Next Generation Water Observing System (NGWOS) | U.S. Geological Survey

Next Generation Water Observing System (NGWOS) | U.S. Geological Survey
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Next Generation Water Observing System (NGWOS)
Active
By
Water Resources Mission Area
April 27, 2021
Trinity-San Jacinto River Basin selected as 5th Integrated Water Science Basin
Studies in this Texas basin will focus on the impacts of climate change and sea level variability in urban envirnoments
Willamette River Basin selected as 4th Integrated Water Science Basin
Studies in this Pacific Northwest basin will advance the science used to manage water for the diverse needs of major cities, fertile agriculture, and ecologically important species
How We Model Stream Temperature in the Delaware River Basin
New data visualization explores neural networks, and how the USGS uses them to make physically-realistic predictions with less data
Explore the viz
From Snow to Flow
What changing snowmelt means for water availability in the western U.S.
Explore the viz
NGWOS Illinois River Basin briefing sheet now available
IRB efforts will focus on nutrients, sediment, harmful algal blooms, water availability, urban flooding, and emerging contaminants
Balancing water availability and quality in the Delaware River Basin
How new USGS science and monitoring can inform water management
Explore the viz
Delaware River Dashboard
Explore
Overview
Science
Data
Multimedia
Publications
Web Tools
Software
The Next Generation Water Observing System (NGWOS) supports water availability assessments, management, and prediction by enhancing water observations in basins that represent major U.S. hydrologic regions. NGWOS provides high-resolution, real-time data on water quantity, quality, and use, as well as advance the development and application of new sensor technologies and remote sensing methods.
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
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Every day, data from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) water observing systems drive forecasts of floods and droughts, guide management of reservoirs for water supply and power generation, and inform water management decisions that underpin the prosperity of the Nation. These data have formed the backbone of national observations on current conditions and trends in water quantity and quality for more than a century.
Recognizing that more water observations can support a more resilient water future, Congress provided funding to USGS in Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 to begin piloting a Next Generation Water Observing System (NGWOS). The NGWOS is planned to be piloted in up to 10 medium-sized (~15,000–25,000 square mile) reference basins, each representative of a larger region with similar hydrologic characteristics. The NGWOS is enhancing and expanding USGS observations within these basins using new monitoring stations, new sensors, and other technologies that fill critical information gaps.
To date, NGWOS has begun in five basins, each with a particular regional focus:
Delaware River Basin
(2019): Identify drivers of increasing surface and groundwater salinity and quantify how they affect past, present, and future water availability;
Upper Colorado River Basin
(2020): Provide insight into how past, present, and future snow conditions impact water supply and the ability to meet demand;
Illinois River Basin
(2021): Improve understanding of nutrients and HABs and their potential to limit past, present, and future water availability;
Willamette River Basin
(2022, partial funding): Advance understanding of how past, present, and future streamflow and water temperature conditions affect human use and the amount of suitable habitat for spring Chinook salmon;
Trinity-San Jacinto River Basin
(2023, partial funding): Identify drivers and improve understanding of past, present, and future urban flooding to predict and manage change impacts on water security.
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
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Emerging and Innovative Technologies
Research and Development (R&D) efforts are critical to the evolution of USGS water monitoring networks. The NGWOS serves as the primary program where new and innovative techniques, methods and instrumentation for water monitoring are developed and matured. This includes 1) the development of prototypes and products that are sufficiently matured such that they can be transitioned to our national network operations to improve efficiency, accuracy and temporal- scales of data collection, and 2) derive operational techniques and methodologies for the next generation of environmental monitoring sensors, systems and monitoring location infrastructure.
Many of the technologies and methods NGWOS is developing is in
partnership with universities and industry
as directed by Congress.  Focus areas have included satellite remote sensing observations for water quantity and quality; non-contact methods for measuring water stage and velocity; and the development of low cost, autonomous vehicles for water monitoring.  These strategic investments with U.S. partners are advancing our cutting-edge water monitoring networks and driving technological innovations.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
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Water Data Management and Delivery
The NGWOS is modernizing the
National Water Information System
(NWIS) cyberinfrastructure to accommodate new data and sensor networks, displaying observational uncertainty, and improving the efficiency of data transmission and network operations.  NGWOS is also building new ways to access information such as the
Hydrologic Imagery Visualization and Information System
(HIVIS), which provides real-time camera imagery from over 800 USGS streamgages nationwide. Ongoing NGWOS investments will drive further modernization of the cyberinfrastructure and web-based data analysis and visualization tools to maximize access and societal benefits.
