The Muskingum Watershed (HUC 05040004) is located in eastern Ohio and covers an area of approximately 8,000 square miles. The watershed is composed of several large reservoirs, including the 17,000-acre Clendening Lake and the 3,000-acre Piedmont Lake. The watershed is known for its diverse hydrology, which includes a mixture of perennial streams, intermittent streams, and wetlands. During the winter months, the watershed receives an average of 30 inches of snowfall, which contributes to the region's water supply. The snowpack usually begins to accumulate in December and peaks in February, before melting in the spring. Surface water quality in the watershed is generally good, but there are occasional issues with algal blooms and turbidity. The reservoirs in the watershed are used for a variety of purposes, including recreation, flood control, and water supply. Climatic trends in the Muskingum Watershed have been impacted by global warming. Average temperatures in the region have increased by approximately 1.7 degrees Fahrenheit over the past century, and precipitation patterns have become more variable. These changes have had implications for water management in the watershed, including the need to adjust reservoir operations to accommodate changing flow regimes.