Rhode Island is a state with a humid continental climate characterized by short, mild summers and cold winters. Major surface flows include the Blackstone, Pawtuxet, and Woonasquatucket Rivers, as well as the Narragansett Bay. The state has over 3,000 freshwater lakes, ponds, and reservoirs, many of which are man-made. Notable dams include the Scituate Reservoir and the Pawtuxet Dam. The state's hydrology is influenced by precipitation patterns and snowmelt, with winter snowpack contributing to spring runoff. Rhode Island has experienced an increase in extreme precipitation events in recent years, leading to flooding and erosion. Watershed management and climate change adaptation are important considerations for maintaining healthy surface water resources in the state.