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
View Media Details
Visit Webcam
Webcam at USGS Streamgage 01463500 Delaware River at Trenton NJ.
Visit the site page
to see current video and static images.
Study Area
Contacts
Chad R Wagner
Program Coordinator
Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program
Program Coordinator
National Water Quality Program
Program Coordinator, Water Observing Systems Portfolio (WOSP)
Water Resources Mission Area
Email
cwagner@usgs.gov
Phone
919-571-4021
Brian Pellerin
Program Manager, Next Generation Water Observing Systems
Water Resources Mission Area
Program Manager, Water Hazards
Water Resources Mission Area
Email
bpeller@usgs.gov
Phone
703-648-6865
Explore Search
Water
drone
AquaticAirshow
uas
sUAS
unoccupied aircraft system
unmanned aircraft system
Remote Sensing
Water Resources Mission Area
Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program
Data Science
Erosion and Sedimentation
Evapotranspiration
Extreme Hydrologic Event Monitoring
Groundwater Monitoring
Groundwater, Aquifers, Wells, and Springs
Groundwater/Surface-Water Interactions
Hazard and Event Monitoring
Hazards (Floods, Droughts, Hurricanes, etc.)
Mapping Water
Pollution (Chemical and Biological)
Prediction and Modeling
Real-Time Measurements
Snow, Ice, and Glaciers
Soil Moisture and Permafrost
Stream and Riverine Ecosystems
Streamgaging Network
Streams and Rivers
Techniques and Methods
Water Availability and Use
Water Quality
Water Supply and Demand
Types of Water
Measuring and Monitoring Water
Common Water Issues
Advanced Capabilities and Research
View All
Below are other science projects associated with NGWOS.
Filter Total Items: 20
January 16, 2025
Integrated Water Availability Assessments
The USGS Water Resources Mission Area is assessing how much water is available for human and ecological needs in the United States and identifying where and when the Nation may have challenges meeting its demand for water.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Integrated Water Availability Assessments
January 16, 2025
Integrated Water Availability Assessments
The USGS Water Resources Mission Area is assessing how much water is available for human and ecological needs in the United States and identifying where and when the Nation may have challenges meeting its demand for water.
October 31, 2024
USGS National Streamgaging Network
As of October 2024, the USGS Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program supports the collection and (or) delivery of both streamflow and water-level information at 8,705 sites and water-level information alone at 3,460 additional sites. The data are served online—most in near real-time—to meet many diverse needs including the protection of life, property, the environment, and our economy.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
USGS National Streamgaging Network
October 31, 2024
USGS National Streamgaging Network
As of October 2024, the USGS Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program supports the collection and (or) delivery of both streamflow and water-level information at 8,705 sites and water-level information alone at 3,460 additional sites. The data are served online—most in near real-time—to meet many diverse needs including the protection of life, property, the environment, and our economy.
August 27, 2024
Integrated Water Prediction (IWP)
The USGS Integrated Water Prediction science program is focused on developing and improving model code, workflows, and applications of core water availability components at a national extent.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Integrated Water Prediction (IWP)
August 27, 2024
Integrated Water Prediction (IWP)
The USGS Integrated Water Prediction science program is focused on developing and improving model code, workflows, and applications of core water availability components at a national extent.
July 9, 2024
Integrated Water Science Basins: Willamette River
The Willamette River Basin reflects the conflicting water demands between humans and ecosystems—particularly salmon— and the challenge resource managers face throughout the Pacific Northwest.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Oregon Water Science Center
Integrated Water Availability Assessments
Integrated Water Science Basins: Willamette River
July 9, 2024
Integrated Water Science Basins: Willamette River
The Willamette River Basin reflects the conflicting water demands between humans and ecosystems—particularly salmon— and the challenge resource managers face throughout the Pacific Northwest.
