Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

David Rus

Dave Rus is a Supervisory Hydrologist and Water Quality Specialist with the U.S. Geological Survey Central Plains Water Science Center, based in Lincoln, Nebraska. 

Education and Certifications

  • 1996, B.S. Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

  • 2010, M.S. Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Science and Products

Filter Total Items: 22

Tapwater-contaminant mixtures and risk in a biofuel-facility impacted private-well community Tapwater-contaminant mixtures and risk in a biofuel-facility impacted private-well community

We assessed private-well drinking water (DW) at the point of use (i.e., tapwater, TW) within a rural Nebraska community around a state-closed biofuel facility, which used pesticide-treated corn seed as feedstock for ethanol production. Organic (485), inorganic (34), and microbial (13) analytes were assessed at 15 locations in June 2022, to evaluate the relative contribution of facility...
Authors
Paul M. Bradley, Shannon M. Meppelink, Kristin Romanok, Molly L. Schreiner, Kelly Smalling, Shannon L. Bartelt-Hunt, Brenda Densmore, Stephanie E. Gordon, Keith Loftin, R. Blaine McCleskey, Eleanor G. Rogan, David L. Rus, Daniel D. Snow
By
South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

Pesticide concentrations in multiple physical and biological stream matrices are impacted by a bioenergy production facility receiving pesticide coated corn seeds Pesticide concentrations in multiple physical and biological stream matrices are impacted by a bioenergy production facility receiving pesticide coated corn seeds

Insecticide and fungicide seed coatings have become prevalent in conventional agriculture in recent decades. From 2015 to 2021, the AltEn bioenergy plant (Mead, Nebraska, USA) generated ethanol from almost 100% unused/expired treated corn seeds. This use of these seeds for ethanol production resulted in the accumulation of large amounts of contaminated wastewater and solid residue, a...
Authors
Michelle L. Hladik, Dana W. Kolpin, Matthew D. De Parsia, Daniel D. Snow, Shannon Bartelt-Hunt, Brenda Densmore, Laura E. Hubbard, David L. Rus, Jonathan J. Spurgeon, Brittany G. Perrotta, Karen A. Kidd, Johanna M. Kraus, Carrie E. Givens, Christopher James Kotalik, David Walters
By
California Water Science Center

Continuous turbidity data used to compute constituent concentrations in the South Loup River, Nebraska, 2017–18 Continuous turbidity data used to compute constituent concentrations in the South Loup River, Nebraska, 2017–18

The South Loup River in central Nebraska has been impaired by bacteria since at least 2004, which has resulted in the river not meeting its intended use as a recreational waterway. As part of a strategy for reducing the bacterial load in the river, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Lower Loup Natural Resources District, made continuous estimates of Escherichia coli (E...
Authors
David L. Rus, Brenda K. Densmore
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Central Plains Water Science Center

Urban stormwater: An overlooked pathway of extensive mixed contaminants to surface and groundwaters in the United States Urban stormwater: An overlooked pathway of extensive mixed contaminants to surface and groundwaters in the United States

Increasing global reliance on stormwater control measures to reduce discharge to surface water, increase groundwater recharge, and minimize contaminant delivery to receiving waterbodies necessitates improved understanding of stormwater-contaminant profiles. A multi-agency study of organic and inorganic chemicals in urban stormwater from 50 runoff events at 21 sites across the United...
Authors
Jason R. Masoner, Dana W. Kolpin, Isabelle M. Cozzarelli, Larry B. Barber, D.S. Burden, William T. Foreman, Kenneth J. Forshay, Edward Furlong, Justin F. Groves, Michelle L. Hladik, Matthew E. Hopton, Jeanne B. Jaeschke, Steffanie H. Keefe, David Krabbenhoft, Richard Lowrance, Kristin Romanok, David L. Rus, William R. Selbig, Brad Williams, Paul Bradley
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Science Synthesis, Analysis, and Research Program, Contaminant Biology, Science Analytics and Synthesis (SAS) Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, California Water Science Center, Central Midwest Water Science Center, New Jersey Water Science Center, Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Reston Biogeochemical Processes in Groundwater Laboratory

