Annual Flow of the Maumee River into Lake Erie: 13.6 Billion Cubic Feet

The Maumee River, largest Great Lakes tributary by watershed area, discharges an average of 13.6 billion cubic feet per year (385 m³/s) into Lake Erie's western basin at Toledo, Ohio.

Flow is highly seasonal:

• Spring/early summer: Peak flows from snowmelt and rains—critical for walleye spawning.
• Late summer/fall: Low flows; algae blooms fed by agricultural phosphorus.
• Winter: Ice-affected, minimal discharge.

The Maumee's heavy sediment and nutrient load drives Lake Erie's eutrophication challenges, making its management central to lake health.