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USGS Oregon Water Science Center is open and operational

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Real Data. Real Fast.

Realtime conditions for lakes and rivers near you

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Environmental Health

Part of USGS's story in Oregon

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New Problems? New Solutions.

Free quality data to inform better decisions

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Oregon Water Science Center

Welcome to the USGS in Oregon. Our mission is to explore the natural world around us and provide reliable scientific information to help Federal, State, and local agencies, Tribes, and the public make well-informed decisions. Our research is widely used to manage Oregon's water resources for the benefit and safety of people and the environment. 

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Live Stream Conditions

muddy Willamette River

See what is happening in streams near you. View real-time stream data for streams around Oregon.

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Weekly Science Seminar

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Our lunchtime seminars are held Tuesdays from 12pm to 1 pm and are open to the public.

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New or Relevant

See what the USGS is doing locally.

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News

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Joint Study of Harney Basin will Guide Future Groundwater Planning and Management

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USGS Selects Willamette River Basin as Fourth Integrated Water Science Basin

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Updated Interactive Map Showing Groundwater Levels in the Upper Klamath Basin Aids Water, Land Managers

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Publications

Sources and characteristics of dissolved organic carbon in the McKenzie River, Oregon, related to the formation of disinfection by-products in treated drinking water

Executive SummaryThis study characterized the concentration and quality of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the McKenzie River, a relatively undeveloped watershed in western Oregon, and its link to forming disinfection by-products (DBPs) in treated drinking water. The study aimed to identify the primary source(s) of DOC in source water for the Eugene Water & Electric Board’s (EWEB) conventional t
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Water Resources, Oregon Water Science Center

Assessing the impact of chloride deicer application in the Siskiyou Pass, southern Oregon

Chloride deicers have been applied by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to Interstate Route 5 (I–5) from the Oregon-California border north to mile marker 10 for several years in the high-elevation area known as the Siskiyou Pass. Magnesium chloride (MgCl2) and sodium chloride (NaCl) are applied to keep the interstate highway safe for drivers and allow for efficient transport of goods
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Water Resources, New England Water Science Center, Oregon Water Science Center

Monitoring framework to evaluate effectiveness of aquatic and floodplain habitat restoration activities for native fish along the Willamette River, northwestern Oregon

Since 2008, large-scale restoration programs have been implemented along the Willamette River, Oregon, to address historical losses of floodplain habitats caused by dam construction, bank protection, large wood removal, land conversion, and other anthropogenic influences. The Willamette Focused Investment Partnership (WFIP) restoration initiative brings together more than 16 organizations to impro
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Ecosystems, Water Resources, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Oregon Water Science Center
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Science

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areal view of the Klamath River, Iron Gate Dam and Hatchery. A portion of the Iron Gate Reservoir can be seen to the right.

Klamath Dam Removal Studies

Following the removal of four dams along the Klamath River, free-flowing river conditions may result in novel water quality, sediment transport, and geomorphic conditions leading to temporary or longer-term ecological impacts. Basin partners are reliant upon the USGS to provide continuous and discrete monitoring data to support post-dam removal assessments.
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California Water Science Center, Oregon Water Science Center, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Western Geographic Science Center
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Klamath Dam Removal Studies

Following the removal of four dams along the Klamath River, free-flowing river conditions may result in novel water quality, sediment transport, and geomorphic conditions leading to temporary or longer-term ecological impacts. Basin partners are reliant upon the USGS to provide continuous and discrete monitoring data to support post-dam removal assessments.
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kayaking scientists

Willamette FIP Effectiveness Monitoring Framework

The goal of this project is to develop an effectiveness monitoring framework that can be used to inform monitoring and data collection for the Willamette River Focused Investment Partnership (WFIP) Effectiveness Monitoring Program. The USGS is developing this monitoring framework in collaboration with the Benton Soil and Water Conservation District (BSWCD), Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF...
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Oregon Water Science Center
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Willamette FIP Effectiveness Monitoring Framework

The goal of this project is to develop an effectiveness monitoring framework that can be used to inform monitoring and data collection for the Willamette River Focused Investment Partnership (WFIP) Effectiveness Monitoring Program. The USGS is developing this monitoring framework in collaboration with the Benton Soil and Water Conservation District (BSWCD), Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF...
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Upper Klamath Lake

Movements and Behavior of Radio-Tagged Adult Lost River and Shortnose Suckers in Response to Water Quality in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon

Severe water quality problems in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon, have led to critical fishery concerns for the region, including the listing of Lost River and shortnose suckers as endangered in 1988. In April 2001, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) released a Biological Opinion in which several reasonable and prudent alternatives to allow for the continued operation of the Klamath Project...
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Oregon Water Science Center
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Movements and Behavior of Radio-Tagged Adult Lost River and Shortnose Suckers in Response to Water Quality in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon

Severe water quality problems in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon, have led to critical fishery concerns for the region, including the listing of Lost River and shortnose suckers as endangered in 1988. In April 2001, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) released a Biological Opinion in which several reasonable and prudent alternatives to allow for the continued operation of the Klamath Project...
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