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.
Bee Branch Near Palm Harbor Fl
Arkansas R Nr Larned, Ks
Winsor Brook At Winsor Rd Near South Foster, Ri
N Concho Rv Abv Sterling City, Tx
Abram Creek At Oakmont, Wv
Cedar Creek At 18Th Street At Auburn, In
Rockaway River At Warren Street At Dover Nj
Coyote C Bl Coyote Res Nr San Martin Ca
Gila River At Kelvin, Az.
Mill Creek At Sheley Tunnel, Near Moab, Ut
Arkansas River At Holly, Co.
Silver Creek At Florist Drive At Oneida, Wi
Los Penasquitos C Nr Poway Ca
Three Mile Canal Below G409 Near Clewiston, Fl
Beetree Run At Bentley Springs, Md
Kishacoquillas Creek At Reedsville, Pa
Hunting Bayou At Ih 610, Houston, Tx
Hangman Creek At Spokane, Wa
Big Wills Creek At State Hwy 35 Nr Fort Payne, Al
White River At Devalls Bluff, Ar
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.