Rivers and Streams

A Pennsylvania river that once was an "open sewer" is being restored with the help of fishermen, paddlers and others who belong to the Little Juniata River Association, led by Bill Anderson of Altoona, Pennsylvania. (Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program)

Many local watershed groups release report cards that evaluate the health of creeks, streams and rivers. Use the map above to access the results of river health report cards from around the region.

FAQ

What pollutes rivers and streams?

Litter, nutrients, sediment and chemical contaminants are some of the common pollutants found in rivers and streams.

Which rivers and streams flow into the Chesapeake Bay?

The Choptank, James, Nanticoke, Patapsco, Patuxent, Potomac, Rappahannock, Susquehanna and York rivers are just a few of the many rivers that flow into the Chesapeake Bay. These rivers are fed by the hundreds of thousands of streams and creeks that flow through the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

How do dams affect rivers and streams?

Dams can block American shad and other migratory fish from reaching their upstream spawning grounds. Dams can also affect the natural flow of rivers and streams.

What is fish passage?

Fish passage is the ability of fish to migrate up rivers, streams and other waterways, often to access spawning or rearing ground. Barriers to fish passage (which include road culverts, dams, dikes and other obstructions) can reduce the distribution and habitat available to American shad and other migratory fish and, in some cases, eliminate fish populations altogether.

How do forest buffers protect water quality?

Forest buffers prevent polluted runoff from entering rivers and streams. Forest buffers also hold soil in place, stabilizing stream banks and reducing the amount of sand, silt and sediment that can wash into waterways.

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Terms

Anadromous fish

Fish that spend their adult lives in salt water but must migrate to freshwater tributaries to spawn. For example, Atlantic sturgeon and American shad are both anadromous fish.

Benthic

Bottom-dwelling. Benthic organisms spend at least part of their lives in, on or near the bottom of aquatic environments.

Chemical contaminants

Pesticides, pharmaceuticals, metals and other toxic substances that can harm the health of both humans and wildlife.

Crustaceans

Aquatic arthropods (invertebrates) that have gills, joined legs and exterior skeletons. Crabs, shrimps, barnacles, amphipods and isopods are all crustaceans.

Dam

Any barrier which impounds or diverts water.

Nutrients

Chemicals that plants and animals need to grow and survive but, in excess amounts, can harm aquatic environments. Elevated levels of the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorous are the main cause of poor water quality in the Chesapeake Bay.

Pollution

The introduction of harmful substances or products into the environment.

Sediment

Loose particles of sand, silt and clay that settle on the bottom of rivers, lakes, estuaries and oceans. Suspended sediment pushed into the water by erosion is one of the biggest impairments to water quality in the Chesapeake Bay.

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