Report of the River Master of the Delaware River, for the period December 1, 1982 - November 30, 1983

Abstract

Hydrologic conditions in the Delaware River basin varied from deficient to excessive to deficient during the year. The drought-warning status of late 1982 was continued to March 27, 1983. Despite the reservoirs filling and spilling in April, their storage declined to the droughtwarning level by November 4, as defined by a recommendation of the parties to the Decree. Deficient runoff occurred in December, September and October; runoff in April, May and June was excessive. As a result of the deficiencies toward the end of the year, the rates of diversions and target flow for Mbntague were reduced November 9-30 to conserve water. Diversions from the basin to New York City and to New Jersey were below limits authorized in the Decree. Releases from the reservoirs were made as prescribed in the Decree or the temporary reductions due to water supply deficiencies. The hydrologic procedures developed previously were used to guide operations in this office.