What are considered limited flow water ditches or streams?

Limited flow water ditches or streams are characterized by their varying water levels, meaning that they may not always contain water. These bodies of water can occasionally be wet or dry, which aligns perfectly with the definition of limited flow. Such water bodies can fluctuate depending on rainfall, seasonal changes, or drought conditions, leading to periods when they are completely dry or partially filled with water.

In contrast, bodies of water that are consistently full do not exhibit the characteristics of limited flow, as their water levels remain stable over time. Water bodies with fast currents are typically associated with greater volumes of water flowing consistently, rather than the intermittent nature that defines limited flow areas. Urban drainage channels may contain sporadic water but are often engineered to manage stormwater runoff, which can lead to very different ecological conditions than those of naturally occurring limited flow ditches or streams. Therefore, the correct identification of limited flow water bodies focuses on their potential for being dry at times.