U.S. Geological Survey Hydrologic Monitoring on Long Island, New York
Most streams and lakes on Long Island are hydraulically connected with the shallow groundwater system, and provide a window to the overall health of the underlying aquifer system. These water bodies are usually the first to show changes in the underlying aquifer, so there needs to be a consistent dataset of hydrologic data available for water managers and scientist to use to assess long- and short-term changes that may indicate potential environmental and wetlands health issues or underlying groundwater-resource concerns.
U.S. Geological Survey Hydrologic Monitoring on Long Island, New York
The USGS has operated a surface-water monitoring network on Long since the early 1930’s. This network of USGS stream and lake monitoring stations provides data to support hydrologic-related issues such as water-supply management, flood and drought monitoring, urban-development and resiliency planning, bridge, road, and culvert design, landuse and climate change studies, nutrient loading and habitat assessments, and recreation use.
The current USGS surface-water monitoring network encompasses data collection from approximately 55 streams and 2 lakes throughout Long Island (fig. 1). Data from this network are collected in varying frequencies to supply our cooperators, stakeholders, and the public with mission critical information on wetlands and aquifer health.
Project Data
The USGS collects surface-water data needed by Federal, State, and local agencies for water-resource management, engineering projects, and regulatory programs throughout the region. All project data are served online through the USGS National Water Information System: Web Interface (NWISWeb) and other online systems, where data or hydrographs from monitoring stations can be displayed or downloaded as needed.
Surface-Water Data for Long Island
- Real-Time and Continuous-Recording Streamflow Stations – (Interactive Map)
- Real-Time and Continuous Lake-Level Gages – (Interactive Map)
- Miscellaneous Streamflow Stations – (Interactive Map)
- Historical Surface-Water Stations – (Interactive Map)
- Meteorological Stations – (Interactive Map)
- Wetlands-Monitoring Station at Laurel, NY
- Recharge Basin Salinity-Monitoring Station at Peconic, NY
New York State, Regional, and National Surface-Water Data
- USGS Surface-Water Information
- National Water Information System Mapper
- Real-Time Streamflow Table for New York
- Real-Time Lake and Reservoir Table for New York
- Real-Time Precipitation Table for New York
- WaterWatch Real-Time Streamflow for New York
- WaterWatch Monthly Streamflow for New York
- WaterWatch Flood Streamflow for New York
- WaterWatch Drought Streamflow for New York
- USGS WaterWatch Homepage
- USGS WaterAlert – Data to your mobile phone or email using user-definable thresholds
- USGS WaterNow – Current-conditions data directly to your mobile phone or email
- Monthly Hydrologic Conditions for New York
- Drought Information for New York
- Flood Information for New York
- Water-Use Information for New York
Related Studies and Other Information
In addition to basic hydrologic-data collection, the USGS conducts hydrologic studies that address a wide variety of water-resources issues, including water supply, contamination, nutrient loading, effects of land use on water quality and quantity, and other basic hydrologic research. A list of some related USGS studies and other useful information can be found below.
Local and Regional Studies
- Assessment of Nutrient Loading to Jamaica Bay, Gateway National Recreation Area
- Comprehensive Delineation of Groundwater Source Areas and Times-of-Travel to Long Island Streams and Estuaries
- Comprehensive Water Resources Monitoring Program for the Central Pine Barrens Region, Suffolk County, New York – (Supplemental Webpage)
- Development of a Coordinated Water Resources Monitoring Strategy for the South Shore Estuary Reserve
- Human- and Ecological-Health Concerns Related to Transport and Persistence of Contaminants on Shinnecock Nation Tribal Lands
- Hydrologic-Data Collection in the Five Boroughs of New York City
- Long Island State of the Aquifer Report – (Supplemental Webpage)
- New York Water Science Center Data Program
- Shallow Groundwater Quality in the Patchogue River Basin
- Surface-Water Data Collection in New York
Educational and General Information
- The Water Cycle
- Rivers and Streams
- Lakes and Reservoirs
- How the USGS Monitors Water
- How Streamflow is Measured
- High-Water Marks and Stream Stage
- Information on Flood-Recurrence Intervals and 100-year Floods
- Questions and Answers about Floods
- Questions and Answers about Droughts
- Uses of Streamflow Information
- What is Hydrology and What do Hydrologists Do?
- Day in the Life of a USGS Water Scientist
Publications
The USGS publishes water-information reports on many topics and in many formats such as scientific and technical articles and reports, fact sheets, pamphlets, and posters resulting from the research performed by our scientists and partners. A list of selected publications related to the USGS Long Island surface-water monitoring program can be found below.
