DELAWARE RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 22, 2025

Across the nation, dams and reservoirs play a vital role in water supply, flood control, and ecosystem management. However, these critical resources are subject to the whims of weather, climate change, and human demand. The latest observations reveal a mixed picture, with some reservoirs experiencing surpluses due to above-average precipitation, while others face drought conditions, reflecting irregularities in snowpack melting and river flows.

For instance, Lake Powell in Arizona, the second-largest man-made reservoir in the country by maximum water capacity, is currently facing significantly low water levels with only about 44% of its average storage reported, a stark illustration of the prolonged drought impacting the Colorado River Basin. Contrastingly, Lake San Antonio in California is experiencing a surplus, holding nearly double the average storage, likely due to recent heavy rains. Similarly, New Melones Reservoir in California has a storage level well above its average, which could be beneficial in addressing the state's water needs amidst variable climatic conditions. Strategic management of these water resources is more crucial than ever, as water management authorities strive to balance environmental sustainability with the demands of urban development, agriculture, and recreation. The data underscores the importance of continued monitoring and adaptive reservoir management in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.

Delaware only has a few small reservoirs and dams, with the largest being the Hoopes Reservoir, which provides drinking water to the city of Wilmington. Other small reservoirs include the Killens Pond and Lums Pond. These reservoirs are fed by streams and creeks such as the Red Clay Creek and White Clay Creek. Snowpack and mountainous areas are not relevant in Delaware's hydrology, as the state is relatively flat. The region experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. There have been occasional drought conditions, such as in 2016 when Delaware experienced a moderate drought. Overall, the state's water supply is considered sufficient and reliably meets the needs of the population.

Delaware only has a few small reservoirs and dams, with the largest being the Hoopes Reservoir, which provides drinking water to the city of Wilmington. Other small reservoirs include the Killens Pond and Lums Pond. These reservoirs are fed by streams and creeks such as the Red Clay Creek and White Clay Creek. Snowpack and mountainous areas are not relevant in Delaware's hydrology, as the state is relatively flat. The region experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. There have been occasional drought conditions, such as in 2016 when Delaware experienced a moderate drought. Overall, the state's water supply is considered sufficient and reliably meets the needs of the population.