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.
Kootenai River At Porthill Id Total Flow
Connecticut River At Montague City, Ma
Captina Creek At S.R. 148 At Armstrongs Mills Oh
Kincheon Br At William Cannon Blvd, Austin, Tx
Dolores River Below Rico, Co.
Cimarron River Near Forgan, Ok
Town Brook Southeast Of Hobart Ny
Vermejo River Near Dawson, Nm
Turkey C East Seep Bl Teller Res Nr Stone City, Co
Tuscarora Creek Above South Addison Ny
Indian Ck At Fm 2281, Carrollton, Tx
Tarryall Creek At Upper Station Near Como, Co
Little Withlacoochee River Near Tarrytown, Fl
Buck Creek At Wilson Avenue At Grandville, Mi
Rapid Creek Abv Canyon Lake Near Rapid City,Sd
West Fork Gila River At Gila Cliff Dwellings, Nm
Howell Creek At State Hwy 434 Near Oviedo, Fl
Soper Branch At Hyattstown, Md
Powder River At Moorhead Mt
N Bosque Rv Nr Clifton, Tx
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.