Conestoga River

Total streamflow across the Conestoga River was last observed at 632 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 1,254 acre-ft of water today; about 35% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 1,803 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2021-09-02 when daily discharge volume was observed at 29,900 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Conestoga River At Conestoga reporting a streamflow rate of 392 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Conestoga River At Lancaster with a gauge stage of 3.57 ft. This river is monitored from 2 different streamgauging stations along the Conestoga River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 255 ft, the Conestoga River At Lancaster.

It was historically used by the Native American tribes who lived in the area for fishing and transportation. The river is fed by several smaller tributaries and is home to several dams and reservoirs, including the Safe Harbor Dam, which was built in 1931 to generate hydroelectric power. The river is also used for agricultural irrigation and recreational activities, such as fishing, boating, and swimming. Despite its historical significance, the Conestoga River has faced environmental challenges in recent years, including pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial waste. However, efforts are underway to mitigate these issues and preserve the health of the river for future generations.