What is a perennial stream versus an intermittent stream?
A perennial stream is a body of water that flows year-round during a year of normal precipitation. Generally, groundwater is the primary source for stream flow. An intermittent stream is any natural or engineered channel with flowing water during certain times of the year, when groundwater provides for stream flow. During dry periods, intermittent streams may not have flowing water or may only have flowing water after a storm event. Why did the City choose to protect natural intermittent streams? Intermittent streams are often the most critical in terms of protecting downstream water quality and living resources. Intermittent streams with vegetated buffers assist in reducing sediments and nutrients delivered to larger streams, help prevent flooding, and provide valuable aquatic habitats. The 50 foot buffer is based on the findings of the 1998 Chesapeake Bay Riparian Handbook and is considered the “minimum” necessary to afford habitat protection benefits and nutrient and sediment load r
