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Upper Midwest Water Science Center

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

News

Project Spotlight: USGS Scientists Work with Kenai Peninsula Communities to Define Baseline Water Data Amid Climate Uncertainty

Project Spotlight: USGS Scientists Work with Kenai Peninsula Communities to Define Baseline Water Data Amid Climate Uncertainty

Low-level helicopter flights to image geology over Michigan and Wisconsin

Low-level helicopter flights to image geology over Michigan and Wisconsin

Gage Greatness 2025 - Does the Upper Midwest Water Science Center have the #GreatestGage?

Gage Greatness 2025 - Does the Upper Midwest Water Science Center have the #GreatestGage?

Publications

U.S. Geological Survey science strategy to address highly pathogenic avian influenza and its effects on wildlife health 2025–29 U.S. Geological Survey science strategy to address highly pathogenic avian influenza and its effects on wildlife health 2025–29

Executive SummaryHighly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is an ecologically and economically important animal disease that can also directly affect humans (a “zoonotic” disease). HPAI was once limited almost exclusively to domestic poultry but has rapidly adapted to diverse animal hosts. Viruses causing HPAI now appear to be maintained and dispersed by wild birds largely independent of...
Authors
Andrew M. Ramey, Diann J. Prosser, Laura E. Hubbard, Guelaguetza Vazquez-Meves, Amy George, M. Camille Hopkins

Ecological factors decouple Great Lakes fish mercury concentrations trends decadal declines in mercury emissions Ecological factors decouple Great Lakes fish mercury concentrations trends decadal declines in mercury emissions

Atmospheric mercury (Hg) deposition has been declining in North America but remains the dominant delivery mechanism to the Great Lakes. The Lakes are highly efficient at bioaccumulating methylmercury, making the fish excellent sentinels for tracking shifts in atmospheric Hg deposition. Invasive mussels have altered biogeochemical processes, prey populations and fish dietary strategies...
Authors
Ryan F. Lepak, Joel C. Hoffman, Sarah E. Janssen, Michael T. Tate, Morgann B Gordon, Michael B. Mahon, Samantha L. Rumschlag, Christopher T. Yarnes, Brian A. Lennel, David P. Krabbenhoft, Jacob M. Ogorek, James P. Hurley

Evaluating per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) prevalence and potential for biological effects in Lake Superior tributaries Evaluating per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) prevalence and potential for biological effects in Lake Superior tributaries

Several per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are Great Lakes binational chemicals of mutual concern. Although known to be persistent, data gaps regarding PFAS prevalence and biological effects exist, especially within Lake Superior’s watershed. In this 2022 study of 27 United States tributaries to Lake Superior, water samples were collected during spring runoff, summer baseflow...
Authors
Matthew A. Pronschinske, Steven R. Corsi, Sarah M. Elliott, Martin M. Shafer, Kristen Hannon, Kaitlyn Gruber, Christina K. Remucal

Science

Leading the Way: Specialized Laboratory Contributions to Environmental Health

The Environmental Health Program features a Unified Core Technology Team comprised of multiple laboratories with specialized expertise that support the overall program research assessing actual and perceived risks from environmental contaminants and pathogens. Individual Core Technology Teams work closely with the Integrated Science Teams to ensure current and emerging techniques are being used to...
Leading the Way: Specialized Laboratory Contributions to Environmental Health

Leading the Way: Specialized Laboratory Contributions to Environmental Health

The Environmental Health Program features a Unified Core Technology Team comprised of multiple laboratories with specialized expertise that support the overall program research assessing actual and perceived risks from environmental contaminants and pathogens. Individual Core Technology Teams work closely with the Integrated Science Teams to ensure current and emerging techniques are being used to...
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Beyond the Usual Suspects: A Comprehensive Look at Agricultural Stream Contaminants

Clean water is essential for both environmental health and human safety, but many everyday products and activities can contribute to water pollution including contaminants such as microplastics, harmful chemicals such as pharmaceuticals and pesticides, and antibiotic resistance genes. A recent USGS study in Iowa investigated pollutants in streams, including stream sediment and biota, to determine...
Beyond the Usual Suspects: A Comprehensive Look at Agricultural Stream Contaminants

Beyond the Usual Suspects: A Comprehensive Look at Agricultural Stream Contaminants

Clean water is essential for both environmental health and human safety, but many everyday products and activities can contribute to water pollution including contaminants such as microplastics, harmful chemicals such as pharmaceuticals and pesticides, and antibiotic resistance genes. A recent USGS study in Iowa investigated pollutants in streams, including stream sediment and biota, to determine...
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Wings of Change: The Environment's Influence on Bird Flu

Low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses naturally occur in wild birds and are rarely fatal. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses are highly contagious, spread rapidly, are often fatal to poultry, and have been responsible for worldwide outbreaks. Together, LPAI and HPAI are generally referred to as either avian influenza viruses (AIVs) or "the bird flu."
Wings of Change: The Environment's Influence on Bird Flu

Wings of Change: The Environment's Influence on Bird Flu

Low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses naturally occur in wild birds and are rarely fatal. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses are highly contagious, spread rapidly, are often fatal to poultry, and have been responsible for worldwide outbreaks. Together, LPAI and HPAI are generally referred to as either avian influenza viruses (AIVs) or "the bird flu."
Learn More
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