PASSAIC RIVER

River Levels Streamflow Hydrology
November 21, 2024

TOTAL DISCHARGE (CFS)

SUMMARY

Last Updated 2024-11-20
Discharge Volume 514 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 258.95 cfs
+4.55 cfs (+1.79%)
Percent of Normal 18.4%
Maximum 32,060.0 cfs
2011-08-30
Seasonal Avg 1,408 cfs

Total streamflow across the Passaic River was last observed at 259 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 514 acre-ft of water today; about 18% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 1,408 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2011-08-30 when daily discharge volume was observed at 32,060 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Passaic River At Little Falls Nj reporting a streamflow rate of 154 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Passaic River At Pine Brook Nj with a gauge stage of 11.74 ft. This river is monitored from 4 different streamgauging stations along the Passaic River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 232 ft, the Passaic River Near Millington Nj.

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Passaic River Near Millington Nj
USGS 01379000
18 cfs 4.59 ft -13.18
Passaic River Near Chatham Nj
USGS 01379500
45 cfs 3.47 ft 0
Passaic River At Pine Brook Nj
USGS 01381900
116 cfs 11.74 ft 1.9
Passaic River At Little Falls Nj
USGS 01389500
154 cfs 0.56 ft 3.33
History of the River

The Passaic River ( pə-SAY-ik) is a river, approximately 80 mi (129 km) long, in northern New Jersey in the United States. The river in its upper course flows in a highly circuitous route, meandering through the swamp lowlands between the ridge hills of rural and suburban northern New Jersey, called the Great Swamp, draining much of the northern portion of the state through its tributaries. In its lower portion, it flows through the most urbanized and industrialized areas of the state, including along downtown Newark. The lower river suffered from severe pollution and industrial abandonment in the 20th century.
In April 2014, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a $1.7 billion plan to remove 4.3 million cubic yards of toxic mud from the bottom of lower eight miles of the river. It is considered one of the most polluted stretches of water in the nation and the project one of the largest clean-ups ever undertaken.

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