Relating cyanobacteria and physicochemical water-quality properties in Willow Creek Lake, Nebraska, 2012–14 Relating cyanobacteria and physicochemical water-quality properties in Willow Creek Lake, Nebraska, 2012–14

Cyanobacteria (also referred to as blue-green algae) are naturally present members of phytoplankton assemblages that may detract from beneficial uses of water because some strains produce cyanotoxins that pose health hazards to people and animals. Cyanobacteria populations observed in Willow Creek Lake during 2012 through 2014 were compared to external nutrient loading from the Willow...
Authors
David L. Rus, Brent M. Hall, Steven A. Thomas
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Central Plains Water Science Center

Water balance monitoring for two bioretention gardens in Omaha, Nebraska, 2011–14 Water balance monitoring for two bioretention gardens in Omaha, Nebraska, 2011–14

Bioretention gardens are used to help mitigate stormwater runoff in urban settings in an attempt to restore the hydrologic response of the developed land to a natural predevelopment response in which more water is infiltrated rather than routed directly to urban drainage networks. To better understand the performance of bioretention gardens in facilitating infiltration of stormwater in...
Authors
Kellan R. Strauch, David L. Rus, Kent E. Holm
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Central Plains Water Science Center

Sediment loads and transport at constructed chutes along the Missouri River - Upper Hamburg Chute near Nebraska City, Nebraska, and Kansas Chute near Peru, Nebraska Sediment loads and transport at constructed chutes along the Missouri River - Upper Hamburg Chute near Nebraska City, Nebraska, and Kansas Chute near Peru, Nebraska

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, monitored suspended sediment within constructed Missouri River chutes during March through October 2012. Chutes were constructed at selected river bends by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to help mitigate aquatic habitat lost through the creation and maintenance of the navigation channel on the Missouri...
Authors
Brenda K. Densmore, David L. Rus, Matthew T. Moser, Brent M. Hall, Michael J. Andersen
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Central Plains Water Science Center

Characteristics of sediment transport at selected sites along the Missouri River, 2011–12 Characteristics of sediment transport at selected sites along the Missouri River, 2011–12

Extreme flooding in the Missouri River in 2011, followed by a year of more typical streamflows in 2012, allowed the sediment-transport regime to be compared between the unprecedented conditions of 2011 and the year immediately following the flooding. As part of a cooperative effort between the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this report follows up U.S...
Authors
David L. Rus, Joel M. Galloway, Jason S. Alexander
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Central Plains Water Science Center

Relations of water-quality constituent concentrations to surrogate measurements in the lower Platte River corridor, Nebraska, 2007 through 2011 Relations of water-quality constituent concentrations to surrogate measurements in the lower Platte River corridor, Nebraska, 2007 through 2011

The lower Platte River, Nebraska, provides drinking water, irrigation water, and in-stream flows for recreation, wildlife habitat, and vital habitats for several threatened and endangered species. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Lower Platte River Corridor Alliance (LPRCA) developed site-specific regression models for water-quality constituents at four sites...
Authors
Nathaniel J. Schaepe, Philip J. Soenksen, David L. Rus
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Central Plains Water Science Center

Sediment transport and deposition in the lower Missouri River during the 2011 flood Sediment transport and deposition in the lower Missouri River during the 2011 flood

Floodwater in the Missouri River in 2011 originated in upper-basin regions and tributaries, and then travelled through a series of large flood-control reservoirs, setting records for total runoff volume entering all six Missouri River main-stem reservoirs. The flooding lasted as long as 3 months. The U.S Geological Survey (USGS) examined sediment transport and deposition in the lower...
Authors
Jason S. Alexander, Robert B. Jacobson, David L. Rus
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Columbia Environmental Research Center

Assessing total nitrogen in surface-water samples--precision and bias of analytical and computational methods Assessing total nitrogen in surface-water samples--precision and bias of analytical and computational methods

