Index Streamflows and the Stress Basin Methodology
Index streamflows were developed for Massachusetts rivers based on historic flow statistics from index gauges (gauges least impacted by human alteration as identified by USGS). These streamflows represent a seasonal range of flow expected to be present most of the time and are intended to be protective of aquatic habitat resources in lieu of detailed site-specific studies. The index streamflows will be the basis of future re-classification of stressed basins.