Cooperative Water Program
Cooperative Water Program Supports National Networks
The Cooperative Water Program provides the foundation for the Water Mission Area’s strong and robust water monitoring networks (quantity and quality), including, for example collection of data at more than 75% of the Nation’s 7,700 streamgages. Extensive efforts are made to secure continued operation of USGS streamgages; however, some are considered for discontinuation due to funding (see listing of threatened streamgages).
About 95 percent of the streamgages record and transmit data in real time and thereby address a myriad of issues, including real-time forecasting of rising stream levels and issuing of flood warnings by the National Weather Service to protect lives and property.
The Cooperative Water Program also supports groundwater level networks (including more than 8,000 observation wells) and real-time transmission, which is particularly important for water management during times of drought.
The Program supports water-quality collection at nearly 4,000 stream sites and wells.
Real-time water-quality monitoring of surface water and groundwater is increasing each year. USGS models linked to the real-time parameters, such as turbidity, are used to estimate other constituents of interest that cannot be measured in real time, such sediment and bacteria—information which is used by water suppliers to manage and regulate reservoirs and water withdrawals on a day-to-day basis.
Real-time groundwater levels, such as measured at this platform in North Carolina, are critical for managers during times of drought (left). Real-time water-quality sensors measure pH, water temperature, dissolved oxygen, specific conductance, and turbidity which can change quickly, particularly before, during, and after storms (right).
Featured Network
Invasion of Zebra Mussels in Lakes in North Texas - USGS, in cooperation with Dallas Water Utilities, North Texas Municipal Water District, Greater Texoma Utility Authority, and the City of Sherman Water Utilities, are assessing the occurrence, distribution, and densities of zebra mussels in lakes in North Texas. (Contacts: Contact: Amy Beussink, ambeussi@usgs.gov and Tim Raines, thraines@usgs.gov; http://tx.usgs.gov/)
“USGS streamgage observations serve as foundation for National Weather Service river forecasts and warnings. NOAA values our partnership and the USGS’ long history of responsiveness and professionalism.”
-Dr. Thomas Graziano, Chief, Hydrologic Services, Division, NOAA National Weather Service
