Unified Interior Regions
Region 3: Great Lakes
Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
For more information on the Great Lakes and work being done, check out the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative website here!
GLRIUSGS Science Centers in the Great Lakes Region
For more information on what each center is doing in the Great Lakes, please follow the links below!
Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center
Upper Midwest Water Science Center
Regions L2 Landing Page Tabs
Dane County water-quality monitoring program
Many Dane County, Wis., streams and lakes have been degraded due to excessive nutrients and sediment contributed primarily by agriculture and urbanization. The goal is to build a long-term base of streamflow, lake stage, and water-quality data essential for water-resource planning and assessment purposes for streams and lakes in Dane County, with a focus on the Yahara River Basin.
Beach health in Wisconsin
Beach water-quality (beach health) data are collected for both coastal and inland Wisconsin beaches. These data are collected and analyzed by multiple agencies throughout Wisconsin including local health departments, universities, state agencies, and federal agencies including the USGS.
Edge-of-field monitoring: Discovery Farms
The USGS is cooperating with Discovery Farms to understand agriculture’s impact on the environment and help producers find ways to minimize their impact while remaining economically viable. Edge-of-field or subsurface tile monitoring stations measure runoff-event volume, including snowmelt, and collect samples which are analyzed for suspended sediment, phosphorus, nitrogen, and chloride.
Measuring Suspended-Sediment Concentrations, Grain Sizes and Bedload using Acoustic Doppler Velocity Meters and Echologgers in the Lower Chippewa River, Wisconsin
Sediment from the Chippewa River deposits in the Mississippi River navigation channel, sometimes disrupting commercial barge traffic and resulting in expensive and ecologically disruptive dredging operations. The USGS is using new applications of hydroacoustic technologies to better understand sediment transport in the Chippewa River and associated effects on commercial navigation.
Water Chemistry Monitoring Project - Rivers and Streams
In support of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) Water Chemistry Monitoring Project, the USGS Michigan Water Science Center has been collecting long-term water quality data for Michigan's rivers and streams.
Connecting Channels
In response to decreasing water levels in the Great Lakes, especially Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, the International Upper Great Lakes Study (IUGLS) asked USGS to continuously measure flows in the connecting channels of St. Marys, St. Clair, and Detroit Rivers, and Water Survey Canada (WSC) to measure flows of Niagara River. To accommodate the effects of variable backwater and the...
Continuous Groundwater Monitoring Network - Minnesota
This project monitors groundwater level, groundwater temperature and precipitation at hourly intervals at a long-term network of sites throughout Minnesota. These data are collected from surficial and buried aquifers and can be used to estimate groundwater recharge and assist water-availability assessments. Data are corrected to manual measurements at least twice per year and are available...
WinSLAMM (Source Loading And Management Model): An urban area nonpoint source water-quality model for Wisconsin
The WinSLAMM model is used to identify sources of pollutants in urban stormwater runoff and to evaluate management alternatives for reducing pollutants. USGS studies provide stormwater flow and pollutant-concentration data for calibrating and verifying WinSLAMM for use in Wisconsin.
The Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Flood and Storm Tracker (FaST)
Storm-related flooding can lead to the potential spread of nonindigenous (or non-native) aquatic species into waterways they have not been seen in before. The USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species program has developed an innovative mapping tool to help natural resource managers with post-storm nonindigenous aquatic species detection and assessment efforts.
Determine Baseline and Sources of Contaminant Loadings to the Great Lakes
To better understand the quality of water flowing into the Great Lakes, the USGS is conducting water-quality analyses for nutrients, sediment, and toxic substances and estimating the amount (load) of these substances for tributaries to the Great Lakes. Information on the occurrence and distribution of contaminants is needed to provide baseline information, measure progress towards restoration...
Microbial Source Tracking
It is often important to understand the source of fecal indicator bacteria, pathogens, or chemicals that impair the normal use of water. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria and their genes, specific bacterial pathogens (such as E. coli O157:H7 which is primarily associated with cattle), and host-associated bacterial genes (such as human or animal specific Bacteroides genes), can be used to evaluate...
Crest-Stage Streamgage Network in Michigan
Historically, small streams with drainage areas less than 100 square miles have not been adequately represented in regional peak- (high) flow analysis. In Michigan, USGS operates 24 traditional crest-stage gages, where stage and streamflow is only measured during high flows, and 6 continuous-record crest-stage gages, where cooperators can continually monitor stage and USGS maintains a high-...
Stream water-quality characteristics provide scientists and water managers with a better understanding of the effects of natural and anthropogenic (human) activities on streams and ecosystems. The USGS operates a network of near-real-time water-quality monitoring stations that provide data for temperature, specific conductance, pH, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity of surface water.