The characterization of total-nitrogen (TN) concentrations is an important component of many surface-water-quality programs. However, three widely used methods for the determination of total nitrogen—(1) derived from the alkaline-persulfate digestion of whole-water samples (TN-A); (2) calculated as the sum of total Kjeldahl nitrogen and dissolved nitrate plus nitrite (TN-K); and (3)...
Authors
David L. Rus, Charles J. Patton, David K. Mueller, Charles G. Crawford
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Central Plains Water Science Center

Comparison of water consumption in two riparian vegetation communities along the central Platte River, Nebraska, 2008–09 and 2011 Comparison of water consumption in two riparian vegetation communities along the central Platte River, Nebraska, 2008–09 and 2011

The Platte River is a vital natural resource for the people, plants, and animals of Nebraska. A recent study quantified water use by riparian woodlands along central reaches of the Platte River, Nebraska, finding that water use was mainly regulated below maximum predicted levels. A comparative study was launched through a cooperative partnership between the U.S. Geological Survey, the...
Authors
Brent M. Hall, David L. Rus
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Central Plains Water Science Center
Continuous water-quality monitor in the Niobrara River at Sparks, Neb.

Continuous Water-Quality Monitoring Network

The USGS Nebraska Water Science Center maintains a network of continuous water-quality monitors across Nebraska which provide near-real-time water-quality data. Continuous water-quality monitors are typically installed at or near existing USGS stream gages or wells. Parameters that are monitored at continuous water-quality sites include water temperature, specific conductance, dissolved oxygen...
By
Central Plains Water Science Center
Continuous Water-Quality Monitoring Network

Continuous Water-Quality Monitoring Network

The USGS Nebraska Water Science Center maintains a network of continuous water-quality monitors across Nebraska which provide near-real-time water-quality data. Continuous water-quality monitors are typically installed at or near existing USGS stream gages or wells. Parameters that are monitored at continuous water-quality sites include water temperature, specific conductance, dissolved oxygen...
Learn More
Bioretention cell at the Douglas County Health Center, Nebraska

Bioretention Cell Monitoring, Douglas County, Nebraska

USGS Nebraska Water Science Center hydrologists, in cooperation with Douglas County, Nebraska, are monitoring the performance of stormwater bioretention cells that use “green” infrastructure techniques in Omaha, Nebraska. Bioretention cells are used to reduce the quantity of stormwater that flows into a combined sewer overflow (CSO) system which reduces discharge of raw sewage into local streams...
By
Central Plains Water Science Center
Bioretention Cell Monitoring, Douglas County, Nebraska

Bioretention Cell Monitoring, Douglas County, Nebraska

USGS Nebraska Water Science Center hydrologists, in cooperation with Douglas County, Nebraska, are monitoring the performance of stormwater bioretention cells that use “green” infrastructure techniques in Omaha, Nebraska. Bioretention cells are used to reduce the quantity of stormwater that flows into a combined sewer overflow (CSO) system which reduces discharge of raw sewage into local streams...
Learn More

Monitoring Data for Willow Creek Lake, Nebraska, 2012-14 Monitoring Data for Willow Creek Lake, Nebraska, 2012-14

Monitoring data were collected from the Willow Creek drainage basin and Willow Creek Lake with a focus on 2012-14. Included are datasets of meteorology; lake measurements of water levels, sediment nutrients, and physical, chemical, and biological data; streamflow and stream chemistry; and calculated nutrient loads to the lake.
By
Central Plains Water Science Center
Image: Measuring the Morning Mist
Measuring the Morning Mist
Measuring the Morning Mist
Image: Measuring the Morning Mist

Measuring the Morning Mist

Measuring the Morning Mist

Sunrise on an evapotranspiration-monitoring site in a riparian grassland along the Platte River, Nebraska on September 25, 2007.

By
Water Resources, Communications and Publishing
Image: Measuring the Morning Mist

Measuring the Morning Mist

Measuring the Morning Mist

Sunrise on an evapotranspiration-monitoring site in a riparian grassland along the Platte River, Nebraska on September 25, 2007.