Surface-Water Related Publications and Studies
Aronson, D.A., 1978, Determination of runoff coefficients of storm-water-basin drainage areas on Long Island, New York, by using maximum-stage gages: U.S. Geological Survey Journal of Research, v. 6, no. 1, p. 11-21.
Busciolano, Ronald, 2005, Statistical analysis of long-term hydrologic records for selection of drought-monitoring sites on Long Island, New York: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2004-5152, 47 p., online only.
Buxton, H.T., 1985, Estimating average annual base flow at low-flow partial-record stations, Long Island, New York: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 84-4240, 32 p.
Buxton, H.T. and Reilly, T.E., 1985, Effects of sanitary sewers on ground-water levels and streams in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, New York, Part 2, development and application of southwest Suffolk County model: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 83-4209, 39 p.
Harbaugh, A.W. and Getzen, R.T., 1977, Stream simulation in an analog model of the ground-water system on Long Island, New York: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 77-58, 15 p.
Koch, Ellis, 1970, Effects of urbanization on the quality of selected streams in southern Nassau County, Long Island, New York: U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 700-C, P. C189-C192.
Koenig, T.A., Bruce, J.L., O’Connor, J.E., McGee, B.D., Holmes, R.R., Jr., Hollins, Ryan, Forbes, B.T., Kohn, M.S., Schellekens, M.F., Martin, Z.W., and Peppler, M.C., 2016, Identifying and preserving high-water mark data: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods, book 3, chap. A24, 47 p.
Konrad, Christopher P., 2003, Effects of Urban Development on Floods: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 076-03, 4p.
Ku, H.F.H. and Simmons, D.L., 1981, Base flow of streams in Nassau County Sewer Districts 2 and 3, Long Island, New York, 1978-79: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 81-420, 32 p.
Ku, H.F.H. and Simmons, D.L., 1984, Quality and quantity of urban stormwater runoff to recharge basins, Long Island, New York: in U.S. Geological Survey, 1984, Geological Survey Research, Fiscal Year 1981: U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 1375, p. 103.
Misut, P.E. and Monti, Jack, Jr., 2016, Delineation of areas contributing groundwater to selected receiving surface water bodies for long-term average hydrologic conditions from 1968 to 1983 for Long Island, New York: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2016-5138, 22 p.
Olson S.A. and Norris M.J., 2007, U.S. Geological Survey Streamgaging…from the National Streamflow Information Program: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2005-3131, 4 p.
Pluhowski, E.J. and Spinello, A.G., 1978, Impact of sewerage systems on stream base flow and ground-water recharge on Long Island, New York: U.S. Geological Survey Journal of Research, v. 6, no. 2, p. 263-271.
Prince, K.R., 1980, Preliminary investigation of a shallow ground-water flow system associated with Connetquot Brook, Long Island, New York: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 80-47, 37 p.
Prince, K.R., 1981, Use of flow-duration curves to evaluate effects of urbanization on streamflow patterns on Long Island, New York: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 80-114, 19 p.
Reilly, T.E. and Buxton, H.T., 1985, Effects of sanitary sewering on ground-water levels and streams in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, New York, part 3; development and application of southern U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 83-4210, 41 p.
Reynolds, R.J., 1982, Base flow of streams on Long Island, New York: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 81-48, 33 p.
Sauer, V.B., and Turnipseed, D.P., 2010, Stage measurement at gaging stations: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods book 3, chap. A7, 45 p.
Seaburn, G.E., 1970, Preliminary analysis of rate of movement of storm runoff through the zone of aeration beneath a recharge basin on Long Island, New York: U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 700-B, p. B196-B198.
Seaburn, G.E., 1969, Effects of urban development on direct runoff to East Meadow Brook, Nassau County, Long Island, New York: U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 627-B, 14 p.
Spinello, A.G. and Simmons, D.L., 1992, Base flow of 10 south-shore streams, Long Island, New York, 1976-85, and the effects of urbanization on base flow and flow duration: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 90-4205, 34 p.
Sulam, D.J., 1980, Delineation of ground-water contributing areas of streams of southwest Suffolk County, New York: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 80-346, 4 p.
Turnipseed, D.P., and Sauer, V.B., 2010, Discharge measurements at gaging stations: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods book 3, chap. A8, 87 p.
