Small streams you rarely notice are doing some of the most important work in Southwest Ohio’s water system.
A new round of research from 2025–2026 is revealing how headwater streams—tiny channels that make up the majority of river networks—play a critical role in recharging the Miami Aquifer, shaping erosion risks, and influencing the long-term reliability of our regional water supply.
These findings will be shared at the upcoming Miami Watershed Network meeting on Wednesday, May 20 from 1:00–3:00 PM in Dayton.
Headwater streams may be small, but they account for roughly 80% of stream channels globally. In the Miami Valley, they are directly connected to groundwater recharge that supports drinking water supplies, ecosystem health, and flood resilience.
Understanding how rainfall, soil moisture, and streamflow interact in these systems helps water managers and local partners anticipate:
The Miami Watershed Network meeting is a collaborative gathering of partners from across the region, co-sponsored by the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission and the Miami Conservancy District, in partnership with the Great Miami Watershed Network and the Little Miami Watershed Network.
Featured Presentation:
Where Streams Begin: Measuring Headwater Discharge at Carriage Hill MetroPark
Presenter: Chris Sheehan
📍 Fitz Center for Leadership in Community
🕐 May 20 | 1:00–3:00 PM
The meeting will also include brief updates from regional partners working on water and watershed initiatives.
RSVP; please let us know if you will attend on this form.
