Normal precipitation conditions generally prevailed during March. Monthly mean streamflows increased during the period in response to above normal precipitation, associated overland runoff, and higher rates of ground-water discharge. Flows were generally above normal during January and within the upper end of the normal range during February and March. The monthly mean streamflow of 1,260 cubic feet per second on Brandywine Creek for January was the third highest of record for the month. Water levels in all four shallow water-table observation wells rose rapidly as a result of recharge associated with above normal precipitation, and all were within the normal to above normal range for the reporting period.
Water levels are one to two feet higher than during the corresponding period one year ago.
Water levels in all four wells in confined aquifers exhibited little change during January, February, and March. The rise in the Index is attributable to above normal precipitation, normal to above normal streamflows in the Brandywine Creek, and rising ground-water levels. The Index represents above normal water conditions as we enter the warm growing season.