April 27, 2021
Integrated Water Science (IWS) Basins
The U.S. Geological Survey is integrating its water science programs to better address the Nation’s greatest water resource challenges. At the heart of this effort are plans to intensively study several Integrated Water Science (IWS) basins—medium-sized watersheds (10,000-20,000 square miles) and underlying aquifers—over the next decade. The IWS basins will represent a wide range of environmental...
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Integrated Water Science (IWS) Basins
April 27, 2021
Integrated Water Science (IWS) Basins
The U.S. Geological Survey is integrating its water science programs to better address the Nation’s greatest water resource challenges. At the heart of this effort are plans to intensively study several Integrated Water Science (IWS) basins—medium-sized watersheds (10,000-20,000 square miles) and underlying aquifers—over the next decade. The IWS basins will represent a wide range of environmental...
April 26, 2021
Next Generation Water Observing System: Illinois River Basin
The Next Generation Water Observing System provides high-fidelity, real-time data on water quantity, quality, and use to support modern water prediction and decision-support systems that are necessary for informing water operations on a daily basis and decision-making during water emergencies. The Illinois River Basin provides an opportunity to implement the NGWOS in a system challenged by an...
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Next Generation Water Observing System: Illinois River Basin
April 26, 2021
Next Generation Water Observing System: Illinois River Basin
The Next Generation Water Observing System provides high-fidelity, real-time data on water quantity, quality, and use to support modern water prediction and decision-support systems that are necessary for informing water operations on a daily basis and decision-making during water emergencies. The Illinois River Basin provides an opportunity to implement the NGWOS in a system challenged by an...
April 26, 2021
Next Generation Water Observing System: Upper Colorado River Basin
The Next Generation Water Observing System (NGWOS) provides high-fidelity, real-time data on water quantity, quality, and use to support modern prediction and decision-support systems that are necessary for informing water operations on a daily basis and decision-making during water emergencies. The headwaters of the Colorado and Gunnison River Basins provide an opportunity to implement NGWOS in a...
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Next Generation Water Observing System: Upper Colorado River Basin
April 26, 2021
Next Generation Water Observing System: Upper Colorado River Basin
The Next Generation Water Observing System (NGWOS) provides high-fidelity, real-time data on water quantity, quality, and use to support modern prediction and decision-support systems that are necessary for informing water operations on a daily basis and decision-making during water emergencies. The headwaters of the Colorado and Gunnison River Basins provide an opportunity to implement NGWOS in a...
April 26, 2021
Next Generation Water Observing System: Delaware River Basin
The Next Generation Water Observing System (NGWOS) supports water availability assessments, management, and prediction by enhancing water observations in basins that represent major U.S. hydrologic regions. The Delaware River Basin was the first Integrated Water Science basin selected, providing an opportunity to implement the NGWOS program in a nationally important, complex interstate river...
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program
Next Generation Water Observing System: Delaware River Basin
April 26, 2021
Next Generation Water Observing System: Delaware River Basin
The Next Generation Water Observing System (NGWOS) supports water availability assessments, management, and prediction by enhancing water observations in basins that represent major U.S. hydrologic regions. The Delaware River Basin was the first Integrated Water Science basin selected, providing an opportunity to implement the NGWOS program in a nationally important, complex interstate river...
October 21, 2020
Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF)
The USGS Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF) supports the water-resource monitoring efforts of USGS scientists and other Federal scientists by providing quality-assured hydrologic equipment and instrumentation support.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF)
October 21, 2020
Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF)
The USGS Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF) supports the water-resource monitoring efforts of USGS scientists and other Federal scientists by providing quality-assured hydrologic equipment and instrumentation support.
March 4, 2019
Rapid Deployment Gages (RDGs)
Rapid Deployment Gages (RDGs) are fully-functional streamgages designed to be deployed quickly and temporarily to measure and transmit stream stage data in emergency situations.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Rapid Deployment Gages (RDGs)
March 4, 2019
Rapid Deployment Gages (RDGs)
Rapid Deployment Gages (RDGs) are fully-functional streamgages designed to be deployed quickly and temporarily to measure and transmit stream stage data in emergency situations.
