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.
Williamson Ditch Near Okeechobee, Fl
Julington Crk At Old St August Rd Nr Bayard, Fl
Gamble Creek At County Road 675 Near Parrish Fl
North Canal Near Vero Beach, Fl
Blue Cypress Creek Near Fellsmere, Fl
Alligator Creek Near Garfield Bight, Fl
Little Jones Creek Near Rutland, Fl.
North Archie Creek At Progress Blvd. Near Tampa Fl
North Branch Estero River At Estero, Fl
Lk Buena Vis Tr At Hotel Pl Blvd At Lk Buena Vista
Jacks Branch At Cr 78 Nr Ft Denaud Fl
Palatlakaha R At Cherry Lk Out Near Groveland, Fl
Henry Street Canal At Benjamin Road Near Tampa Fl
Peace River Near Homeland Fl
Tiger Creek Near Babson Park Fl
Ocklawaha River Nr Ocala,Fla.
Curlew Creek At Evans Road Near Dunedin Fl
Howard Creek Near Sarasota Fl
Withlacoochee River At Us 301 At Trilby, Fl
South Fork Little Manatee River Near Parrish Fl
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.