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Long Island Surface-Water Network Active

By New York Water Science Center October 30, 2017

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.

Map of northeast with multicolored dots
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
 Figure 1. Real-Time Streamflow Compared to Historical Streamflow for the Day: The map shown above is a July 2018 snapshot from the USGS WaterWatch interactive mapper that provides information on the current status of streamflow for New York. To access the interactive map click here. (Public domain.)

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

 

New York State, Regional, and National Surface-Water Data

 

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

 

Educational and General Information

 

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.

link
man kneeling on grass with groundwater equipment

U.S. Geological Survey Hydrologic Monitoring on Long Island, New York

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is a science organization that provides impartial information on the health of our ecosystems and environment, the natural hazards that threaten us, the natural resources we rely on, the impacts of climate and land-use change, and the core science systems that help us provide timely, relevant, and usable information.
By
New York Water Science Center
link

U.S. Geological Survey Hydrologic Monitoring on Long Island, New York

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is a science organization that provides impartial information on the health of our ecosystems and environment, the natural hazards that threaten us, the natural resources we rely on, the impacts of climate and land-use change, and the core science systems that help us provide timely, relevant, and usable information.
Learn More
link
2 women sitting on ground writing on notepad

Long Island Groundwater Network

U.S. Geological Survey Hydrologic Monitoring on Long Island, New YorkGroundwater is the sole source of water supply for more than 3 million people on Long Island, New York. Large-scale groundwater pumpage, installation of sanitary- and storm-sewer systems, and frequent variations in precipitation all have significant effects on regional groundwater levels and aquifer storage. In order to properly...
By
New York Water Science Center
link

Long Island Groundwater Network

U.S. Geological Survey Hydrologic Monitoring on Long Island, New YorkGroundwater is the sole source of water supply for more than 3 million people on Long Island, New York. Large-scale groundwater pumpage, installation of sanitary- and storm-sewer systems, and frequent variations in precipitation all have significant effects on regional groundwater levels and aquifer storage. In order to properly...
Learn More

Below are data or web applications associated with this project.

WaterWatch (New York)

USGS Water Watch displays maps, graphs, and tables describing real-time, recent, and past streamflow conditions for the United States. The real-time information generally is updated on an hourly basis. WaterWatch provides streamgage-based maps that show the location of more than 3,000 long-term (30 years or more) USGS streamgages. 

By
New York Water Science Center

Below are publications associated with this project. Additional publications not listed here are provided in the “Publications and Studies” Section of the “Overview” page.

Filter Total Items: 22

Discharge measurements at gaging stations

The techniques and standards for making discharge measurements at streamflow gaging stations are described in this publication. The vertical axis rotating-element current meter, principally the Price current meter, has been traditionally used for most measurements of discharge; however, advancements in acoustic technology have led to important developments in the use of acoustic Doppler current pr
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program

Stage measurement at gaging stations

Stream and reservoir stage are critical parameters in the computation of stream discharge and reservoir volume, respectively. In addition, a record of stream stage is useful in the design of structures that may be affected by stream elevation, as well as for the planning for various uses of flood plains. This report describes equipment and methodology for the observation, sensing, and recording of
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program

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

To assist resource managers and planners in developing informed strategies to address nitrogen loading to coastal water bodies of Long Island, New York, the U.S. Geological Survey and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation initiated a program to delineate a comprehensive dataset of groundwater recharge areas (or areas contributing groundwater), travel times, and outflows to st

Identifying and preserving high-water mark data

High-water marks provide valuable data for understanding recent and historical flood events. The proper collection and recording of high-water mark data from perishable and preserved evidence informs flood assessments, research, and water resource management. Given the high cost of flooding in developed areas, experienced hydrographers, using the best available techniques, can contribute high-qual
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, Colorado Water Science Center

Journal of Research of the U. S. Geological Survey, 1978, volume 6, issue 1

No abstract available.

U.S. Geological Survey Streamgaging...from the National Streamflow Information Program

This Fact Sheet is one in a series that highlights information or recent research findings from the USGS National Streamflow Information Program (NSIP). The investigations and scientific results reported in this series require a nationally consistent streamgaging network with stable long-term monitoring sites and a rigorous program of data, quality assurance, management, archiving, and synthesis.
By
Water Resources Mission Area

Statistical analysis of long-term hydrologic records for selection of drought-monitoring sites on Long Island, New York

Ground water is the sole source of water supply for more than 3 million people on Long Island, New York. Large-scale ground-water pumpage, sewering systems, and prolonged periods of below-normal precipitation have lowered ground-water levels and decreased stream-discharge in western and central Long Island. No method is currently (2004) available on Long Island that can assess data from the ground
By
Water Resources Mission Area, New York Water Science Center

Effects of Urban Development on Floods

By
Water Resources Mission Area, Chesapeake Bay Activities, Washington Water Science Center

Effects of sanitary sewers on ground-water levels and streams in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, New York; part 3: Development and application of southern Nassau County model

By 1990, sanitary sewers in Nassau County Sewage Disposal Districts 2 and 3 and Suffolk County Southwest Sewer District will discharge to the ocean 140 cu ft of water per second that would otherwise be returned to the groundwater system through septic tanks and similar systems. To evaluate the effects of this loss on groundwater levels and streamflow, the U.S. Geological Survey developed a groundw

Effects of urban development on direct runoff to East Meadow Brook, Nassau County, Long Island, New York

The study described in this report is concerned with the effects of intensive urban development on direct runoff to East Meadow Brook, a southward-flowing stream in central Nassau County, N.Y., during the period 1937-66. The specific objectives of the study were (a) to relate indices of urban development to increases in the volume of annual direct runoff to the stream; (b) to compare hydrograph fe

Stream simulation in an analog model of the ground-water system on Long Island, New York

The stream circuits of an electric analog model of the ground-water system of Long Island were modified to more accurately represent the relationahip between streamflow and ground-water levels. Assumptions for use of the revised circuits are (1) that streams are strictly gaining, and (2) that ground-water seepage into the streams is proportional to the difference between streambed elevation and th

Base flow of streams on Long Island, New York

On Long Island, base flow under nonurbanized conditions constitutes 90 to 95% of total stream discharge. Base-flow data from 19 continuously gaged streams are presented as monthly mean and annual mean discharge for water years 1960-75, which includes the 1962-66 drought. The data were derived by hydrograph-separation procedures that isolate mean daily base flow from mean daily discharge. A close e

Below are partners associated with this project.

Friends of Georgica Pond Foundation

Nassau County Department of Public Works

Suffolk County Water Authority

Town of Brookhaven, New York

Village of East Hampton