NEPONSET RIVER

RIVER LEVELS
December 25, 2024


TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE

Total streamflow across the Neponset River was last observed at 441 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 875 acre-ft of water today; about 53% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 838 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2024-01-14 when daily discharge volume was observed at 3,128 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Neponset River At Milton Village reporting a streamflow rate of 253 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Neponset River At Greenlodge St Near Canton with a gauge stage of 8.75 ft. This river is monitored from 3 different streamgauging stations along the Neponset River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 51 ft, the Neponset River At Norwood.

The Neponset River is a river that flows into Boston Harbor and spans over 29 miles. The river has a rich history, with the native Massachusett tribe using the river for fishing and transportation. Today, the river has several hydroelectric dams and reservoirs, including the Fowl Meadow Reservoir and the Norwood Reservoir. The river is also used for recreational activities such as fishing, kayaking, and boating. The Neponset River Watershed Association works to protect and restore the river's ecological health and maintain water quality. The river has also been utilized for agricultural purposes, with farms located along its banks in the past. Despite some challenges with pollution and erosion, the Neponset River continues to serve as an important natural resource for the surrounding communities.

Last Updated 2024-12-25
Discharge Volume 875 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 441.2 cfs
-48.5 cfs (-9.9%)
Percent of Normal 52.63%
Maximum 3,128.0 cfs
2024-01-14
Seasonal Avg 838 cfs

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Neponset River At Norwood
USGS 01105000
35 cfs 6.02 ft -9.04
Neponset River At Greenlodge St Near Canton
USGS 01105554
153 cfs 8.75 ft -13.56
Neponset River At Milton Village
USGS 011055566
253 cfs 2.06 ft -7.66
History of the River

The Neponset River is a river in eastern Massachusetts in the United States. Its headwaters are at the Neponset Reservoir in Foxborough, near Gillette Stadium. From there, the Neponset meanders generally northeast for about 29 miles (47 km) to its mouth at Dorchester Bay between Quincy and the Dorchester section of Boston, near the painted gas tank.The Neponset River forms the southern boundary of the city of Boston, passing through the neighborhoods of Readville, Hyde Park, Mattapan and Dorchester, and forming with the northern border of the city of Quincy. In addition, the Neponset touches the towns of Foxborough, Walpole, Sharon, Norwood, Canton, Stoughton, Westwood, Dedham, and Milton.
The Neponset River is fed by a drainage basin of approximately 130 square miles, a watershed that includes numerous aquifers, wetlands, streams and surrounding upland areas. Some 250,000 people live in the Neponset River watershed, which in addition to the towns listed above, includes portions of Stoughton, Medfield, Dover, and Randolph.
The Canton River, a tributary of the Neponset River, is located in Canton, Massachusetts. It flows under the Canton Viaduct.

       

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