March 4, 2019
Integration of sUAS into Hydrogeophysical Studies
The USGS is evaluating the integration of small unoccupied aircraft systems – sUAS or "drones" – into USGS hydrogeophysical studies.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Integration of sUAS into Hydrogeophysical Studies
March 4, 2019
Integration of sUAS into Hydrogeophysical Studies
The USGS is evaluating the integration of small unoccupied aircraft systems – sUAS or "drones" – into USGS hydrogeophysical studies.
March 4, 2019
StreamStats
StreamStats provides access to spatial analytical tools that are useful for water-resources planning and management, and for engineering and design purposes. The map-based user interface can be used to delineate drainage areas, get basin characteristics and estimates of flow statistics, and more. Available information varies from state to state.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
StreamStats
March 4, 2019
StreamStats
StreamStats provides access to spatial analytical tools that are useful for water-resources planning and management, and for engineering and design purposes. The map-based user interface can be used to delineate drainage areas, get basin characteristics and estimates of flow statistics, and more. Available information varies from state to state.
Below are data or web applications associated with NGWOS.
Filter Total Items: 61
February 24, 2025
Cyanotoxin concentrations in extracts from Solid Phase Adsorption Toxin Tracking (SPATT) samplers and other water-quality data collected from the Salem River, New Jersey, July-October, 2020.
Cyanotoxin concentrations in extracts from Solid Phase Adsorption Toxin Tracking (SPATT) samplers and other water-quality data collected from the Salem River, New Jersey, July-October, 2020.
This data release presents cyanotoxin and multiparameter water-quality sonde data collected from July-October 2020, at eleven sites in the Salem River, New Jersey. Data-collection sites included seven flowing and four impounded reaches of the main stem Salem River. Solid Phase Adsorption Toxin Tracking (SPATT) samplers were deployed at 11 sampling locations during the study period and...
By
New Jersey Water Science Center
January 3, 2025
Hydrogeomorphic Map of the Neversink Reservoir Watershed, New York
Hydrogeomorphic Map of the Neversink Reservoir Watershed, New York
This Scientific Data Release is for a spatial geodatabase containing hydrogeomorphic map units within the Neversink Reservoir Watershed, New York, formatted to Geologic Map Schema (GeMS) standards. Hydrogeomorphic map units within this data release are defined as areas with distinct topographic and hydrologic characteristics, which includes both surficial geologic deposits and regions of...
By
Florence Bascom Geoscience Center
December 26, 2024
Satellite images used to test a sundial method for inferring image acquisition time from shadow orientation
Satellite images used to test a sundial method for inferring image acquisition time from shadow orientation
This data release provides satellite images used to test a method for inferring image acquisition time from shadow orientation. For many applications, such as linking remotely sensed data to streamflow recorded at a gaging station, knowing the time an image is acquired is important, but such metadata often is not available. The sundial method is a simple means of inferring image...
By
Water Resources Mission Area
December 26, 2024
Image-based measurements and gage records used to test a method for inferring river discharge from remotely sensed data based on critical flow theory
Image-based measurements and gage records used to test a method for inferring river discharge from remotely sensed data based on critical flow theory
This data release makes available the data used to test a method for remote sensing of river discharge based on critical flow theory. In rivers where flow conditions are near critical and well-defined standing waves are present, simple measurements of the wavelengths of the standing waves and the width of the channel made using readily available image data can be used to infer river...
By
Water Resources Mission Area
December 20, 2024
Deep learning classification of landforms from lidar-derived elevation models in the glaciated portion of the northern Delaware River Basin of New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania
Deep learning classification of landforms from lidar-derived elevation models in the glaciated portion of the northern Delaware River Basin of New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania
The Delaware River Basin (DRB) covers portions of five states (Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania) and several geologic provinces, encompassing much of the complex geology of the Mid-Atlantic region. This data release focuses on the recently glaciated northern DRB, which includes portions of New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Groundwater storage is...
