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Jessica Cain Diaz

Jessica Diaz is a Hydrologist at the South Atlantic Water Science Center in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Jessica is a Hydrologist with the South Atlantic Water Science Center’s Watershed and Statistical Hydrology Team. Her research focuses on surface and groundwater quality monitoring, interpretation, and data management. Her current projects include the Triangle Area Water Supply Monitoring Project, the National Water Quality Network, and various water-quality projects. Jessica’s background includes private-sector environmental assessments and remediation, streamflow monitoring and computations, and continuous water-quality monitoring. Previous USGS roles include serving as a Hydrologic Technician for the Florida Integrated Science Center working on the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan and the St. Johns River continuous water-quality monitoring network.    

Professional Experience

  • 2021-present: Hydrologist, USGS South Atlantic Water Science Center, Raleigh, NC

  • 2012-2021: Hydrologic Technician, USGS North Carolina Water Science Center, now South Atlantic Water Science Center, Raleigh, NC

  • 2009-2012: Hydrologic Technician, USGS Florida Integrated Science Center, Orlando, FL

  • 2008-2009: Staff Environmental Scientist II, HSW Engineering, Inc., Orlando, FL

  • 2005-2008: Associate Environmental Scientist, Professional Service Industries, Inc., Orlando, FL

  • 2003-2005: Hydrologic Technician, ETI Professionals, Inc., Contractor for USGS Florida Integrated Science Center, Orlando, FL

Education and Certifications

  • M.S., Soil and Water Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, 2017
    Thesis: Water Quality and Stratification in Jordan Lake: Assessment of Spatial, Temporal and Inter-Annual Variability

  • B.S., Resource Economics, University of Florida, Gainesville, 2003

Science and Products

Datasets for Assessment of Nutrient Load Estimation Approaches for Small Urban Streams in Durham, North Carolina, 2009-2020

In cooperation with the City of Durham Public Works Department Stormwater Division, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) conducted a study to evaluate whether alternate monitoring strategies that incorporated samples collected across an increased range of streamflows would improve nutrient load estimates for Ellerbe and Sandy Creeks, two small, highly urbanized streams in the City of Durham, North Ca
By
South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

Associated Data for the Phytoplankton, Taste-and-Odor Compounds, and Cyanotoxin Occurrence in Drinking Water Supply Reservoirs in the Triangle Area of North Carolina

As part of the Triangle Area Water Supply Monitoring Project, the U.S. Geological Survey conducted a study to evaluate the occurrence and distribution of phytoplankton, taste-and-odor compounds, and cyanotoxin occurrence in four water-supply reservoirs in the Triangle area of North Carolina. This data release contains the associated data described in the Scientific Investigations Report, "Phytopla
By
South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

Associated data for the Triangle Area Water Supply Monitoring Project, North Carolina, October 2019 - September 2022

The U.S. Geological Survey and a consortium of local governments in North Carolina have partnered together to track water quality and quantity conditions in several of the area’s water-supply reservoirs and streams, known as the Triangle Area Water Supply Monitoring Project (TAWSMP). This data release contains the associated data described in the Open-File Report, "Triangle Area Water Supply Monit
By
South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

Associated data for the Triangle Area Water Supply Monitoring Project, North Carolina, October 2017 - September 2019

These datasets contain information used to compile the report (USGS OFR 2020-xxxx). It contains water-quality data, analytical results of field blanks, and analytical results for environmental and replicate sample sets for surface-water samples collected during water years 2018 and 2019 for the Triangle Area Water Supply Monitoring Program (TAWSMP).
By
South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

Datasets for Characterization of Water-Quality and Bed-Sediment Conditions in Currituck Sound, North Carolina, 2011-18

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the North Carolina Turnpike Authority, conducted a study to establish baseline water-quality conditions and bed-sediment chemistry in Currituck Sound, North Carolina, prior to construction of the Mid-Currituck Bridge. This Data Release contains the associated data described in the Open-File Report, "Characterization of Water-Quality and Bed-Sediment
By
South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

