River Conditions
River Flow
Water Quality
Paddling Information
Fish News
RIVER FLOW
USGS Stream Gage Data: The USGS operates two real-time streamflow gauges on the Ipswich River near the South Middleton and Willowdale Dams (Hamilton/Ipswich). The most up to date information from the gauge near Willowdale is shown in the graph below. The South Middleton data is currently unavailable.
The ecologically safe summer low flow at the Willowdale Dam (near Ipswich) is 53 cfs.
Despite rainfall events, flows have continued to decline over the last week. Flows in the river are affected by municipal water supplies located in Wilmington, North Reading, Lynn, Lynnfield, Danvers, Salem, Beverly, Peabody and by private wells at locations such as the Thomson Country Club in North Reading.
When flows drop, habitats critical to river dependent fish such as brook trout such as along stream banks and in riffle areas are lost. We can all do our part to conserve water and improve flows in the river and restore more natural conditions and diversity to the Ipswich River.
Please explore our SaveWaterNorthShore.org website for tips and information on saving water indoors and outdoors.
This map of real-time streamflow compares to historical streamflow for each day of the year in Massachusetts. The Ipswich River is currently much below normal for historical data.
WATER QUALITY
RiverWatch volunteers collect monthly data.
Our volunteer RiverWatch monitoring program assesses the health of the Ipswich River. Volunteers collect data monthly from March-December on weather conditions, rain in the last 48 hours, water color, odor and clarity, water temperature, dissolved oxygen, velocity, depth and conductivity. Measurements are taken at 31 sites throughout the watershed. Monitoring reports are available here.
Ipswich River Estuary. Andrew Borsari photo
PADDLING INFORMATION
The river is very low right now. Areas with shallow cobble bottoms will be tough to navigate. Also be aware of beaver dams and other low flow obstructions (rocks, fallen trees).
Tide data for Ipswich River Estuary trip planning.
Plan your paddling trip with these helpful itineraries.
FISH NEWS
Ipswich Mills fish ladder and dam.
Learn about other issues that the Ipswich River faces:
