The Lower Illinois Watershed covers an area of 9,575 square miles and lies within the states of Illinois and Indiana. The region is characterized by flat to gently rolling terrain and is dominated by agricultural land use. The hydrology of the watershed is heavily influenced by the Illinois River, which serves as the main drainage channel for the area. The region experiences a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Average annual precipitation is around 37 inches, with a significant portion of that falling as snow during the winter months. This snowpack can lead to increased runoff and flooding during the spring melt season. Surface water resources in the Lower Illinois Watershed are heavily managed through the use of reservoirs and levees. The primary reservoirs in the region are the La Grange and Peoria Lakes, which serve as important recreational and economic resources for the area. Climatic trends in the region suggest an increase in precipitation and average temperatures over the past several decades. These trends are likely to continue in the coming years, which could have significant implications for water management and agricultural practices in the Lower Illinois Watershed.