Associated Data for the Triangle Area Water Supply Monitoring Project, North Carolina, October 2015 - September 2017

These datasets contain information used to compile the report (USGS OFR 2019-xxxx). It contains water-quality data, analytical results of field blanks, and analytical results for environmental and replicate sample sets for surface-water samples collected during water years 2016 and 2017 for the Triangle Area Water Supply Monitoring Program (TAWSMP).
By
South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

Datasets for Trends in Water Quality of Selected Streams and Reservoirs used for Water Supply in the Triangle Area of North Carolina, 1989-2013

This U.S. Geological Survey Data Release contains the associated data described in the Scientific Investigations Report, "Trends in water quality of selected streams and reservoirs used for water supply in the Triangle area of North Carolina, 1989-2013". Since 1989, the U.S. Geological Survey and a consortium of local governments have tracked water-quality conditions and trends in the water-supply
By
South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

Associated data for Surface-Water Supplies in the Triangle Area of North Carolina, Water Years 2014-15

These datasets contain information used to compile the report (USGS OFR 2017-XXXX). It contains water-quality data, analytical results of field blanks, and analytical results for environmental and replicate sample sets for surface-water samples collected during water years 2014 and 2015 for the Triangle Area Water Supply Monitoring Program (TAWSMP). The water-quality data contained in appendix 1 a
By
South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)
Image shows a USGS storm tide sensor attached to a pier
USGS Storm-Tide Sensor for Hurricane Florence
USGS Storm-Tide Sensor for Hurricane Florence
Image shows a USGS storm tide sensor attached to a pier

USGS Storm-Tide Sensor for Hurricane Florence

USGS Storm-Tide Sensor for Hurricane Florence

A USGS storm-tide sensor, deployed in advance of Hurricane Florence's landfall. The sensors are housed in vented steel pipes a few inches wide and about a foot long. They are being installed on bridges, piers, and other structures that have a good chance of surviving the storm.

By
Water Resources Mission Area, Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Communications and Publishing, Hurricane Florence
Image shows a USGS storm tide sensor attached to a pier

USGS Storm-Tide Sensor for Hurricane Florence

USGS Storm-Tide Sensor for Hurricane Florence

A USGS storm-tide sensor, deployed in advance of Hurricane Florence's landfall. The sensors are housed in vented steel pipes a few inches wide and about a foot long. They are being installed on bridges, piers, and other structures that have a good chance of surviving the storm.

By
Water Resources Mission Area, Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Communications and Publishing, Hurricane Florence

Triangle Area Water Supply Monitoring Project, North Carolina

IntroductionRivers and surface-water reservoirs supply drinking water to most residents throughout the Triangle area in North Carolina. These drinking-water supplies may be at risk because of rapid and continued land use change throughout the region. In partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey, several Triangle-area municipalities established a long-term water-quality and streamflow monitoring
Authors
R. Fanelli, D. Hardesty, J. Diaz
By
Water Resources Mission Area, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

Triangle Area Water Supply Monitoring Project, North Carolina—Overview of hydrologic and water-quality monitoring activities and data quality assurance

Surface-water supplies are important sources of drinking water for residents in the Triangle area of North Carolina, which is located within the upper Cape Fear and Neuse River Basins. Since 1988, the U.S. Geological Survey and a consortium of local governments have participated in a cooperative effort, known as the Triangle Area Water Supply Monitoring Project, to track water-quality and quantity
Authors
J.C. Diaz, Rosemary Margaret Fanelli
By
Water Resources Mission Area, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

Phytoplankton, taste-and-odor compounds, and cyanotoxin occurrence in four water-supply reservoirs in the Triangle area of North Carolina, April–October 2014

Prior to 2014, local utilities and State agencies monitored for cyanotoxins and taste-and-odor (T&O) compounds and reported occasional detections in three water-supply reservoirs in Wake County, North Carolina. Comparable data for cyanotoxins and T&O compounds were lacking for other water-supply reservoirs in the Triangle area of North Carolina. This report assesses whether cyanotoxins and T&O com
Authors
Celeste A. Journey, Anna M. McKee, Jessica C. Diaz
By
Water Resources Mission Area, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

