Because Watts Branch is part of a highly urbanized watershed during rain events the volume and velocity of water can change drastically in a matter of moments. During normal non-rain conditions throughout the year the average flow rate of the stream ranges from 2-4 cubic feet per second. However, when heavy storm hit the watershed at times the flow rate of the stream has increased from 2 cubic feet per second to 900 cubic feet per second. This is because there is so much impervious space in the watershed that directs the water into storm drains and does not allow the rain water to naturally seep into the earth to recharge the water table.
The stream restoration project will not reduce the volume and velocity of stormwater entering the stream, however, it will help to manage how the water flows and it will help reduce the rate of erosion along the stream banks.
The photo at the top of the post show Watts Branch during a rainless week in November 2010 while the photo toward the bottom of this post show the same location during a heavy rain storm in August 2010.
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