By
Florence Bascom Geoscience Center
November 20, 2024
Airborne electromagnetic and magnetic survey of Illinois River Basin, 2023
Airborne electromagnetic and magnetic survey of Illinois River Basin, 2023
Airborne electromagnetic (AEM) and magnetic survey data were collected during January and February 2023 over a distance of 3,799.3 line kilometers covering the Illinois River Basin and surrounding regions in Illinois and Indiana. Data were collected as part of the USGS Illinois River Basin Next Generation Water Observing Systems (NGWOS) project to improve understanding of depth to...
By
Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center
October 26, 2024
Remotely sensed data, field measurements, and MATLAB code used to produce image-derived velocity maps for a reach of the Sacramento River near Glenn, CA, September 16-19, 2024
Remotely sensed data, field measurements, and MATLAB code used to produce image-derived velocity maps for a reach of the Sacramento River near Glenn, CA, September 16-19, 2024
This data release provides remotely sensed data, field measurements, and MATLAB code associated with an effort to produce image-derived velocity maps for a reach of the Sacramento River in California's Central Valley. Data collection occurred from September 16-19, 2024, and involved cooperators from the Intelligent Robotics Group from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration...
By
Water Resources Mission Area
October 16, 2024
Conceptual headwater stream daily heat budget scenarios under varied shading and groundwater influence
Conceptual headwater stream daily heat budget scenarios under varied shading and groundwater influence
The Neversink River watershed (above the Neversink Reservoir) in the Catskill Mountains of New York, USA has been a focus of U.S. Geological Survey research for decades regarding stream geochemistry, acidification, and ecology dynamics. In 2019, the Water Mission Area Next Generation Water Observing Systems Program (NGWOS) augmented the existing stream gage network to include multiscale
By
Water Resources Mission Area
October 15, 2024
Thermal imagery acquired from an Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) and hydroacoustic measurements of flow velocity collected along the Sacramento River, California, November, 2023
Thermal imagery acquired from an Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) and hydroacoustic measurements of flow velocity collected along the Sacramento River, California, November, 2023
A reach of the Sacramento River near Glenn, California, was selected as a field site to test a sensor payload developed by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for estimating surface flow velocities in rivers. The payload, called the River Observing System (RiOS), can be deployed from an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS). RiOS includes visible and...
By
Water Resources Mission Area
October 8, 2024
Hyperspectral image transects and field measurements of reflectance, visible dye concentration, and flow velocity acquired during a tracer experiment on the Missouri River near Lexington, MO, on May 11, 2024
Hyperspectral image transects and field measurements of reflectance, visible dye concentration, and flow velocity acquired during a tracer experiment on the Missouri River near Lexington, MO, on May 11, 2024
This data release includes several types of remotely sensed data and field measurements acquired during a tracer experiment performed on the Missouri River near Lexington, Missouri, on May 11, 2024. One of the primary goals of this study was to assess the feasibility of inferring concentrations of a visible dye (Rhodamine WT) in a large, highly turbid natural river channel using data...
By
Water Resources Mission Area
October 3, 2024
Fiber-optic distributed temperature sensing, seepage meter, vertical temperature profiler, water level, water quality, and streambed thermal property data collected to better understand groundwater and surface water connectivity at two sites in the Illino
Fiber-optic distributed temperature sensing, seepage meter, vertical temperature profiler, water level, water quality, and streambed thermal property data collected to better understand groundwater and surface water connectivity at two sites in the Illino
As part of the US Geological Survey's Next Generation Water Observing Systems Program (NGWOS) Research and Development efforts in the Illinois River Basin, two intensive technology 'testbed' locations were established for the purpose of conducting a detailed groundwater and surface water interaction study regarding the fate and transport of excess nutrients. Specifically, nitrate is...
By
Water Resources Mission Area
September 19, 2024
Ground-based frequency domain electromagnetic (FDEM) data from the Illinois River Basin in support of the USGS Next Generation Water Observing System
Ground-based frequency domain electromagnetic (FDEM) data from the Illinois River Basin in support of the USGS Next Generation Water Observing System
This data release contains frequency domain electromagnetic (FDEM) geophysical data collected in fields and forests near and along the banks of the Kankakee River near Hanna, Indiana to observe near surface (top 10 meters or less) electrical conductivity variations, potentially related to soil moisture, lithology, and/or pore fluid conductivity. Both a GEM-2 and a DualEM-421 instrument...