Triangle Area Water Supply Monitoring Project, North Carolina—Summary of monitoring activities, quality assurance, and data, October 2017–September 2019

Surface-water supplies are important sources of drinking water for residents in the Triangle area of North Carolina, which is located within the upper Cape Fear and Neuse River Basins. Since 1988, the U.S. Geological Survey and a consortium of local governments have tracked water-quality conditions and trends in several of the area’s water-supply lakes and streams. This report summarizes data coll
Authors
Cassandra A. Pfeifle, Jessica L. Cain, Ryan B. Rasmussen
By
Water Resources Mission Area, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

Triangle area water supply monitoring project, North Carolina-Summary of monitoring activities, quality assurance, and data, October 2015–September 2017

Surface-water supplies are important sources of drinking water for residents in the Triangle area of North Carolina, which is located within the upper Cape Fear and Neuse River Basins. Since 1988, the U.S. Geological Survey and a consortium of local governments have tracked water-quality conditions and trends in several of the area’s water-supply lakes and streams. This report summarizes data coll
Authors
Cassandra A. Pfeifle, Jessica L. Cain, Ryan B. Rasmussen
By
Water Resources Mission Area, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

Triangle Area Water Supply Monitoring Project, North Carolina—Summary of monitoring activities, quality assurance, and data, October 2013–September 2015

Surface-water supplies are important sources of drinking water for residents in the Triangle area of North Carolina, which is located within the upper Cape Fear and Neuse River Basins. Since 1988, the U.S. Geological Survey and a consortium of local governments have tracked water-quality conditions and trends in several of the area’s water-supply lakes and streams. This report summarizes data coll
Authors
C.A. Pfeifle, J.L. Cain, R.B. Rasmussen
By
Water Resources Mission Area, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

Quality of surface-water supplies in the Triangle Area of North Carolina, water years 2012–13

Surface-water supplies are important sources of drinking water for residents in the Triangle area of North Carolina, which is located within the upper Cape Fear and Neuse River Basins. Since 1988, the U.S. Geological Survey and a consortium of local governments have tracked water-quality conditions and trends in several of the area’s water-supply lakes and streams. This report summarizes data coll
Authors
C.A. Pfeifle, J.L. Cain, R.B. Rasmussen
By
Water Resources Mission Area, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

Quality of surface-water supplies in the Triangle area of North Carolina, water years 2010-11

Surface-water supplies are important sources of drinking water for residents in the Triangle area of North Carolina, which is located within the upper Cape Fear and Neuse River Basins. Since 1988, the U.S. Geological Survey and a consortium of local governments have tracked water-quality conditions and trends in several of the area’s water-supply lakes and streams. This report summarizes data coll
Authors
C.A. Pfeifle, J.L. Cain, R.B. Rasmussen
By
Water Resources Mission Area, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

Science and Products

Datasets for Assessment of Nutrient Load Estimation Approaches for Small Urban Streams in Durham, North Carolina, 2009-2020

In cooperation with the City of Durham Public Works Department Stormwater Division, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) conducted a study to evaluate whether alternate monitoring strategies that incorporated samples collected across an increased range of streamflows would improve nutrient load estimates for Ellerbe and Sandy Creeks, two small, highly urbanized streams in the City of Durham, North Ca
By
South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

Associated Data for the Phytoplankton, Taste-and-Odor Compounds, and Cyanotoxin Occurrence in Drinking Water Supply Reservoirs in the Triangle Area of North Carolina

As part of the Triangle Area Water Supply Monitoring Project, the U.S. Geological Survey conducted a study to evaluate the occurrence and distribution of phytoplankton, taste-and-odor compounds, and cyanotoxin occurrence in four water-supply reservoirs in the Triangle area of North Carolina. This data release contains the associated data described in the Scientific Investigations Report, "Phytopla
By
South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

Associated data for the Triangle Area Water Supply Monitoring Project, North Carolina, October 2019 - September 2022

