USGS Installs New Streamflow Monitoring Station in Hallettsville, Texas

The U.S. Geological Survey installed a new gage to be used for streamflow monitoring in the City of Hallettsville, Texas. 

Reporting river flows is not just a job at USGS – it’s a matter of public safety, environmental protection and wise economic development. The widespread rainfall and flooding that occurred across the state during May and June demonstrated the need for reliable flood warning and flood-related data for water-resource managers, emergency managers, city planners, and decision makers. 

The Lavaca River at Hallettsville gaging station will provide continuous real-time streamflow and precipitation monitoring for the upper Lavaca River basin, which is available online. The installation of a real-time gage in the upper basin will provide emergency managers with hourly data that can be applied to forecast and flood inundation models for Lavaca and Jackson counties. Previously, the only USGS streamgage on the Lavaca River was located 36 miles downstream in the town of Edna, Texas. The installation and yearly operation and maintenance cost of the new gage will be funded by the USGS Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program.

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There are more than 500 USGS-operated streamgages in Texas that measure water levels, streamflow, and rainfall. When flooding occurs, USGS crews make numerous streamflow measurements to verify the data USGS provides to federal, state, and local agencies, as well as to the public.

For more than 125 years, the USGS has monitored flow in selected streams and rivers across the U.S. The information is routinely used for water supply and management, monitoring floods and droughts, bridge and road design, determination of flood risk, and for many recreational activities.

Access current flow, flood and high flow conditions across the country by visiting the USGS WaterWatch website. Receive instant, customized updates about water conditions in your area via text message or email by signing up for USGS WaterAlert. See where floodwaters go by following a stream trace at Streamer. View water data on your mobile device. Learn how a USGS streamgage works.