Did You Know? Over 14 million people depend on the water resources of the Delaware River Basin, including half the population of New York City. The DRBC works with its partners to manage the water resources of the Basin to ensure that there is enough water for all competing needs during normal conditions, and especially in times of drought.

The Delaware River and its tributaries provide water for many different purposes:

  • Drinking Water Supply

  • Industrial Needs

  • Power Generation

  • Water Quality Maintenance

  • In-Stream Flow Needs - for aquatic life and recreation (e.g., fishing & boating)

DRBC staff monitor the Basin's hydrology as it relates to river conditions, reservoir storage, groundwater levels and drought management.

These conditions are important to manage to ensure adequate flow in the river for all needs - especially during times of drought - and to mitigate impacts from climate change. While there is no dam on the mainstem Delaware River, there are reservoirs on its tributaries that are used for a variety of purposes: drinking water, water supply, flood mitigation, recreation or a combination of the above. Water stored in reservoirs can be released during dry periods to bolster flow levels and/or help repel salinity in the Delaware Estuary to protect drinking water supplies.

DRBC's Hydrology/Flow Management Program is led by our Water Resource Operations Team.

Related Links:

• Hydrologic Conditions Dashboard for the DRB (Updated Daily)
  
  
• Flow data plots (water yields, discharge data and tidal surface water elevation)
  
  
• Salt Front Data Viewer
  
  
• Projecting Extreme Precipitation in the Delaware River Basin: An Interactive Tool Supporting Regional Resilience
  
  
• Basin Water Use
  
  
• DRBC Flood Loss Reduction