Estimated Secchi-disk transparency (eSDT) and corresponding estimated trophic state index (eTSI) values.
Data is available for download in shapefile format with metadata: 2003-2005 eSDT
Estimated Secchi-disk transparency (eSDT) and corresponding estimated trophic state index (eTSI) values.
Data is available for download in shapefile format with metadata: 2013 eSDT
Estimated Secchi-disk transparency (eSDT) and corresponding estimated trophic state index (eTSI) values.
Data is available for download in shapefile format with metadata: 1999-2000 eSDT
Estimated Secchi-disk transparency (eSDT) and corresponding estimated trophic state index (eTSI) values.
Data is available for download in shapefile format with metadata: 2009-2010 eSDT
Estimated Secchi-disk transparency (eSDT) and corresponding estimated trophic state index (eTSI) values.
Data is available for download in shapefile format with metadata: 2007-2008 eSDT
Estimated Secchi-disk transparency (eSDT) and corresponding estimated trophic state index (eTSI) values.
Data is available for download in shapefile format with metadata: 2011 eSDT
Estimated Secchi-disk transparency (eSDT) and corresponding estimated trophic state index (eTSI) values.
Data is available for download in shapefile format with metadata: 2002 eSDT
USGS data portray selected structures data, including the location and characteristics of manmade facilities. Characteristics consist of a structure's physical form (footprint), function, name, location, and detailed information about the structure. The types of structures collected are largely determined by the needs of the disaster planning and response and homeland security organizations.
Boundaries data or governmental units represent major civil areas including states, counties, Federal, and Native American lands, and incorporated places such as cities and towns.
The National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) and Watershed Boundary Dataset (WBD) are used to portray surface water on The National Map.
The USIEI is a comprehensive, nationwide listing of known high-accuracy topographic and bathymetric data for the United States and its territories. The project is a collaborative effort of the USGS and NOAA with contributions from other federal agencies. The inventory supports the 3D Elevation Program and the Integrated Ocean and Coastal Mapping effort. This resource is updated in Spring and Fall.
USGS - GLSC Trawl net workshop
GLSC trawl net workshop held at the USGS vessel base in Cheboygan, Michigan, April 24-25, 2019. The USGS research vessel Sturgeon pictured in background.
Cheboygan Residents Tour the R/V Sturgeon
GLSC Cheboygan Vessel Base staff stand alongside residents of Cheboygan, Michigan, prior to touring the R/V Sturgeon and R/V Arcticus on April 24, 2019.
Dave Lampe - OKI 2019 Cooperator Meeting
Dave Lampe - OKI 2019 Cooperator Meeting. Dave gave a demonsration on how to measure groundwater levels.
Pete Cinotto - 2019 Cooperator Meeting - USGS in Kentucky History
Pete Cinotto - 2019 Cooperator Meeting - USGS in Kentucky History
Dave Lampe - OKI 2019 Cooperator Meeting
Dave Lampe - OKI 2019 Cooperator Meeting. Dave gave a demonsration on how to measure groundwater levels.
Neal Craig - Flood measurements using old and new technology
Neal Craig - Flood measurements using old and new technology
Justin Boldt and Pete Cinotto - OKI Cooperator Meeting
Justin Boldt and Pete Cinotto - OKI Cooperator Meeting
Justin Boldt - Wabash River RVRMeander Model
Justin Boldt - Wabash River RVRMeander Model
Justin Boldt - OKI Cooperator Meeting
Justin Boldt - OKI Cooperator Meeting. Justin's presentation was titled "Wabash RIver RVRMeander Model: USGS Science helping create safer, more sustainable infrastructure.
Pete Cinotto - Welcome and Introductions at the OKI 2019 Cooperator Mt
Pete Cinotto - Welcome and Introductions at the OKI 2019 Cooperator Meeting. Over a century of science in Kentucky and looking toward the future for the OKI WSC.
Bifenthrin combats pests, but may harm aquatic ecosystems
There is an elevated incidence of skin and liver tumors among White Suckers caught in certain Wisconsin rivers that flow into Lake Michigan according to a U.S. Geological Survey study recently published in the Journal of Fish Diseases.
A U.S. Geological Survey streamgage, dormant since 2003, was recently reactivated in the city of Frankton, Indiana through a funding partnership with the Indiana Department of Transportation.
Two new streamgages recently installed by the U.S. Geological Survey in the cities of Greenfield and Elwood, Indiana will provide continuous, real-time streamflow and water level information in areas that have demonstrated a need for reliable flood warning and flood-related data.
