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A stream discharge estimate is a measurement of how
much water flows through a stream in one second. This measurement is
calculated using measurements of stream width, depth, and velocity.
Stream discharge is an important consideration when
evaluating the results of biological monitoring. The depth and
swiftness of a stream affect the communities of macroinvertebrates
and other organisms that are able to live in the stream. Stream
discharge also fluctuates with the seasons and with storm events,
also affecting the results of biological monitoring on a particular
date. Stream discharge also influences a stream's ability to dilute
chemical pollutants.
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