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.
Brushy Ck At Cedar Park, Tx
Halls River Near Homosassa Fl
Stono River At Main Rd Below Rantowles, Sc
Miami Canal Upstream Of S-26 At Miami Springs, Fl
South Santee R At State Pier Nr Mcclellanville, Sc
Trout Ck Nr Tahoe Valley, Ca
Mahoning River Bl Berlin Dam Nr Berlin Center Oh
Mill Creek Below Sheley Tunnel, Near Moab, Ut
Ruby River Near Twin Bridges Mt
Cimarron River Blw Cimarron Creek At Cimarron, Co
Durbin Creek Near Fruit Cove, Fl
Snake River Below Flat Creek, Near Jackson, Wy
Yellowstone River At Springdale, Mt
South Platte River Abv Strontia Spgs Reservoir, Co
Peace River At Harbour Heights Fl
Florida City Canal Nr Sw 117Th Ave In Homestead,Fl
Julington Crk At Hood Landing Nr Bayard, Fl
Middle Branch Escanaba River At Humboldt, Mi
Esopus Creek Below Lost Clove Rd At Big Indian Ny
Black River At Harkey Crossing Nr Malaga, Nm
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.