INSTREAM FLOW

Nonconsumptive water requirements which do not reduce the water supply; water flows for uses within a defined stream channel. Examples of instream flows include: (1) Aesthetics: Water required for maintaining flowing steams, lakes, and bodies of water for visual enjoyment; (2) Fish and Wildlife: Water required for fish and wildlife; (3) Navigation: Water required to maintain minimum flow for waterborne commerce; (4) Quality Dilution: Water required for diluting salt and pollution loading to acceptable concentrations; and (5) Recreation: Water required for outdoor water recreation such as fishing, boating, water skiing, and swimming. Also referred to as Instream Use.