The U.S. Geological Survey and a consortium of local governments in North Carolina have partnered together to track water quality and quantity conditions in several of the area’s water-supply reservoirs and streams, known as the Triangle Area Water Supply Monitoring Project (TAWSMP). This data release contains the associated data described in the Open-File Report, "Triangle Area Water Supply Monit
By
South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

Associated data for the Triangle Area Water Supply Monitoring Project, North Carolina, October 2017 - September 2019

These datasets contain information used to compile the report (USGS OFR 2020-xxxx). It contains water-quality data, analytical results of field blanks, and analytical results for environmental and replicate sample sets for surface-water samples collected during water years 2018 and 2019 for the Triangle Area Water Supply Monitoring Program (TAWSMP).
By
South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

Datasets for Characterization of Water-Quality and Bed-Sediment Conditions in Currituck Sound, North Carolina, 2011-18

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the North Carolina Turnpike Authority, conducted a study to establish baseline water-quality conditions and bed-sediment chemistry in Currituck Sound, North Carolina, prior to construction of the Mid-Currituck Bridge. This Data Release contains the associated data described in the Open-File Report, "Characterization of Water-Quality and Bed-Sediment
By
South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

Associated Data for the Triangle Area Water Supply Monitoring Project, North Carolina, October 2015 - September 2017

These datasets contain information used to compile the report (USGS OFR 2019-xxxx). It contains water-quality data, analytical results of field blanks, and analytical results for environmental and replicate sample sets for surface-water samples collected during water years 2016 and 2017 for the Triangle Area Water Supply Monitoring Program (TAWSMP).
By
South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

Datasets for Trends in Water Quality of Selected Streams and Reservoirs used for Water Supply in the Triangle Area of North Carolina, 1989-2013

This U.S. Geological Survey Data Release contains the associated data described in the Scientific Investigations Report, "Trends in water quality of selected streams and reservoirs used for water supply in the Triangle area of North Carolina, 1989-2013". Since 1989, the U.S. Geological Survey and a consortium of local governments have tracked water-quality conditions and trends in the water-supply
By
South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

Associated data for Surface-Water Supplies in the Triangle Area of North Carolina, Water Years 2014-15

These datasets contain information used to compile the report (USGS OFR 2017-XXXX). It contains water-quality data, analytical results of field blanks, and analytical results for environmental and replicate sample sets for surface-water samples collected during water years 2014 and 2015 for the Triangle Area Water Supply Monitoring Program (TAWSMP). The water-quality data contained in appendix 1 a
By
South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)
Image shows a USGS storm tide sensor attached to a pier
USGS Storm-Tide Sensor for Hurricane Florence
USGS Storm-Tide Sensor for Hurricane Florence
Image shows a USGS storm tide sensor attached to a pier

USGS Storm-Tide Sensor for Hurricane Florence

USGS Storm-Tide Sensor for Hurricane Florence

A USGS storm-tide sensor, deployed in advance of Hurricane Florence's landfall. The sensors are housed in vented steel pipes a few inches wide and about a foot long. They are being installed on bridges, piers, and other structures that have a good chance of surviving the storm.

By
Water Resources Mission Area, Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Communications and Publishing, Hurricane Florence
Image shows a USGS storm tide sensor attached to a pier

USGS Storm-Tide Sensor for Hurricane Florence

USGS Storm-Tide Sensor for Hurricane Florence

A USGS storm-tide sensor, deployed in advance of Hurricane Florence's landfall. The sensors are housed in vented steel pipes a few inches wide and about a foot long. They are being installed on bridges, piers, and other structures that have a good chance of surviving the storm.

