1.0 INTRODUCTION 



The purpose of this report is to summarize present knowledge 

 about the sources, distribution and movement of water in the Long Island 

 Sound Regional Study Area. Cl imatological factors such as temperature, 

 wind and cloud cover that affect elements of the hydrologic system and in 

 turn development patterns are also discussed. 



Water sources, the quantity stored at any time above or below the 

 ground, the pattern of water movement and water quality are of direct con- 

 cern to a variety of interests within the region. Flood control, water supply, 

 waste disposal, recreation, agriculture, transportation and power generation 

 are some examples of activities that are water dependent or water related. 

 Man-made changes in land use, such as urbanization, alter the natural hydro- 

 logic system and coordinated water and land use planning is therefore 

 essential. Conversely, too little or too much water can limit development 

 or require large costs to support growth. 



The information in this report together with supporting studies 

 and data listed in appendices A and C will be used in the plan formulation 

 phase of this study. The scope of subsequent planning must take into con- 

 sideration (1) the existing requirements, interrelationships and often con- 

 flicts between various groups of water users and how they will change with 

 time and (2) the effect on the hydrologic system of alternative water and 

 land use practices. 



2.0 HYDROLOGIC FRAMEWORK OF THE LONG ISLAND SOUND REGION 



Within the framework of the hydrologic cycle, water continually 

 moves between and is temporarily stored in the atmosphere, on and below the 

 land, and in the ocean. Water enters the Long Island Sound Region from (1) 

 precipitation directly on the land or water within the region (2) as runoff 

 from adjacent land areas that drain into the Sound (3) from Block Island 

 Sound to the east and the East River to the west and (k) from sewage treat- 

 ment plants that process water from outside of the Long Island Sound drain- 

 age area. Water leaves the region by (1) evaporation and transpiration into 

 the atmosphere or (2) by outflow into Block Island Sound and perhaps into New 

 York Harbor. This general pattern of circulation and the average quantities 

 of water involved are shown on Figure 1. 



The hydrologic conditions are largely governed by the climate 

 within and adjacent to the region. Located between the source regions of 

 warm moist air and of cold dry air places the study area near the principal 

 west to east storm tracks. Furthermore, coastal storms originating in the 

 ocean off the southeastern United States frequently travel on courses that 

 bring them nearby. 



