Managing flows for ephemeral streams

Product Information

Ephemeral streams are watercourses that do not have surface water flow for the entire year. they are also called: seasonal streams, intermittent streams, episodic streams or temporary streams.

This fact sheet provides a brief summary of the importance of ephemeral streams and the need to ensure ephemeral streams receive careful management, even during times of drought.

While there is a common perception that biota within ephemeral streams are drought hardy, a large number or species require refuge in rock pools and water holes in order to recognise streams during flow events.