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
U.S. Geological Survey Hydrologic Monitoring on Long Island, New York
Long Island Groundwater Network
U.S. Geological Survey Hydrologic Monitoring on Long Island, New York
Most streams and lakes on Long Island are hydraulically connected with the shallow groundwater system, and provide a window to the overall health of the underlying aquifer system. These water bodies are usually the first to show changes in the underlying aquifer, so there needs to be a consistent dataset of hydrologic data available for water managers and scientist to use to assess long- and short-term changes that may indicate potential environmental and wetlands health issues or underlying groundwater-resource concerns.
U.S. Geological Survey Hydrologic Monitoring on Long Island, New York
The USGS has operated a surface-water monitoring network on Long since the early 1930’s. This network of USGS stream and lake monitoring stations provides data to support hydrologic-related issues such as water-supply management, flood and drought monitoring, urban-development and resiliency planning, bridge, road, and culvert design, landuse and climate change studies, nutrient loading and habitat assessments, and recreation use.
The current USGS surface-water monitoring network encompasses data collection from approximately 55 streams and 2 lakes throughout Long Island (fig. 1). Data from this network are collected in varying frequencies to supply our cooperators, stakeholders, and the public with mission critical information on wetlands and aquifer health.
Project Data
The USGS collects surface-water data needed by Federal, State, and local agencies for water-resource management, engineering projects, and regulatory programs throughout the region. All project data are served online through the USGS National Water Information System: Web Interface (NWISWeb) and other online systems, where data or hydrographs from monitoring stations can be displayed or downloaded as needed.
Surface-Water Data for Long Island
- Real-Time and Continuous-Recording Streamflow Stations – (Interactive Map)
- Real-Time and Continuous Lake-Level Gages – (Interactive Map)
- Miscellaneous Streamflow Stations – (Interactive Map)
- Historical Surface-Water Stations – (Interactive Map)
- Meteorological Stations – (Interactive Map)
- Wetlands-Monitoring Station at Laurel, NY
- Recharge Basin Salinity-Monitoring Station at Peconic, NY
New York State, Regional, and National Surface-Water Data
- USGS Surface-Water Information
- National Water Information System Mapper
- Real-Time Streamflow Table for New York
- Real-Time Lake and Reservoir Table for New York
- Real-Time Precipitation Table for New York
- WaterWatch Real-Time Streamflow for New York
- WaterWatch Monthly Streamflow for New York
- WaterWatch Flood Streamflow for New York
- WaterWatch Drought Streamflow for New York
- USGS WaterWatch Homepage
- USGS WaterAlert – Data to your mobile phone or email using user-definable thresholds
- USGS WaterNow – Current-conditions data directly to your mobile phone or email
- Monthly Hydrologic Conditions for New York
- Drought Information for New York
- Flood Information for New York
- Water-Use Information for New York
Related Studies and Other Information
In addition to basic hydrologic-data collection, the USGS conducts hydrologic studies that address a wide variety of water-resources issues, including water supply, contamination, nutrient loading, effects of land use on water quality and quantity, and other basic hydrologic research. A list of some related USGS studies and other useful information can be found below.
Local and Regional Studies
- Assessment of Nutrient Loading to Jamaica Bay, Gateway National Recreation Area
- Comprehensive Delineation of Groundwater Source Areas and Times-of-Travel to Long Island Streams and Estuaries
- Comprehensive Water Resources Monitoring Program for the Central Pine Barrens Region, Suffolk County, New York – (Supplemental Webpage)
- Development of a Coordinated Water Resources Monitoring Strategy for the South Shore Estuary Reserve
- Human- and Ecological-Health Concerns Related to Transport and Persistence of Contaminants on Shinnecock Nation Tribal Lands
- Hydrologic-Data Collection in the Five Boroughs of New York City
- Long Island State of the Aquifer Report – (Supplemental Webpage)
- New York Water Science Center Data Program
- Shallow Groundwater Quality in the Patchogue River Basin
- Surface-Water Data Collection in New York
Educational and General Information
- The Water Cycle
- Rivers and Streams
- Lakes and Reservoirs
- How the USGS Monitors Water
- How Streamflow is Measured
- High-Water Marks and Stream Stage
- Information on Flood-Recurrence Intervals and 100-year Floods
- Questions and Answers about Floods
- Questions and Answers about Droughts
- Uses of Streamflow Information
- What is Hydrology and What do Hydrologists Do?
