Kalamazoo

Watershed Hydrology

The Kalamazoo Watershed is located in southwestern Michigan and covers a land area of approximately 1,919 square miles. The watershed is characterized by a temperate climate with an average annual precipitation of 36 inches. The hydrology of the watershed is dominated by the Kalamazoo River, which flows for approximately 178 miles before emptying into Lake Michigan. The river is fed by numerous tributaries, including the Portage River, which supplies the city of Kalamazoo with drinking water. The watershed is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including several endangered species. In recent years, the watershed has experienced increasing levels of nitrogen and phosphorus due to agricultural runoff and wastewater discharge. Additionally, the watershed has seen a decrease in snowpack over the past few decades, which has led to reduced water availability during the summer months.


Surface Flows

Kalamazoo Watershed

Snowpack Depths

Kalamazoo Watershed

Dams & Reservoirs

Kalamazoo Watershed

Groundwater Levels

Kalamazoo Watershed

Kalamazoo Rivers

Rivers of the Watershed