NWIS Current Water Data for the Nation (Real-Time Data)
Water Data for the Nation
The USGS Water Mission Area has a wide variety of tools available to improve the access and understanding of U.S. water information. Some of our most popular services are highlighted below. You can also visit The Water Data for the Nation Blog to view posts that highlight developments, data, and applications of these services.
Current Water Data
The USGS provides Current Water Data for the Nation in real-time or near-real-time conditions at sites across the US. Current data typically are recorded at 15- to 60-minute intervals, stored onsite, and then transmitted to USGS offices every 1 to 4 hours, depending on the data relay technique used. Recording and transmission times may be more frequent during critical events.
Water Data Site Information
Water-Data Site Information for the Nation contains information about USGS sites at stream reaches, wells, test holes, springs, tunnels, drains, lakes, reservoirs, ponds, excavations, and water-use facilities. Site-level and time-series level revisions are also now available.
Water Use Data
Water-use data for the Nation is collected by area type (state, county, watershed, or aquifer) and source (such as rivers or groundwater), and category (such as public supply or irrigation). Water-use data has been reported every five years since 1950. The USGS works in cooperation with local, State, and Federal agencies as well as academic and private organizations to collect and report withdrawals.
Water Data for the Nation Automated Retrievals
Water Data for the Nation Automated Retrievals provides information about methods you can use to automatically get data from the USGS Water Data for the Nation system.
