Eastern Water FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

1.) Do rivers run dry in the Eastern United States?

2.) What is the result of these low flows and dry riverbeds?

3.) Is this a new problem?

4.) Are we using more water now than in the past?

5.) Who governs water use?

6.) What can we do about it?

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1.) Do rivers run dry in the Eastern United States?

Yes. In 2004, Connecticut identified over 60 rivers and streams that suffered from “flow impairment.” Massachusetts lists over 160 rivers in its low-flow inventory. Vermont classifies over 50 rivers as altered by flow reduction; Rhode Island names over 35. And these figures are conservative.

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2.) What is the result of these low flows and dry riverbeds?

Since species such as trout and salmon need cold water to survive, they are particularly vulnerable to unnaturally low, slow and warm streamflows. Low flows also affect the quality and quantity of streamside areas – places that are vital to almost all fish and wildlife species in New England. Low flows also exacerbate pollution in streams, as pollutants become more concentrated and exert greater impacts on natural aquatic habitat.

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3.) Is this a new problem?

It has increased over the past century. New England’s water management system was established in the mid-1800s, when water supplies were plentiful and water use was concentrated in large, industrial cities. Since then, the region has experienced a spiderweb pattern of population growth and development away from the places that the region’s water supply system originally was designed to serve.

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4.) Are we using more water now than in the past?

Not really. The quantity of water use in the region has not significantly changed. But the pattern of water demand has shifted dramatically. In the 1800s, urban industries were the largest water users. Today’s residential users – largely located outside the cities, often in formerly rural areas – now require large quantities of water. The region’s supply systems have not adapted to respond to this new, wide-ranging pattern of demand.

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5.) Who governs water use?

Water use and consumption is regulated on a state-by-state basis. Today, the laws and policies governing water use in the New England states do not effectively address the chronic problem of low flows. Each of the New England states is now beginning to evaluate its water permitting and allocation programs.

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6.) What can we do about it?

As states address their water supply laws and policies, citizens have the opportunity to voice their opinions.For more information on how to get involved, contact your local Trout Unlimited chapter or Kirt Mayland, Director of TU's Eastern Water Project, at kmayland@tu.org or 860-435-2073.

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