Science
The HIF supports the water-resource monitoring and evaluation efforts of USGS scientists and other Federal agencies by providing quality-assured hydrologic equipment and instrumentation. The equipment and instruments developed or modified by the HIF are used to monitor water quantity and quality while maximizing accuracy, performance, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
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Instrument and Equipment Development and Modifications
The HIF develops new or modifies existing hydrologic instruments and equipment to maximize accuracy, performance, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. The HIF also designs and configures custom systems from existing equipment and instruments. Examples of these activities are below.
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USGS Streamgaging Network
The USGS Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program supports the collection and (or) delivery of both streamflow and water-level information at approximately 8,500 sites and water-level information alone for more than 1,700 additional sites. The data are served online—most in near realtime—to meet many diverse needs.
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Streamgaging Basics
A streamgage is a structure installed beside a stream or river that contains equipment that measures and records the water level (called gage height or stage) of the stream. Streamflow (also called discharge) is computed from measured water levels using a site-specific relation (called a stage-discharge rating curve) developed from onsite water level and streamflow measurements made by USGS...
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Rapid Deployment Gages (RDGs)
Rapid Deployment Gages (RDGs) are fully-functional streamgages designed to be deployed quickly and temporarily to measure and transmit stream stage data in emergency situations.