By
New York Water Science Center
Below are multimedia items associated with NGWOS.
May 19, 2023
Next Generation Water Observing System Conceptual Diagram
Conceptual illustration showing how USGS's Next Generation Water Observing System will enhance the spatial and temporal monitoring of water within reference basins and larger hydrologic regions in all U.S. states and territories.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Streamgage 01437500 Neversink River at Godeffroy, NY
Streamgage 01437500 Neversink River at Godeffroy, NY
September 23, 2021
Streamgage 01437500 Neversink River at Godeffroy, NY
Streamgage 01437500 Neversink River at Godeffroy, NY
Streamgage 01437500 Neversink River at Godeffroy, NY
Webcam
at USGS Streamgage 01437500 Neversink River at Godeffroy, NY.
Visit
Water Data For the Nation
to get current data for this site.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
New York Water Science Center
September 23, 2021
Streamgage 01437500 Neversink River at Godeffroy, NY
Streamgage 01437500 Neversink River at Godeffroy, NY
Streamgage 01437500 Neversink River at Godeffroy, NY
Streamgage 01437500 Neversink River at Godeffroy, NY
Webcam
at USGS Streamgage 01437500 Neversink River at Godeffroy, NY.
Visit
Water Data For the Nation
to get current data for this site.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
New York Water Science Center
Colorado River above Glenwood Springs, CO (09071750)
Colorado River above Glenwood Springs, CO (09071750)
September 23, 2021
Colorado River above Glenwood Springs, CO (09071750)
Colorado River above Glenwood Springs, CO (09071750)
Colorado River above Glenwood Springs, CO (09071750)
Webcam
at USGS Streamgage 09071750 Colorado River above Glenwood Springs, CO.
Visit
Water Data For the Nation
to get current data for this site.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Colorado Water Science Center
September 23, 2021
Colorado River above Glenwood Springs, CO (09071750)
Colorado River above Glenwood Springs, CO (09071750)
Colorado River above Glenwood Springs, CO (09071750)
Colorado River above Glenwood Springs, CO (09071750)
Webcam
at USGS Streamgage 09071750 Colorado River above Glenwood Springs, CO.
Visit
Water Data For the Nation
to get current data for this site.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Colorado Water Science Center
Colorado River near Cameo, CO (09095500)
Colorado River near Cameo, CO (09095500)
September 23, 2021
Colorado River near Cameo, CO (09095500)
Colorado River near Cameo, CO (09095500)
Colorado River near Cameo, CO (09095500)
Webcam
at USGS Streamgage 09095500 Colorado River near Cameo, CO.
Visit
Water Data For the Nation
to get current data for this site.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Colorado Water Science Center
September 23, 2021
Colorado River near Cameo, CO (09095500)
Colorado River near Cameo, CO (09095500)
Colorado River near Cameo, CO (09095500)
Colorado River near Cameo, CO (09095500)
Webcam
at USGS Streamgage 09095500 Colorado River near Cameo, CO.
Visit
Water Data For the Nation
to get current data for this site.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Colorado Water Science Center
Streamgage 01463500 Delaware River at Trenton, NJ
Streamgage 01463500 Delaware River at Trenton, NJ
September 23, 2021
Streamgage 01463500 Delaware River at Trenton, NJ
Streamgage 01463500 Delaware River at Trenton, NJ
Streamgage 01463500 Delaware River at Trenton, NJ
Webcam
at USGS Streamgage 01463500 Delaware River at Trenton NJ.
Visit the site page
to access data for this site.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
New Jersey Water Science Center
September 23, 2021
Streamgage 01463500 Delaware River at Trenton, NJ
Streamgage 01463500 Delaware River at Trenton, NJ
Streamgage 01463500 Delaware River at Trenton, NJ
Streamgage 01463500 Delaware River at Trenton, NJ
Webcam
at USGS Streamgage 01463500 Delaware River at Trenton NJ.
