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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

Social Media Spotlight: 2025 Holiday Streamgage Countdown

Social Media Spotlight: 2025 Holiday Streamgage Countdown

USGS scientists explore how open-source tools can support better flood prediction and research

USGS scientists explore how open-source tools can support better flood prediction and research

What’s in the water? USGS has the answer!

What’s in the water? USGS has the answer!

Publications

FluOil—A tool for estimating the transport and deposition of oil-particle aggregates in rivers FluOil—A tool for estimating the transport and deposition of oil-particle aggregates in rivers

The FluOil tool was developed to help with planning and early response for oil spills in rivers where subsurface oil-sediment interactions result in the formation of oil-particle aggregates (OPA). The turbulence and variable velocity associated with water flowing within a natural stream channel creates the conditions needed for an oil slick to break up into small droplets and mix in the...
Authors
Faith Fitzpatrick, Collin Roland, Angus Vaughan, Zhenduo Zhu, David Soong, Rachel Sortor

Quantifying leachable phosphorus from the leaves of common midwest urban street trees and implications for stormwater management Quantifying leachable phosphorus from the leaves of common midwest urban street trees and implications for stormwater management

Urban runoff containing high amounts of nutrients like phosphorus (P) is a well-established driver of surface water eutrophication. In residential areas, a primary source of nutrients is derived from leaf litter. P contained in leaves is leached and transported by stormwater from source to stream. The majority of P leached from leaf litter is in the dissolved phase, which can be...
Authors
Collin Klaubauf, Anita Thompson, William R. Selbig, Laxmir Prasad

Harmonization of a water withdrawal dataset for the conterminous United States Harmonization of a water withdrawal dataset for the conterminous United States

The U.S. Geological Survey is developing nationally consistent water-use modeling approaches to replace previous methods relying on locally specific reported and estimated data. These national assessments require datasets that incorporate water withdrawal variability across the United States and over long periods. However, source data often have unclear definitions, missing or varied...
Authors
Carol L. Luukkonen, Ayman H. Alzraiee, Deidre M. Herbert, Richard G. Niswonger, Joshua Larsen, Cheryl A. Buchwald, Natalie Houston, Cheryl A. Dieter, Lisa D. Miller, Jana S. Stewart

Science

Airborne Electromagnetic (AEM) Surveys for Southwest Michigan, 2026-2027

In partnership with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), the  U.S. Geological S​urvey  (USGS) is conducting an Airborne Electromagnetic (AEM) Survey project in Southwestern Michigan during 2026 and 2027.
Airborne Electromagnetic (AEM) Surveys for Southwest Michigan, 2026-2027

Airborne Electromagnetic (AEM) Surveys for Southwest Michigan, 2026-2027

In partnership with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), the  U.S. Geological S​urvey  (USGS) is conducting an Airborne Electromagnetic (AEM) Survey project in Southwestern Michigan during 2026 and 2027.
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Great Lakes Water Authority Detroit Regional Water Quality Monitoring Program

The Great Lakes Water Authority Detroit Regional Water Quality Monitoring Program provides current and accurate water quality data to track progress toward water quality standard milestones and document long-term trends.
Great Lakes Water Authority Detroit Regional Water Quality Monitoring Program

Great Lakes Water Authority Detroit Regional Water Quality Monitoring Program

The Great Lakes Water Authority Detroit Regional Water Quality Monitoring Program provides current and accurate water quality data to track progress toward water quality standard milestones and document long-term trends.
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Investigating Links between Chloride and Harmful Algal Blooms in the Great Lakes

The USGS is investigating links between chloride concentrations in Great Lakes tributaries as a catalyst for Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs).
Investigating Links between Chloride and Harmful Algal Blooms in the Great Lakes

Investigating Links between Chloride and Harmful Algal Blooms in the Great Lakes

The USGS is investigating links between chloride concentrations in Great Lakes tributaries as a catalyst for Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs).
Learn More
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