The USGS and Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute deployed a long-range autonomous underwater vehicle, named Tethys, in Lake Michigan on August 1. The deployment will last approximately 25 days. Tethys is continuously measuring amounts of algae and fish food called zooplankton across vast distances to help scientists better understand the base of the changing Lake Michigan food web.
Paleo-ice streams, or corridors within ice sheets that move more quickly than surrounding ice, may have formed much of the egg-laying habitat for critical fish species in Lake Huron during the last glacial period.
These interactive, mobile-friendly websites use maps of beach locations to indicate whether or not estimated bacteria levels exceed state safety standards.
A new streamgage recently installed by the U.S. Geological Survey in the city of Linton, Indiana, will provide continuous, real-time streamflow and water level data in an area that has demonstrated a need for reliable flood warning and flood-related data.
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Locations
Upper Midwest Water Science Center - Middleton, Wis., Office
Phone: 608-828-9901
Fax: 608-821-3817
Kentucky - Louisville Office
mgriffin@usgs.gov
Phone: (502) 493-1900
Fax: (502) 493-1909
Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center
Kentucky - Williamsburg Field Office
mgriffin@usgs.gov
Phone: (606) 549-2406
Fax: (606) 549-5400
Kentucky - Murray Field Office
mgriffin@usgs.gov
Phone: (270) 759-2460
Fax: (270) 649-2461
Great Lakes Science Center
Phone: 734-994-3331
Fax: 734-994-8780
Illinois Water Science Center
Phone: 217-328-8747
Fax: 217-328-9770
Indiana - Indianapolis Office
mgriffin@usgs.gov
Phone: (317) 290-3333
Fax: (317) 290-3313
Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center
Phone: (608) 783-6451
Kentucky Water Science Center
Phone: (502) 493-1900
Fax: (502) 493-1909
Upper Midwest Water Science Center - Lansing, Mich., Office
Phone: 517-887-8903
Fax: 517-887-8937
National Wildlife Health Center
Phone: 608-270-2400
Fax: 608-270-2415
Upper Midwest Water Science Center - Mounds View, Minn., Office
Phone: 763-783-3100
Fax: 763-783-3103
Ohio - Columbus Office
mgriffin@usgs.gov
Phone: 614-430-7700
Fax: 614-430-7777
Ohio - Ohio Water Microbiology Laboratory (OWML)
mgriffin@usgs.gov
Phone: 614-430-7700
Fax: 614-430-7777
Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment
Phone: 715-384-9673
Fax: 715-384-9157
Michigan Bacteriological Research Laboratory (MI-BaRL)
Phone: 517-887-8903
Fax: 517-887-8937
Mercury Research Laboratory
mercury@usgs.gov
Phone: 608-828-9901
Fax: 608-821-3817
Upper Midwest Water Science Center - Grand Rapids, Minn., Field Office
Phone: 218-326-1297
Fax: 218-327-2557
Cheboygan Vessel Base
jbergan@usgs.gov
Phone: 231-627-4571
Fax: 231-627-8791
Upper Midwest Water Science Center - Rhinelander, Wis., Field Office
Phone: 715-362-7476
Fax: 715-362-7479
Upper Midwest Water Science Center - Rice Lake, Wis., Field Office
Phone: 715-234-4015
Fax: 715-234-4550
Wisconsin Water Science Center - Southwest Field Office (Middleton)
Phone: 608-827-6255
Fax: 608-827-0851
Upper Midwest Water Science Center - Escanaba, Mich., Field Office
Phone: 906-786-0714
Fax: 906-786-5461
Upper Midwest Water Science Center - Grayling, Mich., Field Office
Phone: 989-348-8291
Fax: 989-348-6866
Ohio - New Philadelphia Field Office
mgriffin@usgs.gov
Phone: 330-343-2343
Fax: 330-364-8095
Upper Midwest Water Science Center - Lansing, Mich., Field Office
Phone: 517-887-8903
Fax: 517-887-8937
Southern Illinois Field Office - Mt. Vernon
Phone: 618-242-4495
Fax: 618-242-4578
Northern Illinois Field Office - DeKalb
Phone: 815-756-9207
Fax: 815-756-9214
Hammond Bay Biological Station
michaelhansen@usgs.gov
Phone: 989-734-4768
Fax: 989-734-4494
Lake Erie Biological Station
rkraus@usgs.gov
Phone: 419-625-1976
Fax: 419-625-7164
Lake Michigan Ecological Research Station
Phone: 219-926--8336
Fax: 219-929-5792
Lake Superior Biological Station
mvinson@usgs.gov
Phone: 715-682-6163
Fax: 715-682-6511
Upper Midwest Water Science Center - Milwaukee, Wis., Project Office
Phone: 414-962-2582
Upper Midwest Water Science Center - Green Bay, Wis., Project Office
Phone: 920-655-0273