Visit the site page
to access data for this site.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
New Jersey Water Science Center
Streamgage 01462000 Delaware River at Lambertville, NJ
Streamgage 01462000 Delaware River at Lambertville, NJ
September 23, 2021
Streamgage 01462000 Delaware River at Lambertville, NJ
Streamgage 01462000 Delaware River at Lambertville, NJ
Streamgage 01462000 Delaware River at Lambertville, NJ
Webcam
at USGS Streamgage 01462000 Delaware River at Lambertville, NJ.
Visit
Water Data For the Nation
to get current data for this site.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
New Jersey Water Science Center
September 23, 2021
Streamgage 01462000 Delaware River at Lambertville, NJ
Streamgage 01462000 Delaware River at Lambertville, NJ
Streamgage 01462000 Delaware River at Lambertville, NJ
Streamgage 01462000 Delaware River at Lambertville, NJ
Webcam
at USGS Streamgage 01462000 Delaware River at Lambertville, NJ.
Visit
Water Data For the Nation
to get current data for this site.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
New Jersey Water Science Center
April 1, 2021
Next Generation Water Observing System—Illinois River Basin (briefing)
Next Generation Water Observing System—Illinois River Basin (briefing)
Next Generation Water Observing System—Illinois River Basin (briefing)
Briefing sheet for the Next Generation Water Observing System—Illinois River Basin pilot.
By
Water Resources
April 1, 2021
Next Generation Water Observing System—Illinois River Basin (briefing)
Next Generation Water Observing System—Illinois River Basin (briefing)
Next Generation Water Observing System—Illinois River Basin (briefing)
Next Generation Water Observing System—Illinois River Basin (briefing)
Briefing sheet for the Next Generation Water Observing System—Illinois River Basin pilot.
By
Water Resources
October 1, 2020
U.S. River Conditions, Water Year 2020
U.S. River Conditions, Water Year 2020
U.S. River Conditions, Water Year 2020
This animation shows the changing conditions of USGS streamgages from October 1, 2019 to September 30, 2020. The conditions shown range from the driest condition seen at a gage (red open circles) to the wettest (blue closed circles). There is also a purple ring added to indicate gages that are flooding.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program
October 1, 2020
U.S. River Conditions, Water Year 2020
U.S. River Conditions, Water Year 2020
U.S. River Conditions, Water Year 2020
U.S. River Conditions, Water Year 2020
This animation shows the changing conditions of USGS streamgages from October 1, 2019 to September 30, 2020. The conditions shown range from the driest condition seen at a gage (red open circles) to the wettest (blue closed circles). There is also a purple ring added to indicate gages that are flooding.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program
November 18, 2019
NGWOS Upper Colorado & Gunnison River Basin Briefing Sheet
NGWOS Upper Colorado & Gunnison River Basin Briefing Sheet
NGWOS Upper Colorado & Gunnison River Basin Briefing Sheet
Next Generation Water Observing System Upper Colorado & Gunnison River Basin briefing sheet.
By
Water Resources
November 18, 2019
NGWOS Upper Colorado & Gunnison River Basin Briefing Sheet
NGWOS Upper Colorado & Gunnison River Basin Briefing Sheet
NGWOS Upper Colorado & Gunnison River Basin Briefing Sheet
NGWOS Upper Colorado & Gunnison River Basin Briefing Sheet
Next Generation Water Observing System Upper Colorado & Gunnison River Basin briefing sheet.
By
Water Resources
March 12, 2019
U.S. River Conditions for Water Year 2018
U.S. River Conditions for Water Year 2018
U.S. River Conditions for Water Year 2018
This is an animation showing the changing conditions of USGS streamgages for Water Year 2018 (October 1, 2017 to September 30, 2018). The conditions shown range from the driest condition seen at a gage to the wettest.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program
March 12, 2019
U.S. River Conditions for Water Year 2018
U.S. River Conditions for Water Year 2018
U.S. River Conditions for Water Year 2018
U.S. River Conditions for Water Year 2018
This is an animation showing the changing conditions of USGS streamgages for Water Year 2018 (October 1, 2017 to September 30, 2018). The conditions shown range from the driest condition seen at a gage to the wettest.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program
July 28, 2018
Next Generation Water Observing System—Delaware River Basin (briefing)
Next Generation Water Observing System—Delaware River Basin (briefing)
Next Generation Water Observing System—Delaware River Basin (briefing)
Briefing sheet for the Next Generation Water Observing System—Delaware River Basin pilot.
