The Lower Susquehanna-Swatara Watershed (HUC 02050305) encompasses about 2,790 square miles in Pennsylvania, including parts of Dauphin, Lebanon, Lancaster, and York counties. The area is characterized by numerous streams and rivers, including the Susquehanna and Swatara rivers, which flow into the Chesapeake Bay. The watershed experiences a humid continental climate, with average annual temperatures of around 50°F and annual precipitation of about 40 inches. The watershed is prone to flooding, particularly during heavy rainfall events, due to a combination of factors such as topography, soil type, land use, and climate change. Snowpack plays a crucial role in the hydrology of the area, as it can accumulate and melt slowly, providing a steady source of surface water in the spring and summer. The Lower Susquehanna-Swatara Watershed is also home to several reservoirs that serve as sources of drinking water for nearby communities, including the Conowingo Reservoir and Lake Aldred. These reservoirs can contain high levels of nutrients and sediment, which can negatively impact water quality and aquatic life. In recent years, the area has experienced more frequent and intense precipitation events, as well as longer and hotter summers, which have contributed to increased flooding, erosion, and water quality problems.