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.
Rockaway River At Main Street At Boonton Nj
Saddle River At Upper Saddle River Nj
Mullica River Near Batsto Nj
Spruce Run At Main Street At Glen Gardner Nj
Whippany River Near Pine Brook Nj
Lawrence Brook At Westons Mills Nj
Pascack Brook At Park Ridge Nj
Ramapo River Near Mahwah Nj
South B Rockaway Creek At Whitehouse Station Nj
Shark River Near Neptune City Nj
Pequest River At Huntsville Nj
Musconetcong River Near Bloomsbury Nj
Rockaway River At Warren Street At Dover Nj
Royce Brook At Hamilton Road Near Manville Nj
Westecunk Creek At Stafford Forge Nj
Assunpink Creek At Trenton Nj
Elizabeth River At Ursino Lake At Elizabeth Nj
Bound Brook At Middlesex Nj
Tuckahoe River At Head Of River Nj
Hackensack River At Rivervale Nj
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.