By
Water Resources, Communications and Publishing

Science and Products

Filter Total Items: 22

Tapwater-contaminant mixtures and risk in a biofuel-facility impacted private-well community Tapwater-contaminant mixtures and risk in a biofuel-facility impacted private-well community

We assessed private-well drinking water (DW) at the point of use (i.e., tapwater, TW) within a rural Nebraska community around a state-closed biofuel facility, which used pesticide-treated corn seed as feedstock for ethanol production. Organic (485), inorganic (34), and microbial (13) analytes were assessed at 15 locations in June 2022, to evaluate the relative contribution of facility...
Authors
Paul M. Bradley, Shannon M. Meppelink, Kristin Romanok, Molly L. Schreiner, Kelly Smalling, Shannon L. Bartelt-Hunt, Brenda Densmore, Stephanie E. Gordon, Keith Loftin, R. Blaine McCleskey, Eleanor G. Rogan, David L. Rus, Daniel D. Snow
By
South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

Pesticide concentrations in multiple physical and biological stream matrices are impacted by a bioenergy production facility receiving pesticide coated corn seeds Pesticide concentrations in multiple physical and biological stream matrices are impacted by a bioenergy production facility receiving pesticide coated corn seeds

Insecticide and fungicide seed coatings have become prevalent in conventional agriculture in recent decades. From 2015 to 2021, the AltEn bioenergy plant (Mead, Nebraska, USA) generated ethanol from almost 100% unused/expired treated corn seeds. This use of these seeds for ethanol production resulted in the accumulation of large amounts of contaminated wastewater and solid residue, a...
Authors
Michelle L. Hladik, Dana W. Kolpin, Matthew D. De Parsia, Daniel D. Snow, Shannon Bartelt-Hunt, Brenda Densmore, Laura E. Hubbard, David L. Rus, Jonathan J. Spurgeon, Brittany G. Perrotta, Karen A. Kidd, Johanna M. Kraus, Carrie E. Givens, Christopher James Kotalik, David Walters
By
California Water Science Center

Continuous turbidity data used to compute constituent concentrations in the South Loup River, Nebraska, 2017–18 Continuous turbidity data used to compute constituent concentrations in the South Loup River, Nebraska, 2017–18

The South Loup River in central Nebraska has been impaired by bacteria since at least 2004, which has resulted in the river not meeting its intended use as a recreational waterway. As part of a strategy for reducing the bacterial load in the river, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Lower Loup Natural Resources District, made continuous estimates of Escherichia coli (E...
Authors
David L. Rus, Brenda K. Densmore
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Central Plains Water Science Center

Urban stormwater: An overlooked pathway of extensive mixed contaminants to surface and groundwaters in the United States Urban stormwater: An overlooked pathway of extensive mixed contaminants to surface and groundwaters in the United States

Increasing global reliance on stormwater control measures to reduce discharge to surface water, increase groundwater recharge, and minimize contaminant delivery to receiving waterbodies necessitates improved understanding of stormwater-contaminant profiles. A multi-agency study of organic and inorganic chemicals in urban stormwater from 50 runoff events at 21 sites across the United...
Authors
Jason R. Masoner, Dana W. Kolpin, Isabelle M. Cozzarelli, Larry B. Barber, D.S. Burden, William T. Foreman, Kenneth J. Forshay, Edward Furlong, Justin F. Groves, Michelle L. Hladik, Matthew E. Hopton, Jeanne B. Jaeschke, Steffanie H. Keefe, David Krabbenhoft, Richard Lowrance, Kristin Romanok, David L. Rus, William R. Selbig, Brad Williams, Paul Bradley
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Science Synthesis, Analysis, and Research Program, Contaminant Biology, Science Analytics and Synthesis (SAS) Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, California Water Science Center, Central Midwest Water Science Center, New Jersey Water Science Center, Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Reston Biogeochemical Processes in Groundwater Laboratory

