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Central Midwest Water Science Center

Welcome to the Central Midwest Water Science Center’s (CMWSC) Website. We offer information on streamflow, water quality, water-use, and groundwater data for Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri. We conduct unbiased, scientific hydrologic investigations & research projects to effectively manage CMWSC and our Nation's water resources through joint efforts with our partners.

 

News

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Southeast Region (SER) Science Workshop: Identifying Science to Meet Administration Priorities and the Needs of Our Stakeholders

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USGS Unveils Mobile Flood Tool for the Nation

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USGS Responds to Spring Flooding

Publications

Application of geophysical methods to enhance aquifer characterization and groundwater-flow model development, Des Moines River alluvial aquifer, Des Moines, Iowa, 2022

Des Moines Water Works (DMWW) is one of the largest water providers in Iowa and as population growth continues, demand for drinking water is increasing. DMWW uses groundwater and surface water as raw water sources to supply the City of Des Moines and surrounding communities. In response to current and future demands, DMWW is in need of a thorough understanding of local groundwater resources, speci

Nutrient and suspended-sediment concentrations, loads, and yields in upper Macoupin Creek, Illinois, 2017–21

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Macoupin County Soil and Water Conservation District and the American Farmland Trust, undertook a monitoring effort from 2017 to 2021 in the upper Macoupin Creek watershed. The monitoring effort was to determine and characterize nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment concentrations, loads, and yields for a 566.7 square kilometer area of the

Prevalence of neonicotinoid insecticides in paired private-well tap water and human urine samples in a region of intense agriculture overlying vulnerable aquifers in eastern Iowa

A pilot study among farming households in eastern Iowa was conducted to assess human exposure to neonicotinoids (NEOs). The study was in a region with intense crop and livestock production and where groundwater is vulnerable to surface-applied contaminants. In addition to paired outdoor (hydrant) water and indoor (tap) water samples from private wells, urine samples were collected from 47 adult ma

Science

Airborne Electromagnetic (AEM) Survey 2023 - Illinois River Basin

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is conducting an Airborne ElectroMagnetic (AEM) Survey starting in late January 2023 and lasting three to four weeks. A helicopter towing a large hoop from a cable will begin making low-level flights over the Illinois River Basin, covering much of central Illinois and parts of northwest Indiana.
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Airborne Electromagnetic (AEM) Survey 2023 - Illinois River Basin

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is conducting an Airborne ElectroMagnetic (AEM) Survey starting in late January 2023 and lasting three to four weeks. A helicopter towing a large hoop from a cable will begin making low-level flights over the Illinois River Basin, covering much of central Illinois and parts of northwest Indiana.
Learn More

Bathymetry and Water-Quality of Surface Water Bodies in Cook County, Illinois

Surface water bodies in Cook County are used for stormwater detention, domestic and industrial uses, recreation, and commercial navigation. However, the bathymetry (elevation of the bottom surface) of most water bodies in Cook County has not been measured or mapped comprehensively. Similarly, water quality in most of these water bodies is unknown.
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Bathymetry and Water-Quality of Surface Water Bodies in Cook County, Illinois

Surface water bodies in Cook County are used for stormwater detention, domestic and industrial uses, recreation, and commercial navigation. However, the bathymetry (elevation of the bottom surface) of most water bodies in Cook County has not been measured or mapped comprehensively. Similarly, water quality in most of these water bodies is unknown.
Learn More

Harmful Algal Bloom Research and Monitoring - CMWSC

The Central Midwest Water Science Center (CMWSC) includes three states: Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri. The water science center is responsible for providing information on discharge, water quality, water-use, and groundwater data. The Harmful Algal Bloom (HABs) team is currently researching ways to better predict, analyze, and study HABs.
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Harmful Algal Bloom Research and Monitoring - CMWSC

The Central Midwest Water Science Center (CMWSC) includes three states: Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri. The water science center is responsible for providing information on discharge, water quality, water-use, and groundwater data. The Harmful Algal Bloom (HABs) team is currently researching ways to better predict, analyze, and study HABs.
Learn More