Recent rains put reservoirs at capacity across Maryland

Record 123 billion gallons of water sent daily into bay

Heavy rains last month filled rivers, streams, wells and reservoirs to capacity statewide and sent record amounts of water flowing into Chesapeake Bay, federal scientists said yesterday.

An estimated 123 billion gallons of water flowed into the bay each day last month, the second-highest amount since recordkeeping began in 1937, according to the U.S. Geological Survey in Baltimore. The only month with higher streamflow levels was June 1972, when Tropical Storm Agnes flooded the region.

A total of 6.9 inches of rain fell last month at Baltimore-Washington International Airport, about twice the average amount for the month, according to the National Weather Service.

The months of May and June combined were the fourth wettest on record, which sent record amounts of water into wells monitored by USGS in Anne Arundel, Harford and Washington counties in Maryland, and in Kent and New Castle counties in Delaware, the USGS said.

Record high levels also were recorded in the Choptank River, Savage River and Youghiogheny River in Maryland, and in Brandywine Creek and Nanticoke River in Delaware.

The USGS monitors stream and groundwater levels to predict flooding and drought conditions. Stream flow levels also are used to monitor area water quality. Increased runoff carries more nutrients and sediment into the bay.