Relating cyanobacteria and physicochemical water-quality properties in Willow Creek Lake, Nebraska, 2012–14 Relating cyanobacteria and physicochemical water-quality properties in Willow Creek Lake, Nebraska, 2012–14

Cyanobacteria (also referred to as blue-green algae) are naturally present members of phytoplankton assemblages that may detract from beneficial uses of water because some strains produce cyanotoxins that pose health hazards to people and animals. Cyanobacteria populations observed in Willow Creek Lake during 2012 through 2014 were compared to external nutrient loading from the Willow...
Authors
David L. Rus, Brent M. Hall, Steven A. Thomas
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Central Plains Water Science Center

Water balance monitoring for two bioretention gardens in Omaha, Nebraska, 2011–14 Water balance monitoring for two bioretention gardens in Omaha, Nebraska, 2011–14

Bioretention gardens are used to help mitigate stormwater runoff in urban settings in an attempt to restore the hydrologic response of the developed land to a natural predevelopment response in which more water is infiltrated rather than routed directly to urban drainage networks. To better understand the performance of bioretention gardens in facilitating infiltration of stormwater in...
Authors
Kellan R. Strauch, David L. Rus, Kent E. Holm
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Central Plains Water Science Center

Sediment loads and transport at constructed chutes along the Missouri River - Upper Hamburg Chute near Nebraska City, Nebraska, and Kansas Chute near Peru, Nebraska Sediment loads and transport at constructed chutes along the Missouri River - Upper Hamburg Chute near Nebraska City, Nebraska, and Kansas Chute near Peru, Nebraska

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, monitored suspended sediment within constructed Missouri River chutes during March through October 2012. Chutes were constructed at selected river bends by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to help mitigate aquatic habitat lost through the creation and maintenance of the navigation channel on the Missouri...
Authors
Brenda K. Densmore, David L. Rus, Matthew T. Moser, Brent M. Hall, Michael J. Andersen
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Central Plains Water Science Center

Characteristics of sediment transport at selected sites along the Missouri River, 2011–12 Characteristics of sediment transport at selected sites along the Missouri River, 2011–12

Extreme flooding in the Missouri River in 2011, followed by a year of more typical streamflows in 2012, allowed the sediment-transport regime to be compared between the unprecedented conditions of 2011 and the year immediately following the flooding. As part of a cooperative effort between the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this report follows up U.S...
Authors
David L. Rus, Joel M. Galloway, Jason S. Alexander
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Central Plains Water Science Center

Relations of water-quality constituent concentrations to surrogate measurements in the lower Platte River corridor, Nebraska, 2007 through 2011 Relations of water-quality constituent concentrations to surrogate measurements in the lower Platte River corridor, Nebraska, 2007 through 2011

The lower Platte River, Nebraska, provides drinking water, irrigation water, and in-stream flows for recreation, wildlife habitat, and vital habitats for several threatened and endangered species. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Lower Platte River Corridor Alliance (LPRCA) developed site-specific regression models for water-quality constituents at four sites...
Authors
Nathaniel J. Schaepe, Philip J. Soenksen, David L. Rus
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Central Plains Water Science Center

Sediment transport and deposition in the lower Missouri River during the 2011 flood Sediment transport and deposition in the lower Missouri River during the 2011 flood

Floodwater in the Missouri River in 2011 originated in upper-basin regions and tributaries, and then travelled through a series of large flood-control reservoirs, setting records for total runoff volume entering all six Missouri River main-stem reservoirs. The flooding lasted as long as 3 months. The U.S Geological Survey (USGS) examined sediment transport and deposition in the lower...
Authors
Jason S. Alexander, Robert B. Jacobson, David L. Rus
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Columbia Environmental Research Center

Assessing total nitrogen in surface-water samples--precision and bias of analytical and computational methods Assessing total nitrogen in surface-water samples--precision and bias of analytical and computational methods

