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COGINCHAUG RIVER
December 3, 2024
TOTAL DISCHARGE (CFS)
Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the reporting a streamflow rate of cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Coginchaug River, with a gauge stage of ft at this location. This river is monitored from 1 different streamgauging stations along the Coginchaug River, the highest being situated at an altitude of ft, the .
The Coginchaug River is a 20.2-mile-long river in Connecticut, USA. It was important in the development of colonial New England, as it was used for transportation and agriculture. The river is fed by multiple small streams and flows through several towns, including Durham, Middletown, and Middlefield, before joining the Mattabesset River. The river's hydrology has been affected by several reservoirs and dams, including the Powder Hill Reservoir, the Beseck Lake Reservoir, and the Coginchaug Reservoir, which were built in the early 20th century to provide water for Middletown and surrounding towns. These reservoirs also provide opportunities for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking. The Coginchaug River has also been important for agriculture, as it provides irrigation water for nearby farms.
YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)
Streamflow Conditions
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Coginchaug River At Middlefield
USGS 01192883 |
13 cfs | 5.07 ft | -28.73 |
History of the River
The Coginchaug River in Connecticut, with a watershed including 39 sq mi of forests, pastures, farmland, industrial, and commercial areas, is the main tributary of the Mattabesset River. It is 16.1 mi long, and the river flows northwards from a point approximately 1.8 mi south of the Durham line in Guilford, Connecticut into Durham and then Middlefield, meeting the Mattabesset in Middletown, about 0.8 miles (1.3 km) upstream of the Connecticut River. The name "Coginchaug" comes from a local Native American name for the Durham area and it was the original name for the town. It has been said to mean "The Great Swamp", and is a reference to the meadows found in the central part of town.
In 2006, the Coginchaug was among Connecticut's 85 waterways cited to be of "lower quality", in view of the elevated levels of bacteria, including E. coli. Currently, efforts are being made by the Natural Resources Conservation Service of the United States Department of Agriculture to reduce the number of bacteria introduced into the river from untreated sewage, sanitary sewer overflow, agricultural runoff, leaking septic tanks, etc.