By
Water Resources Mission Area, Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Communications and Publishing, Hurricane Florence

Triangle Area Water Supply Monitoring Project, North Carolina

IntroductionRivers and surface-water reservoirs supply drinking water to most residents throughout the Triangle area in North Carolina. These drinking-water supplies may be at risk because of rapid and continued land use change throughout the region. In partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey, several Triangle-area municipalities established a long-term water-quality and streamflow monitoring
Authors
R. Fanelli, D. Hardesty, J. Diaz
By
Water Resources Mission Area, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

Triangle Area Water Supply Monitoring Project, North Carolina—Overview of hydrologic and water-quality monitoring activities and data quality assurance

Surface-water supplies are important sources of drinking water for residents in the Triangle area of North Carolina, which is located within the upper Cape Fear and Neuse River Basins. Since 1988, the U.S. Geological Survey and a consortium of local governments have participated in a cooperative effort, known as the Triangle Area Water Supply Monitoring Project, to track water-quality and quantity
Authors
J.C. Diaz, Rosemary Margaret Fanelli
By
Water Resources Mission Area, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

Phytoplankton, taste-and-odor compounds, and cyanotoxin occurrence in four water-supply reservoirs in the Triangle area of North Carolina, April–October 2014

Prior to 2014, local utilities and State agencies monitored for cyanotoxins and taste-and-odor (T&O) compounds and reported occasional detections in three water-supply reservoirs in Wake County, North Carolina. Comparable data for cyanotoxins and T&O compounds were lacking for other water-supply reservoirs in the Triangle area of North Carolina. This report assesses whether cyanotoxins and T&O com
Authors
Celeste A. Journey, Anna M. McKee, Jessica C. Diaz
By
Water Resources Mission Area, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

Triangle Area Water Supply Monitoring Project, North Carolina—Summary of monitoring activities, quality assurance, and data, October 2017–September 2019

Surface-water supplies are important sources of drinking water for residents in the Triangle area of North Carolina, which is located within the upper Cape Fear and Neuse River Basins. Since 1988, the U.S. Geological Survey and a consortium of local governments have tracked water-quality conditions and trends in several of the area’s water-supply lakes and streams. This report summarizes data coll
Authors
Cassandra A. Pfeifle, Jessica L. Cain, Ryan B. Rasmussen
By
Water Resources Mission Area, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

Triangle area water supply monitoring project, North Carolina-Summary of monitoring activities, quality assurance, and data, October 2015–September 2017

Surface-water supplies are important sources of drinking water for residents in the Triangle area of North Carolina, which is located within the upper Cape Fear and Neuse River Basins. Since 1988, the U.S. Geological Survey and a consortium of local governments have tracked water-quality conditions and trends in several of the area’s water-supply lakes and streams. This report summarizes data coll
Authors
Cassandra A. Pfeifle, Jessica L. Cain, Ryan B. Rasmussen
By
Water Resources Mission Area, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

Triangle Area Water Supply Monitoring Project, North Carolina—Summary of monitoring activities, quality assurance, and data, October 2013–September 2015

Surface-water supplies are important sources of drinking water for residents in the Triangle area of North Carolina, which is located within the upper Cape Fear and Neuse River Basins. Since 1988, the U.S. Geological Survey and a consortium of local governments have tracked water-quality conditions and trends in several of the area’s water-supply lakes and streams. This report summarizes data coll
Authors
C.A. Pfeifle, J.L. Cain, R.B. Rasmussen
By
Water Resources Mission Area, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

Quality of surface-water supplies in the Triangle Area of North Carolina, water years 2012–13

Surface-water supplies are important sources of drinking water for residents in the Triangle area of North Carolina, which is located within the upper Cape Fear and Neuse River Basins. Since 1988, the U.S. Geological Survey and a consortium of local governments have tracked water-quality conditions and trends in several of the area’s water-supply lakes and streams. This report summarizes data coll
Authors
C.A. Pfeifle, J.L. Cain, R.B. Rasmussen
By
Water Resources Mission Area, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

Quality of surface-water supplies in the Triangle area of North Carolina, water years 2010-11

Surface-water supplies are important sources of drinking water for residents in the Triangle area of North Carolina, which is located within the upper Cape Fear and Neuse River Basins. Since 1988, the U.S. Geological Survey and a consortium of local governments have tracked water-quality conditions and trends in several of the area’s water-supply lakes and streams. This report summarizes data coll
Authors
C.A. Pfeifle, J.L. Cain, R.B. Rasmussen
By
Water Resources Mission Area, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)
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