The characterization of total-nitrogen (TN) concentrations is an important component of many surface-water-quality programs. However, three widely used methods for the determination of total nitrogen—(1) derived from the alkaline-persulfate digestion of whole-water samples (TN-A); (2) calculated as the sum of total Kjeldahl nitrogen and dissolved nitrate plus nitrite (TN-K); and (3)...
Authors
David L. Rus, Charles J. Patton, David K. Mueller, Charles G. Crawford
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Central Plains Water Science Center

Comparison of water consumption in two riparian vegetation communities along the central Platte River, Nebraska, 2008–09 and 2011 Comparison of water consumption in two riparian vegetation communities along the central Platte River, Nebraska, 2008–09 and 2011

The Platte River is a vital natural resource for the people, plants, and animals of Nebraska. A recent study quantified water use by riparian woodlands along central reaches of the Platte River, Nebraska, finding that water use was mainly regulated below maximum predicted levels. A comparative study was launched through a cooperative partnership between the U.S. Geological Survey, the...
Authors
Brent M. Hall, David L. Rus
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Central Plains Water Science Center
Continuous water-quality monitor in the Niobrara River at Sparks, Neb.

Continuous Water-Quality Monitoring Network

The USGS Nebraska Water Science Center maintains a network of continuous water-quality monitors across Nebraska which provide near-real-time water-quality data. Continuous water-quality monitors are typically installed at or near existing USGS stream gages or wells. Parameters that are monitored at continuous water-quality sites include water temperature, specific conductance, dissolved oxygen...
By
Central Plains Water Science Center
Continuous Water-Quality Monitoring Network

Continuous Water-Quality Monitoring Network

The USGS Nebraska Water Science Center maintains a network of continuous water-quality monitors across Nebraska which provide near-real-time water-quality data. Continuous water-quality monitors are typically installed at or near existing USGS stream gages or wells. Parameters that are monitored at continuous water-quality sites include water temperature, specific conductance, dissolved oxygen...
Learn More
Bioretention cell at the Douglas County Health Center, Nebraska

Bioretention Cell Monitoring, Douglas County, Nebraska

USGS Nebraska Water Science Center hydrologists, in cooperation with Douglas County, Nebraska, are monitoring the performance of stormwater bioretention cells that use “green” infrastructure techniques in Omaha, Nebraska. Bioretention cells are used to reduce the quantity of stormwater that flows into a combined sewer overflow (CSO) system which reduces discharge of raw sewage into local streams...
By
Central Plains Water Science Center
Bioretention Cell Monitoring, Douglas County, Nebraska

Bioretention Cell Monitoring, Douglas County, Nebraska

USGS Nebraska Water Science Center hydrologists, in cooperation with Douglas County, Nebraska, are monitoring the performance of stormwater bioretention cells that use “green” infrastructure techniques in Omaha, Nebraska. Bioretention cells are used to reduce the quantity of stormwater that flows into a combined sewer overflow (CSO) system which reduces discharge of raw sewage into local streams...
Learn More

Monitoring Data for Willow Creek Lake, Nebraska, 2012-14 Monitoring Data for Willow Creek Lake, Nebraska, 2012-14

Monitoring data were collected from the Willow Creek drainage basin and Willow Creek Lake with a focus on 2012-14. Included are datasets of meteorology; lake measurements of water levels, sediment nutrients, and physical, chemical, and biological data; streamflow and stream chemistry; and calculated nutrient loads to the lake.
By
Central Plains Water Science Center
Image: Measuring the Morning Mist
Measuring the Morning Mist
Measuring the Morning Mist
Image: Measuring the Morning Mist

Measuring the Morning Mist

Measuring the Morning Mist

Sunrise on an evapotranspiration-monitoring site in a riparian grassland along the Platte River, Nebraska on September 25, 2007.

By
Water Resources, Communications and Publishing
Image: Measuring the Morning Mist

Measuring the Morning Mist

Measuring the Morning Mist

Sunrise on an evapotranspiration-monitoring site in a riparian grassland along the Platte River, Nebraska on September 25, 2007.

By
Water Resources, Communications and Publishing
Was this page helpful?