According to a report released by the Susquehanna River Basin Commission, the health of the river basin is improving. Less than 14% of the 79,000 km (49,000 mi) of the Susquehanna River is impaired for aquatic life. While significant improvements in water quality and aquatic life are still needed, the greatest threat to water resource management in the 71,225-km2 (27,500-mi2) basin may now be a lack of reliable funding for water quality monitoring. The monitoring equipment operated by the U.S. Geological Survey includes 18 stream gauges and 16 rain gauges. The stream gauge network generates real-time data on water flow and weather conditions, including flooding, water quality, and more.

The gauges will be shut down March 1. To keep the gauges in operation this year, $215,000 is required. The commission is urging New York’s congressional representatives to support additional federal funding. Read more.