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Home ** Our Work **Planning ** Comprehensive Plan for the Water Resources of the Susquehanna River Basin (2021-2041)

# Comprehensive Plan for the Water Resources of the Susquehanna River Basin (2021 - 2041)

**Pub. No. 325**

### The Susquehanna River Basin Commission

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission (Commission) is an independent agency created by a federal-interstate compact* among the states of Maryland and New York, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the Federal government. In creating the Commission, the Congress and state legislatures formally recognized the water resources of the Susquehanna River Basin as a regional asset vested with local, state, and national interests for which all parties share responsibility. As the single federal-interstate water resources agency with basinwide authority, the Commission coordinates the planning, conservation, management, utilization, development, and control of Basin water resources among the public and private sectors.

*Statutory Citations: Federal - Pub. L. 91-575, 84 Stat. 1509 (December 1970); Maryland - Natural Resources Sec. 8-301 (Michie 1974);New York - ECL Sec. 21-1301 (McKinney 1973); and Pennsylvania - 32 P.S. 820.1 (Supp. 1976).

Basil Seggos, New York CommissionerJames Tierney, New York Alternate

Patrick McDonnell, Pennsylvania CommissionerAneca Atkinson, Pennsylvania Alternate

Ben Grumbles, Maryland CommissionerSaeid Kasraei, Maryland AlternateSuzanne Dorsey, Maryland Alternate

Brigadier General Thomas J. Tickner, U.S. CommissionerColonel John T. Litz, U.S. AlternateAmy M. Guise, U.S. Alternate

Andrew D. Dehoff, P.E., Executive Director

Basil Seggos, New York CommissionerJames Tierney, New York Alternate

Patrick McDonnell, Pennsylvania CommissionerAneca Atkinson, Pennsylvania Alternate

Ben Grumbles, Maryland CommissionerSaeid Kasraei, Maryland AlternateSuzanne Dorsey, Maryland Alternate

Brigadier General Thomas J. Tickner, U.S. CommissionerColonel John T. Litz, U.S. AlternateAmy M. Guise, U.S. Alternate

Andrew D. Dehoff, P.E., Executive Director

#### "2021 marks the 50th Anniversary of the 100-year Susquehanna River Basin Compact. In recognition of this milestone, I am excited to present this Comprehensive Plan for the Water Resources of the Susquehanna River Basin (2021 - 2041), which articulates SRBC's vision, goals, and objectives for the Basin over the next two decades."

*Andrew Dehoff, P.E., Executive Director*

## Executive Summary

The Susquehanna River Basin Compact requires the Commission to plan for the immediate and long-range development and use of the water resources of the Basin. The Comprehensive Plan provides an overarching framework for the Commission to manage the Basin’s water resources and serves as a guide for all Commission programs and activities. This site contains the 2021 - 2041 version of the Comprehensive Plan, which outlines the vision, needs, and strategy for effective water resources management for the next 20 years.

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Comprehensive Plan Executive Summary

# Vision for the Susquehanna River Basin

The Commission envisions a clean, sustainable, and adequate water supply in the Susquehanna River Basin that supports a range ofhuman, economic, and ecological needs. Through collaborative partnerships and coordinated action, as well as use of the bestscience, water resources in the Basin will be managed effectively to meet existing and emerging challenges in the face of changesto the landscape and climate extremes. As a result, Basin communities will be able to reliably depend on their water supply for arange of uses, be better prepared and able to mitigate the impacts from floods and droughts, and benefit from healthy aquaticecosystems and enhanced recreation.

# Vision for the Susquehanna River Basin

The Commission envisions a clean, sustainable, and adequate water supply in the Susquehanna River Basin that supports a range ofhuman, economic, and ecological needs. Through collaborative partnerships and coordinated action, as well as use of the bestscience, water resources in the Basin will be managed effectively to meet existing and emerging challenges in the face of changesto the landscape and climate extremes. As a result, Basin communities will be able to reliably depend on their water supply for arange of uses, be better prepared and able to mitigate the impacts from floods and droughts, and benefit from healthy aquaticecosystems and enhanced recreation.

