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 Content
Why does the USGS use the spelling "gage" instead of "gauge"?
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What is a reach?
What does the term "stream stage" mean?
What is a rating curve? Why does it change over time?
Where can I get real-time and historical streamflow information?
How often are real-time streamflow data updated?
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Water priorities for the nation—The U.S. Geological Survey next generation water observing system
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Compilation of streamflow statistics calculated from daily mean streamflow data collected during water years 1901–2015 for selected U.S. Geological Survey streamgages
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How does a U.S. Geological Survey streamgage work?
Information on the flow of rivers and streams is a vital national asset that safeguards lives, protects property, and ensures adequate water supplies for the future. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) operates a network of more than 9,000 streamgages nationwide with more than 500 in Texas.
Lurry, Dee L.
U.S. Geological Survey Streamgage Operation and Maintenance Cost Evaluation...from the National Streamflow Information Program
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An Evaluation of Selected Extraordinary Floods in the United States Reported by the U.S. Geological Survey and Implications for Future Advancement of Flood Science
Thirty flood peak discharges determine the envelope curve of maximum floods documented in the United States by the U.S. Geological Survey. These floods occurred from 1927 to 1978 and are extraordinary not just in their magnitude, but in their hydraulic and geomorphic characteristics. The reliability of the computed discharge of these extraordinary...
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From the River to You: USGS Real-Time Streamflow Information...from the National Streamflow Information Program
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Floods and flood plains
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The Vital Nature of Streamgaging
Gary Moore spent the last three days of 2015 stacking hefty bags of sand in front of a fellow church member’s brick home. With only 1,000 feet between the house and the swelling Mississippi and Meramec Rivers, Moore and other volunteers worked quickly, in frigid temperatures, to assemble a 10-foot high, 1,000-foot-long sandbag wall to ward off floodwaters.
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Snowmibiles needed to get to Blackrock Creek streamgage
Snowmibiles needed to get to Blackrock Creek streamgage
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Historic USGS Streamgage on the Wabash River at Lafayette Indiana
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A USGS hydrologic technician installing a Rapid Deployment Gauge
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USGS Streamgage near Junction, Texas
A modern 21st century version of a streamgage structure.
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USGS streamgage measures flooding in the lower Trinity River
A USGS streamgage measures flooding in the lower Trinity River, Texas.
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Streamgage 13317000, Salmon River at White Bird, Idaho
U.S. Geological Survey hydrographer Doug Ott inspects the gagehouse at streamgage stations 13317000, Salmon River at White Bird, Idaho, May 10, 2013. The flow at the gage was approximately 40,000 cubic feet per second at the time of this photo.
Flood Waters Take USGS Streamgage Wind River near Crowheart, WY
Gagehouse at 06225500 Wind River near Crowheart WY right before it washed away.
Jul 01 2011; 13,900 ft3/s
Celebrating the First USGS Streamgage
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Streamgages: The Silent Superhero
Whether you drink water from your tap, use electricity or canoe down your local river, chances are you benefit from USGS streamgage information. So what is a streamgage and what does it do for you? This CoreCast episode gives you the inside scoop on your silent superhero.
Transcript and captions available soon.