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Central Midwest Water Science Center

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Central Midwest Water Science Center

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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.

 

Real Time Data Links

CMWSC Current Water Conditions

Real-time Current Conditions, Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri
Current Conditions

CMWSC Science

Image of a red dye study conducted in the Brandon Road Lock on the Des Plaines River near Joliet, Illinois, in 2015.
Science

Other Links

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

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Publications

Verification of multiple phosphorus analyzers for use in surface-water applications

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) completed a verification study of selected commercially available phosphorus analyzers for their applicability to scientific surface-water applications. In this study, the analyzers were the Hach EZ7800 TOPHO, Hach Phosphax sc, Sea-Bird Scientific HydroCycle-PO4, and the YSI Inc. Alyza IQ PO4. Verification tests included laboratory trials comparing analyzer result
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Central Midwest Water Science Center

Effect of uncertainty of discharge data on uncertainty of discharge simulation for the Lake Michigan Diversion, northeastern Illinois and northwestern Indiana

Simulation models of watershed hydrology (also referred to as “rainfall-runoff models”) are calibrated to the best available streamflow data, which are typically published discharge time series at the outlet of the watershed. Even after calibration, the model generally cannot replicate the published discharges because of simplifications of the physical system embedded in the model structure and un
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Central Midwest Water Science Center

Predicted uranium and radon concentrations in New Hampshire (USA) groundwater—Using Multi Order Hydrologic Position as predictors

Two radioactive elements, uranium (U) and radon (Rn), which are of potential concern in New Hampshire (NH) groundwater, are investigated. Exceedance probability maps are tools to highlight locations where the concentrations of undesirable substances in the groundwater may be elevated. Two forms of statistical analysis are used to create exceedance probability maps for U and Rn in NH groundwater. T
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Water Resources, New England Water Science Center, Central Midwest Water Science Center
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Science

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CMWSC Technician prepares to monitor lake bathymetric data.

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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Central Midwest Water Science Center
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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.
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USGS Hydrologist Collects a Water-Quality Sample at Henry, Illinois

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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Central Midwest Water Science Center
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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
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Iowa Alluvial Aquifers

Iowa Alluvial Aquifer

This study is part of ongoing research in Iowa to investigate the availability (quantity and quality) of water in alluvial aquifers that are used for agricultural, domestic, municipal, and industrial supplies. Previous research included modeling and delineation of ground water flow in the Mississippi River, Des Moines River, iowa, and Cedar River alluvial aquifers. The water quality of these and...
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Central Midwest Water Science Center
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Iowa Alluvial Aquifer

This study is part of ongoing research in Iowa to investigate the availability (quantity and quality) of water in alluvial aquifers that are used for agricultural, domestic, municipal, and industrial supplies. Previous research included modeling and delineation of ground water flow in the Mississippi River, Des Moines River, iowa, and Cedar River alluvial aquifers. The water quality of these and...
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