Making the vision reality means addressing diverse, complex water resources needs, now and in the future. These needs are interconnected and continually evolving, requiring integrated and adaptive water resources management approaches to ensure water demands are met while balancing public health and safety, economic development, and ecosystem stewardship. Key challenges over the next 20 years include, for example:
      - Ensuring adequate water supply for electric generation, public water supply, manufacturing, mining, natural gas, agriculture, and recreation
      - Restoring impaired streams impacted by agriculture, abandoned mine drainage, urban runoff, habitat modification, and atmospheric deposition
      - Improving flood and drought warning, planning, and mitigation for vulnerable communities and sectors
      - Reducing stormwater runoff and associated sediment, nutrient, and pollutant loadings from developed lands

This Comprehensive Plan is organized around four Priority Management Areas (PMAs) that capture these and related requirements:
** Water Supply** Water Quality** Flooding & Drought** Watershed Management
Climate change is a key challenge crossing all priority areas and is addressed within each PMA's objectives. Coordination with and outreach to partners and the public is also essential in all four areas, and technology and data analytics will support and enhance efforts associated with our goals. Overall, it is also important to ensure management goals meet the needs of underserved or disadvantaged communities within the context of environmental justice.

** Section Top** Back to Top

# Introduction

Issued on the 50th anniversary of the Susquehanna River Basin Compact, this Comprehensive Plan builds on five decades of achievements in the Basin and lays out a path to further successes supporting public, industry, and ecological needs. The Basin will face many challenges over the next 20 years, but there are also many opportunities for the Commission and its stakeholders to rise to the occasion.

Together, the Commission and its partners have evaluated today’s conditions and tomorrow’s needs, and developed this Plan to assure the Basin’s water resources are managed effectively through coordinated, collective action. The Plan’s primary purposes are to provide a:
        - Framework that focuses and guides coordinated action among the Commission and its partners to effectively manage the water resources of the Basin
        - Means to ensure critical projects for sustainable management and use of Basin water resources are supported by stakeholders and adequately funded

# Introduction

Issued on the 50th anniversary of the Susquehanna River Basin Compact, this Comprehensive Plan builds on five decades of achievements in the Basin and lays out a path to further successes supporting public, industry, and ecological needs. The Basin will face many challenges over the next 20 years, but there are also many opportunities for the Commission and its stakeholders to rise to the occasion.

Together, the Commission and its partners have evaluated today’s conditions and tomorrow’s needs, and developed this Plan to assure the Basin’s water resources are managed effectively through coordinated, collective action. The Plan’s primary purposes are to provide a:
          - Framework that focuses and guides coordinated action among the Commission and its partners to effectively manage the water resources of the Basin
          - Means to ensure critical projects for sustainable management and use of Basin water resources are supported by stakeholders and adequately funded

### Susquehanna River Basin Quick Facts

        -  The Susquehanna River is the **largest river** lying entirely in the United States that drains to the Atlantic Ocean. 
        -  The river flows **444 miles** from Otsego Lake in Cooperstown, NY, to the Chesapeake Bay at Havre de Grace, MD. 
        -  There are **49,000 miles** of waterways among the Susquehanna River and its hundreds of tributaries. 
        -  The Basin comprises **27,500 square miles** of drainage area within the states of New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. 
        -  The population of Basin is just under 4.2 million people. 
        -  The Basin is made up of 63% forest and naturally vegetated lands. 
        -  The river has a normal flow of about 18 million gallons per minute at Havre de Grace, MD. 
        -  The river flows about 20 miles per day on an average summer day. 

Visit the Susquehanna Atlas for more maps and data on key characteristics of the Basin.

