County is flowing above normal, 104% above mean, 277 cfs and 4.42 ft deep
- Cohocton River drains an area of 370 sq miles of Steuben County. The flow near Campbell in Steuben County is above normal, 107.5% above mean, 505 cfs, 3.46 ft deep
- Chemung River drains an area of 2506 sq miles in Steuben and Chemung Counties. The flow at Corning is normal, 61% above mean at 1670 cfs and 16 ft deep; at Elmira in Chemung County, flow is 87% above mean at 1890 cfs and 2.07 ft deep; at Chemung is 80% above mean at 2050 cfs and 4.45 ft deep
- Tioga River drains an area of 1377 sq miles in Steuben County. The flow at Lindley is 60% above mean at 517 cfs and 4.27 ft deep; near Erwens is normal, 51% above mean at 1040 cfs and 2.1 ft deep;
Impaired Water Bodies
Steuben County:
- Smith Pond (phosphorous from onsite waste treatment system (WTS))
Spill Report:
Chemung County: None reported
Steuben County: None reported
Susquehanna River Watershed
The Susquehanna River drains 27,500 square miles covering large parts of New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland before emptying into the Chesapeake Bay.
Including: Chenango River, Tioughnioga River, Unadilla River, Owego Creek; Otsego Lake, Canadarago Lake, Whitney Point Lake/Reservoir
Flows : parts of Otsego, Broome, Chenango and Cortland Counties
- Susquehanna River drains an area of 4773 sq miles of Otsego and Broome Counties. The flow at Unadilla is above normal, 102% above mean at 1840 cfs and 4.6 ft deep; at Bainbridge is 83% above mean at 2950 cfs and 4.31 ft deep; at Windsor, 190% above mean at 3610 cfs and 7.4 ft deep; at Conklin flow is normal, 142% above mean, 5200 cfs; at Vestal in Broome County above normal, 110% above mean at 7400 cfs and 7.01 ft deep; at Waverly flow is normal, 92% above mean, 8720 cfs and 4.1 ft deep
- Chenango River drains an area of 1483 sq miles in Broome and Chenango Counties. The flow at Sherburne is normal, 99% above mean at 480 cfs and 3 ft deep; at Oxford in Chenango is normal, 81% above mean at 851 cfs and 9.54 ft deep; at Greene in Chenango County flow is normal, 115% above mean at 1060 cfs and 4.38 ft deep; at Chenango Forks in Broome County is above normal, 153% above mean, 3730 cfs and 4.9 ft deep.
- Tioughnioga River drains an area of 292 sq miles in Cortland County. The flow at Cortland is above normal, 114% above mean at 666 cfs and 4.16 ft deep.
- Otselic River drains an area of 147 sq miles in Cortland County. The flow at Cincinnatus is normal, 65% above mean at 229 cfs and 2 ft deep
- Unadilla River drains an area of 520 sq miles of Chenango County. The flow at Rockdale is normal, 80% above mean at 831 cfs and 5.28 ft deep
Impaired Water Bodies (3 recommended for TDML plan)
Broome County:
- Whitney Point Lake/Reservoir (phosphorous from agriculture source)
Cortland County:
- Dean Pond (phosphorous from agriculture source)
Herkimer County:
- North Winfield Creek and tributaries (fecal coliform from onsite WTS)
Spills –
Broome County:
-Traffic accident in Port Crane caused 20 gallons of diesel to be spilled in the soil 11/22/21, resolved 11/22/21
Chenango: None reported
Cortland County:
-Traffic accident in Preble caused 10 lbs of diesel to be spilled in the soil and impervious surface 11/23/21, unresolved
Otsego County: None reported
Report Key:
High Flows: WTNY reports systems with flows rated “much above normal” or “high” in boldface each week; flows in action stage or flood stage will appear in red. Data is gathered from the USGS WaterWatch real time streamflow.
See also, National Weather Service high water terminology here https://www.weather.gov/aprfc/terminology
Impaired Water Bodies (these are lakes, reservoirs, rivers or parts of rivers with water quality tests indicating the system is impaired; these are listed in New York State 2018 Final Section 303 (d) list, along with the contaminant of concern and suspected source of contamination. The NYS DEC recommends the water body for a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) watershed protection plan.
Spills Report– hazardous materials spill incidents by county, listed in the pertinent watershed, as appearing in the NYS Environmental Sites Database, Spill Incidents Database as records are uploaded
See Watershed Basics Glossary for more details.