- Day in the Life of a USGS Water Scientist
Publications
The USGS publishes water-information reports on many topics and in many formats such as scientific and technical articles and reports, fact sheets, pamphlets, and posters resulting from the research performed by our scientists and partners. A list of selected publications related to the USGS Long Island surface-water monitoring program can be found below.
Surface-Water Related Publications and Studies
Aronson, D.A., 1978, Determination of runoff coefficients of storm-water-basin drainage areas on Long Island, New York, by using maximum-stage gages: U.S. Geological Survey Journal of Research, v. 6, no. 1, p. 11-21.
Busciolano, Ronald, 2005, Statistical analysis of long-term hydrologic records for selection of drought-monitoring sites on Long Island, New York: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2004-5152, 47 p., online only.
Buxton, H.T., 1985, Estimating average annual base flow at low-flow partial-record stations, Long Island, New York: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 84-4240, 32 p.
Buxton, H.T. and Reilly, T.E., 1985, Effects of sanitary sewers on ground-water levels and streams in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, New York, Part 2, development and application of southwest Suffolk County model: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 83-4209, 39 p.
Harbaugh, A.W. and Getzen, R.T., 1977, Stream simulation in an analog model of the ground-water system on Long Island, New York: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 77-58, 15 p.
Koch, Ellis, 1970, Effects of urbanization on the quality of selected streams in southern Nassau County, Long Island, New York: U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 700-C, P. C189-C192.
Koenig, T.A., Bruce, J.L., O’Connor, J.E., McGee, B.D., Holmes, R.R., Jr., Hollins, Ryan, Forbes, B.T., Kohn, M.S., Schellekens, M.F., Martin, Z.W., and Peppler, M.C., 2016, Identifying and preserving high-water mark data: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods, book 3, chap. A24, 47 p.
Konrad, Christopher P., 2003, Effects of Urban Development on Floods: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 076-03, 4p.
Ku, H.F.H. and Simmons, D.L., 1981, Base flow of streams in Nassau County Sewer Districts 2 and 3, Long Island, New York, 1978-79: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 81-420, 32 p.
Ku, H.F.H. and Simmons, D.L., 1984, Quality and quantity of urban stormwater runoff to recharge basins, Long Island, New York: in U.S. Geological Survey, 1984, Geological Survey Research, Fiscal Year 1981: U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 1375, p. 103.
Misut, P.E. and Monti, Jack, Jr., 2016, Delineation of areas contributing groundwater to selected receiving surface water bodies for long-term average hydrologic conditions from 1968 to 1983 for Long Island, New York: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2016-5138, 22 p.
Olson S.A. and Norris M.J., 2007, U.S. Geological Survey Streamgaging…from the National Streamflow Information Program: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2005-3131, 4 p.
Pluhowski, E.J. and Spinello, A.G., 1978, Impact of sewerage systems on stream base flow and ground-water recharge on Long Island, New York: U.S. Geological Survey Journal of Research, v. 6, no. 2, p. 263-271.
Prince, K.R., 1980, Preliminary investigation of a shallow ground-water flow system associated with Connetquot Brook, Long Island, New York: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 80-47, 37 p.
Prince, K.R., 1981, Use of flow-duration curves to evaluate effects of urbanization on streamflow patterns on Long Island, New York: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 80-114, 19 p.
Reilly, T.E. and Buxton, H.T., 1985, Effects of sanitary sewering on ground-water levels and streams in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, New York, part 3; development and application of southern U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 83-4210, 41 p.
Reynolds, R.J., 1982, Base flow of streams on Long Island, New York: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 81-48, 33 p.
Sauer, V.B., and Turnipseed, D.P., 2010, Stage measurement at gaging stations: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods book 3, chap. A7, 45 p.
Seaburn, G.E., 1970, Preliminary analysis of rate of movement of storm runoff through the zone of aeration beneath a recharge basin on Long Island, New York: U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 700-B, p. B196-B198.
Seaburn, G.E., 1969, Effects of urban development on direct runoff to East Meadow Brook, Nassau County, Long Island, New York: U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 627-B, 14 p.
Spinello, A.G. and Simmons, D.L., 1992, Base flow of 10 south-shore streams, Long Island, New York, 1976-85, and the effects of urbanization on base flow and flow duration: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 90-4205, 34 p.
Sulam, D.J., 1980, Delineation of ground-water contributing areas of streams of southwest Suffolk County, New York: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 80-346, 4 p.
Turnipseed, D.P., and Sauer, V.B., 2010, Discharge measurements at gaging stations: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods book 3, chap. A8, 87 p.
Below are other science projects associated with this project.