How do we benefit from USGS streamgages?
Information on the flow of rivers is a vital national asset that safeguards lives, protects property, and ensures adequate water supplies for the future. The USGS is the federal agency responsible for operating a network of about 7,000 streamgages nationwide.
Data from this network are used by water managers, emergency responders, utilities, environmental agencies, universities, consulting firms, and recreation enthusiasts.
A few examples of the many uses for streamgage data include:
- Planning, designing, operating, and maintaining the Nation’s multipurpose water management systems.
- Issuing flood warnings to protect lives and reduce property damage.
- Designing highways and bridges.
- Mapping floodplains.
- Protecting water quality and regulating pollutant discharges.
- Managing water rights and transboundary water issues.
Learn more:
Related
Filter Total Items: 15
From the River to You: USGS Real-Time Streamflow Information...from the National Streamflow Information Program From the River to You: USGS Real-Time Streamflow Information...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...
Authors
Joseph P. Nielsen, J. Michael Norris
StreamStats: A U.S. Geological Survey Web Application for Stream Information StreamStats: A U.S. Geological Survey Web Application for Stream Information
No abstract available.
Authors
Kernell G. Ries, Peter A. Steeves, Jacqueline D. Coles, Alan H. Rea, David W. Stewart
Related
Filter Total Items: 15
From the River to You: USGS Real-Time Streamflow Information...from the National Streamflow Information Program From the River to You: USGS Real-Time Streamflow Information...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...
Authors
Joseph P. Nielsen, J. Michael Norris
StreamStats: A U.S. Geological Survey Web Application for Stream Information StreamStats: A U.S. Geological Survey Web Application for Stream Information
No abstract available.
Authors
Kernell G. Ries, Peter A. Steeves, Jacqueline D. Coles, Alan H. Rea, David W. Stewart
Updated Date: June 9, 2026