# Commission Authority

The Susquehanna River Basin Compact was enactedin December 1970 as Public Law 91-575 and joined the federal government and states of New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland as equalpartners for a period of 100 years to manage the Basin’s water resources. The Compact created the Commission as the agency to developand effectuate plans, policies, and projects relating to water resources of the Basin in a coordinated manner. In January 1971, theCompact took effect and the Commission was officially established.

The Compact requires the Commission to formulate and adopt a Comprehensive Plan for the immediate and long-range development anduse of the water resources of the Basin.

The Comprehensive Plan is to include public and private projects and facilities required, in the Commission's judgment, for optimumplanning, development, conservation, utilization, management, and control of the water resources of the Basin to meet present andfuture ﻿needs. The Comprehensive Plan is also to take into consideration the effect of the plan upon the receiving waters of the Chesapeake Bay.

# Commission Authority

The Susquehanna River Basin Compact was enactedin December 1970 as Public Law 91-575 and joined the federal government and states of New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland as equalpartners for a period of 100 years to manage the Basin’s water resources. The Compact created the Commission as the agency to developand effectuate plans, policies, and projects relating to water resources of the Basin in a coordinated manner. In January 1971, theCompact took effect and the Commission was officially established.

The Compact requires the Commission to formulate and adopt a Comprehensive Plan for the immediate and long-range development anduse of the water resources of the Basin.

The Comprehensive Plan is to include public and private projects and facilities required, in the Commission's judgment, for optimumplanning, development, conservation, utilization, management, and control of the water resources of the Basin to meet present andfuture ﻿needs. The Comprehensive Plan is also to take into consideration the effect of the plan upon the receiving waters of the Chesapeake Bay.

## Comprehensive Plan Approach

This 2021 - 2041 Comprehensive Plan incorporates the perspectives of a diverse group of stakeholders who provided input used to help interpret the Compact’s broad authorities in the context of contemporary and anticipated future water resources needs.

##### Key Contributors

- Commissioners, alternates, and advisors 
- Water Resources Management Advisory Committee (WRMAC)
- Commission leadership, management, and staff
- Interested public, private, and nonprofit sector stakeholders

Based on their feedback, the Commission focused the Plan on four Priority Management Areas (PMAs) for the next 20 years:
** Water Supply** Water Quality** Flooding & Drought** Watershed Management

The **PMAs and their respective goals and objectives** comprise a forward-thinking, collaborative approach to water resources management in the Basin using the latest science, data, and analytical methods. Together, the Commission and its partners can meet a complex web of human, economic, and ecosystem needs, now and in the future.

The critical issues of climate change and the environmental justice are also addressed throughout this *Comprehensive Plan*.

# Water Resources Needs

Water resources needs in the Basin are diverse and complex. They are also interconnected and continually evolving, requiring integrated andadaptive water resources management approaches to ensure water demands are met while balancing public health and safety, economicdevelopment, and ecosystem stewardship. Primary needs fall into the four general categories and align with the PMAs in this 2021 - 2041 Comprehensive Plan:
** Water Supply** Water Quality** Flooding & Drought** Watershed Management

# Water Resources Needs

Water resources needs in the Basin are diverse and complex. They are also interconnected and continually evolving, requiring integrated andadaptive water resources management approaches to ensure water demands are met while balancing public health and safety, economicdevelopment, and ecosystem stewardship. Primary needs fall into the four general categories and align with the PMAs in this 2021 - 2041 Comprehensive Plan:
** Water Supply** Water Quality** Flooding & Drought** Watershed Management

#### Water Supply

Population and domestic water demand in the Basin will continue to grow.**There will be an ongoing need to increase water conservation and ensure public water supplies are sustainable.**

##### 2019 and Projected 2040 Population and Domestic Water Use

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Water supply needs in all sectors fluctuate with market conditions, technology, etc.**Continued tracking and forecasting of water use for industry is key to inform planning and regulatory decisions.**

