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.
Boulder Creek At North 75Th St. Near Boulder, Co
Turkey Creek At Palm Bay, Fl
Makaha Str Nr Makaha, Oahu, Hi
Cowskin C At Kellogg St, Wichita, Ks
Musselshell River At Musselshell Mt
Coleto Ck At Arnold Rd Crsg Nr Schroeder, Tx
Big Sioux River At Sioux City, Ia
East Fork Sinnemahoning At Wharton Township, Pa
Brush Creek Near Jensen, Utah
Cross Creek Near Minturn, Co
Beaverdam Creek Near Sardis, Ga
Santiago C A Santa Ana Ca
Cocoplum Waterway At North Port Fl
Copper Slough At Champaign, Il
Long Lick At Clermont, Ky
East Branch Pine River Near Tustin, Mi
North End Of Gbra Calhoun Canal Nr Long Mott,Tx
Northwest Branch Anacostia River Nr Colesville, Md
Dry Brook At Arkville
Canadian River At Norman, Ok
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.