Riverfront areas may contain wetlands and floodplains, as well as what have traditionally been considered upland areas. Riverfront areas protect water quality, stabilize stream banks, reduce flood peaks and downstream flooding, support fish and wildlife habitat, and protect groundwater. Even in urban settings, riverfront areas may provide flood control, storm damage prevention, and wildlife travel corridors. A river is any natural flowing body of water that empties into any ocean, lake, or other river and that flows throughout the year. The definition includes all perennial rivers, including streams and brooks that flow throughout the year.
Rivers end where they meet the ocean, a lake, or pond.
Intermittent streams are not subject to the Rivers Protection Act. There are almost 200 public drinking water supply wells within riverfront areas.