Print This Page Return to the Map Eyes on the Bay


Water Quality Significantly Impacted by Runoff from Pocomoke River Rain Event
Data from the Cedar Hall Wharf, Pocomoke River continuous monitoring station show significant impacts on water quality conditions as runoff from a 15-18 inch rainfall event in the upper watershed pushed salty waters of the lower tidal river down into Pocomoke Sound. The mass of freshwater runoff severely reduced salinity levels. Natural tannic waters from the upper Pocomoke River and its wetlands with naturally high levels of dissolved organic material, increased turbidity levels, and considerably decreased dissolved oxygen, pH and chlorophyll levels in the lower tidal river. After September 6, as runoff impacts begin to abate, estuarine water quality conditions began to recover as dissolved oxygen, salinity, pH and chlorophyll levels increased with each tidal rhythm.

Radar map showing total rainfall in Pocomoke River area during 27 August - 3 September 2002

Graphic showing salinity decline and recovery as a result of a 15-18 inch rainfall event in the upper watershed that pushed the salty waters of the lower tidal river down into Pocomoke Sound

Graphic showing chlorophyll decline and recovery as a result of a 15-18 inch rainfall event in the upper watershed that pushed the salty waters of the lower tidal river down into Pocomoke Sound

Graphic showing dissolved oxygen decline and recovery as a result of a 15-18 inch rainfall event in the upper watershed that pushed the salty waters of the lower tidal river down into Pocomoke Sound

Graphic showing turbidity decline and recovery as a result of a 15-18 inch rainfall event in the upper watershed that pushed the salty waters of the lower tidal river down into Pocomoke Sound