The U.S. Geological Survey, in partnership with the University of Alabama, is constructing a new Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility, a science and engineering facility that will support our water observing networks and research.
The new Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF) on the University of Alabama's Tuscaloosa campus will support training, repairs, and calibration for hydrological equipment that monitors streamflow, groundwater, water quality and other water resource features important to all Americans that rely on water. The HIF will support the greater USGS water-resource monitoring and evaluation mission with training and equipment necessary for the comprehensive scientific study of water availability, quality, and quantity. USGS expects the facility will support and encourage strong collaboration with NOAA’s National Water Center, also located on campus.
The 95,000 square feet, two story facility will include a hydraulics lab, water-quality labs, field testing facilities, environmental chambers, sensor innovation space, warehouse, training labs, network operations center and administrative offices. Unique features of the hydraulics lab will include a tilting flume and test basin for simulating river and stream processes, and a 350 foot-long tow tank and carriage which will provide a national water-velocity standard for calibrating field instrumentation.
Construction began in March 2022, and the USGS plans to take occupancy in 2023.
Learn about related USGS science.
Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF)
View photos and architectural renderings related to the Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility construction project in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
HIF Construction in Tuscaloosa, Alabama
The current view of construction progress at the new HIF facility in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
- Overview
The U.S. Geological Survey, in partnership with the University of Alabama, is constructing a new Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility, a science and engineering facility that will support our water observing networks and research.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.The current view of construction progress at the new HIF facility in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The new Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF) on the University of Alabama's Tuscaloosa campus will support training, repairs, and calibration for hydrological equipment that monitors streamflow, groundwater, water quality and other water resource features important to all Americans that rely on water. The HIF will support the greater USGS water-resource monitoring and evaluation mission with training and equipment necessary for the comprehensive scientific study of water availability, quality, and quantity. USGS expects the facility will support and encourage strong collaboration with NOAA’s National Water Center, also located on campus.
The 95,000 square feet, two story facility will include a hydraulics lab, water-quality labs, field testing facilities, environmental chambers, sensor innovation space, warehouse, training labs, network operations center and administrative offices. Unique features of the hydraulics lab will include a tilting flume and test basin for simulating river and stream processes, and a 350 foot-long tow tank and carriage which will provide a national water-velocity standard for calibrating field instrumentation.
Construction began in March 2022, and the USGS plans to take occupancy in 2023.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.Retaining wall at northeast corner of property.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.Tow Tank foundation being formed.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.Deep sump pit for test basin with adjacent grade beam. - Science
Learn about related USGS science.
Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF)
The USGS Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF) supports the water-resource monitoring efforts of USGS scientists and other Federal scientists by providing quality-assured hydrologic equipment and instrumentation support. - Multimedia
View photos and architectural renderings related to the Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility construction project in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
HIF Construction in Tuscaloosa, Alabama
The current view of construction progress at the new HIF facility in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
- News