##### 2019 and Projected 2040 Withdrawals and Consumptive Use by Sector

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The Commission identified several water-challenged and potentially stressed areas.**With less water for sustainable development, more detailed study, enhanced planning, and proactive management is needed.**

##### Areas with Water Resource Limitiations

Download PDF

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In tributary watersheds with the highest consumptive use,**more mitigation and conservation measures will help reduce human impacts and prevent potential conflicts, as well as ensure water availability for downstream uses.**

##### Watersheds with Highest 2019 Consumptive Use

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As a key source for some of the Basin's most significant water users,**Conowingo Reservoir will be critical to managing competing demands and environmental flows, particularlywith climate change.**

##### Critical Conowingo Reservoir Elevations

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Given potential impacts to Basin water supply,**climate change warrants greater focus on water availability, sustainable allocations,water conservation, reservoir operations, andgroundwater recharge.**

#### Water Quality

The Basin is still largely forested and about 87% of streams have either high or acceptable water quality.**Maintaining the integrity of these waters as the landscape and climate changes will be critical for the future.**

##### Stream Designations

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Approximately 7,500 miles of streams remain impaired due to a variety of reasons.**Improvement projects to restore water quality for aquatic life, enhanced recreational opportunities, etc., are a priority.**

##### PADEP Integrated List 2020

##### Stream Impairment Sources

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The Commission's Water Quality Index (WQI) Mapcompares water quality for Basin watersheds.Areas with poor WQI scores**will require restoration plans, best management practices, and projects to improve local water conditions.**

##### Watersheds With Poor Water Quality Scores

Download PDF

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There are 6,700 NPDES discharges in the Basin, with both traditional and emerging contaminants. **Enhanced monitoring technologies andefforts to reduce point source pollution are key to improving water quality.**

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The Basin has 110 square miles of abandoned mine lands and 1,904 miles of drainage-impaired streams. **Remediation efforts willrestore impaired waters, improve aquatic ecosystems, and expand recreation.**

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Climate change may significantly affect Basin water conditions. Proactive solutions include **greater focus on stormwatermanagement and on restoration and protection of floodplains and riparian buffers.**

#### Flooding and Drought

Since 1978, $832 million in FEMA flood insurance has been paid to Basin municipalities.**Improved warning and response, risk assessment, and mitigation strategies will better address community flood impacts.**

##### National Flood Insurance Payments

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There are over 330 flood damage reduction projects in the Basin.**Aging infrastructure, landscape modifications, and climate change make their ongoing operation and maintenance a critical need.**

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Over 5 million people rely on water from the Basin. **Water supply systems are vulnerable to drought, so water loss reduction,conservation, contingency planning, and backup sources will be important.**

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Certain watersheds are known to be more prone to drought-related water supply challenges and use conflicts.**Drought mitigation measures are essential to improve low flow management and resiliency.**

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Knowledge, monitoring capabilities, and data have improved sincethe Commission’s 2000 Drought Coordination Plan.As such, **monitoring, early warning, and management techniques and tools need to reflect advancements.**

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Climate change may increase frequency and intensity of flooding and drought.**Enhanced warning capabilities and stormwater, reservoir, and groundwater management will be critical for community resilience.**

#### Watershed Management

As a key source of groundwater rechargeto aquifers used for water supply, **delineation and protection of critical aquifer recharge areas (CARAs) are essential for sustainable water supply and local baseflow in streams.**

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SRBC has identified watersheds key to Chesapeake Bay pollutant reduction.**Best management practices and projects in these areas are critical to local water quality improvement and Bay restoration.**

##### Priority Watersheds for Sediment and Nutrient Load Reductions

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The Nature Conservancy’secosystem flow recommendations**need to be reflected in water use permitting, reservoir release operations, and mitigation projects to improve environmental flow management andsupport aquatic life in the Basin.**

##### The Nature Conservancy Ecosystem Flow Recommendations