We monitor hydrologic conditions so you can make informed decisions
Our Scientists operate state-of-the-art data networks that provide spatially-consistent data to compare to historic trends
Our Scientists operate state-of-the-art data networks that provide spatially-consistent data to compare to historic trends
We investigate and study our world and its relation to water
NJWSC is highly involved in research into our ecosystems, streams, groundwater, and their health and water quality
NJWSC is highly involved in research into our ecosystems, streams, groundwater, and their health and water quality
USGS National Water Dashboard for New Jersey
USGS Mobile Flood Tool highlighting New Jersey
USGS Mobile Flood Tool highlighting New Jersey
Coastal Floodplain Inundation Map
New Jersey Groundwater Level and Trends
View current groundwater levels and long-term trends for continuous groundwater monitoring locations across New Jersey
View current groundwater levels and long-term trends for continuous groundwater monitoring locations across New Jersey
How does Ice on Rivers and Streams Affect USGS Streamflow Data
New Jersey Water Science Center
Welcome! Since 1903, the New Jersey Water Science Center has been collecting high-quality hydrologic data and conducting unbiased water-science research to address the water-resource priorities of the Nation, global trends and support statewide water-resource infrastructure and management needs.
New Jersey Current Water Conditions
New Jersey Current Water Conditions
Real-time New Jersey Streamflow, Groundwater, and Water-quality conditions available through the National Water Data Dashboard interactive map application.
NJ WSC Quick Links
NJ WSC Quick Links
Explore some of our more popular science and tools
News
Geospatial Applications to Visualize Science and Support Decision‑Making Across Scales
Geospatial Applications to Visualize Science and Support Decision‑Making Across Scales
Predictions of PFAS in groundwater at drinking water supply depths in the U.S.
Predictions of PFAS in groundwater at drinking water supply depths in the U.S.
USGS deploys “aftershock kits” to study Whitehouse Station earthquakes
USGS deploys “aftershock kits” to study Whitehouse Station earthquakes
Publications
Analysis of alternative weir designs for improved passage of select fish at the U.S. Geological Survey streamgaging weir at Blackwells Mills, New Jersey Analysis of alternative weir designs for improved passage of select fish at the U.S. Geological Survey streamgaging weir at Blackwells Mills, New Jersey
As the population of New Jersey continues to remain dense, the need for water supply will likely continue to be high, which can lead to water managers needing to make difficult decisions about managing drinking-water supply. Streamgaging weirs like the ones used by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) play a critical role in providing accurate and stable streamflow data, but their presence...
Understanding the occurrence and distribution of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in surface waters of the nontidal Passaic River Basin Understanding the occurrence and distribution of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in surface waters of the nontidal Passaic River Basin
This study, completed by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission (NJDWSC), was designed to characterize the occurrence and distribution of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in surface waters of the nontidal Passaic River Basin in New Jersey that have the potential to affect public-drinking-water quality. In 2025, 37 sites...
Occurrence of cyanobacteria and associated cyanotoxins in the Raritan Basin Water Supply Complex, New Jersey, August 2020 to August 2021 Occurrence of cyanobacteria and associated cyanotoxins in the Raritan Basin Water Supply Complex, New Jersey, August 2020 to August 2021
Harmful algal blooms, particularly cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs), have emerged as a substantial global concern because of their detrimental effects on water quality and aquatic ecosystem health. CyanoHABs can produce cyanotoxins, which pose serious health risks to humans and wildlife, such as liver failure and respiratory distress. This is particularly concerning for...
Science
The New Jersey Water Quality Networks
The water quality of New Jersey's water bodies is monitored by the USGS New Jersey Water Science Center to characterize waters, identify trends over time, identify emerging problems, determine whether pollution control programs are working, help direct pollution control efforts to where they are most needed, and respond to emergencies such as floods and spills.
Long-term Water Monitoring Networks in New Jersey
The accurate, long-term monitoring networks of New Jersey Water Science Center provide valuable data in real-time and historical perspective to compare that data to. The longer a monitoring location is in operation, the more valuable it becomes, since more statistical comparisons can be performed. Our field technicians continuously make field measurements and maintain these networks.
Biological Studies in New Jersey Waters
Biological microbes such as Fecal Indicator Bacteria (FIB)—including Escherichia coli (E. coli)—along with pathogens like Cryptosporidium, and microbial signatures used in Microbial Source Tracking (MST), are receiving heightened attention from the public, environmental agencies, and water-resource managers. These indicators help identify potential contamination sources, assess recreational water...