Water Data for the Nation

• Real Time Data

• USGS WaterWatch
  • Current hydrologic conditions
  • Floods | Droughts
  • Surface water quality
  • Groundwater levels

• Historical data
  • Streamflow
  • Ground water
  • Water quality
  • Annual Data Reports
  • Instantaneous Data Archive (IDA)

Water Programs

• • Office of Surface Water
  • Office of Groundwater
  • Office of Water Quality
  • National Water Information System
  • National Water Quality Assessment

ABOUT THE HIF

• • Office information
    • Location
    • Employee directory
  • HIF History

USGS IN YOUR STATE

USGS Water Science Centers are located in each state.

USGS Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF)

Welcome to the U.S. Geological Survey Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF) web page. The HIF supports the hydrologic data collection efforts of USGS scientists in all 50 States, Puerto Rico and several other U.S. Territories. USGS hydrologic scientists measure and monitor streamflow, ground water levels and water quality at thousands of locations. The data they collect are publicly available and are used by engineers, water managers, scientists, recreationists, and the general public for multiple purposes.

The HIF supports these data collection activities through our warehouse and laboratory facilities. The HIF warehouse provides hydrologic instruments, equipment, and supplies for USGS as well as Other Federal Agencies (OFA) and USGS Cooperators. The HIF also tests, evaluates, repairs, calibrates, and develops hydrologic equipment and instruments. The HIF Hydraulic Laboratory facilities include a towing tank, jet tank, pipe flow facility, and tilting flume. In addition the HIF provides training and technical support for the equipment it stocks.

On these pages you will find more detailed descriptions of the HIF’s programs, facilities, and services, as well as links to all of the earth science activities of the USGS.

Our Mission

To provide quality equipment and instrumentation support to our customers.

Featured Project

Rapid Deployment Gage Version III (RDG III)

Version III Rapid Deployment Gages are designed to allow quick, temporary streamgage installations. Version III gages are complete, self-contained systems. They can be installed by one person; allow for easy access to, and servicing of, instruments and sensors; and provide excellent security against theft and vandalism.

Find out more

HIF Training Courses

The HIF currently offers two training courses. Non-USGS personnel may attend on a space available basis.

Basic Electronics & Troubleshooting Instrumentation This course consists of classroom lectures and "hands-on" experience in troubleshooting and servicing instrumentation sold by or rented from the HIF.

Satellite Data Collection Platform Installation & Operation This course is designed to train personnel in the installation, operation, and maintenance of hydrologic data collection systems that use GOES telemetry.

Streamflow Conditions in the United States

USGS activities include:

• Presentation of real-time streamflow, water-quality, ground-water levels data.
• Operation and oversight of an extensive network of water-resource monitoring sites.
• Archive of water-resource information collected for more than 100 years.
• Data collection and investigative studies related to issues of concern to water-management entities and citizens.
• Publishing data and topical reports.