Irondequoit-Ninemile
Watershed Hydrology
The Irondequoit Ninemile Watershed, with a land area of approximately 255 square miles, is located in western New York State. The watershed is characterized by a humid continental climate with cold winters and warm summers, which affects its hydrology and snowpack. The watershed receives an average of 92 inches of snow annually, which contributes to the surface water and reservoir constituents. The watershed includes several lakes, streams, and wetlands that provide important habitats for various plant and animal species. The reservoirs in the watershed are used for water supply, recreation, and flood control. The watershed faces several challenges, including non-point source pollution from agricultural and urban runoff, habitat destruction, and the impacts of climate change. In recent years, precipitation patterns have been changing, with more intense rainfall events and shorter snow seasons. These trends have implications for the watershed's hydrology and water quality.