A losing stream is a stream or river that loses water as it flows downstream. The water infiltrates into the ground, because the water table is below the bottom of the stream channel.

This is the opposite of a gaining stream, which increases in volume farther down stream.

Losing streams are often used in relation to Aquifers. Aquifers gain the water that the losing stream deposits.

The level of water in a losing stream is above the water table, in comparison to the level of water in a gaining stream which is below.

See also

• Groundwater