low water
River at nadir
Low water refers to the lowest level reached by a body of water, particularly during tidal cycles or drought conditions.
It contrasts with high water and is important for navigation, as ships may run aground when the water drops.
The phrase also serves as a figurative marker for difficult times or depleted resources: The company hit low water after losing its biggest client.
A low-water mark indicates either the physical line on a shore or a point of minimum achievement.
Gradual retreat seaward
- neapTide of least range
- tidal rangeExtent of tide fluctuation
- spring tideExtreme tidal fluctuation
- high tideMaximum sea level
intertidal · shoal · sandbar · estuary · mudflat · tidal flat · stranded · beached
Prolonged water scarcity
- shortageDeficient supply of necessities
- reservoirLarge water storage basin
- aquiferGroundwater-bearing geological formation
- wellDug water source
cistern · rationing · conservation · dry spell · depletion · groundwater · irrigation · arid
ebb
Gradual retreat seaward
- neapTide of least range
- tidal rangeExtent of tide fluctuation
- spring tideExtreme tidal fluctuation
high tide · intertidal · shoal · sandbar · estuary · mudflat · tidal flat · stranded · beached · harbor
drought
Prolonged water scarcity
- shortageDeficient supply of necessities
- reservoirLarge water storage basin
- aquiferGroundwater-bearing geological formation
well · cistern · rationing · conservation · dry spell · depletion · groundwater · irrigation · arid · parched
low waterhigh water
Maximum tidal level
high tide · flood tide · spring tide · tidal surge · storm surge
low waterflood stage
Critical water level marker
high water · flood · spate · freshet · floodwater
low waterhigh water mark
Greatest recorded extent
high water · prosperity · abundance · plenty · peak
low, water, lower, watery, lowest, watered, lowered, lowering, watering