By
Water Resources
Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program
July 28, 2018
Next Generation Water Observing System—Delaware River Basin (briefing)
Next Generation Water Observing System—Delaware River Basin (briefing)
Next Generation Water Observing System—Delaware River Basin (briefing)
Next Generation Water Observing System—Delaware River Basin (briefing)
Briefing sheet for the Next Generation Water Observing System—Delaware River Basin pilot.
By
Water Resources
Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program
Below are publications associated with NGWOS.
September 18, 2019
Water priorities for the nation—The U.S. Geological Survey next generation water observing system
Water priorities for the nation—The U.S. Geological Survey next generation water observing system
The challenges of providing safe and sustainable water supplies for human and ecological uses and protecting lives and property during water emergencies are well recognized. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) plays an essential role in meeting these challenges through its observational networks and renowned water science and research activities (National Academies of Science, Engineering...
Authors
Sandra M. Eberts, Chad R. Wagner, Michael D. Woodside
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Filter Total Items: 23
February 1, 2025
Development of ‘SedCam’— A close-range remote sensing method of estimating suspended-sediment concentration in small rivers
Development of ‘SedCam’— A close-range remote sensing method of estimating suspended-sediment concentration in small rivers
The adaptation of suspended-sediment surrogate technologies continues to rapidly expand across geomorphology and fluvial sediment monitoring efforts. Over a decade of research and development shows increased reliability and accuracy of in-situ surrogates with reduced program cost as compared to traditional sample-based methods, but environmental fouling and probe damage can be...
Authors
Adam R. Mosbrucker, Molly S. Wood
By
Volcano Hazards Program
Volcano Science Center
January 14, 2025
Enhanced hydrologic monitoring and characterization of groundwater drainage features
Enhanced hydrologic monitoring and characterization of groundwater drainage features
Groundwater drains to the land surface, generating the baseflow of streams, lakes, and wetlands. The hydrologic resilience of baseflow during prolonged dry periods and after disturbance can be assessed with evolving remote sensing analysis paired with localized monitoring of groundwater drainage features and creative model calibration strategies.
Authors
Martin A. Briggs
By
Water Resources Mission Area
December 19, 2024
Mapping river flow from thermal images in approximately real time: Proof of concept on the Sacramento River, California, USA
Mapping river flow from thermal images in approximately real time: Proof of concept on the Sacramento River, California, USA
Image velocimetry has become an effective method of mapping flow conditions in rivers, but this analysis is typically performed in a post-processing mode after data collection is complete. In this study, we evaluated the potential to infer flow velocities in approximately real time as thermal images are being acquired from an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS). The sensitivity of thermal...
Authors
Carl J. Legleiter, Paul J. Kinzel, Michael Dille, Massimo Vespignani, Uland Wong, Isaac E Anderson, Elizabeth Hyde, Christopher L. Gazoorian, Jennifer Marie Cramer
By
Water Resources Mission Area
National Innovation Center
New York Water Science Center
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
October 23, 2024
Software application for spectral mixture analysis for surveillance of harmful algal blooms (SMASH): A tool for identifying cyanobacteria genera from remotely sensed data
Software application for spectral mixture analysis for surveillance of harmful algal blooms (SMASH): A tool for identifying cyanobacteria genera from remotely sensed data
Remote sensing is often used to detect algae, but standard techniques do not provide information on the types of algae present or their potential to form a harmful algal bloom (HAB). We developed a framework for identifying algal genera based on reflectance: SMASH, short for Spectral Mixture Analysis for Surveillance of HABs. The Software Application for SMASH (SAS) was developed in...
Authors
Carl J. Legleiter, Tyler V. King
By
Water Resources Mission Area
June 29, 2024
Reach-scale mapping of surface flow velocities from thermal images acquired by an uncrewed aircraft system along the Sacramento River, California, USA
Reach-scale mapping of surface flow velocities from thermal images acquired by an uncrewed aircraft system along the Sacramento River, California, USA
An innovative payload containing a sensitive mid-wave infrared camera was flown on an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) to acquire thermal imagery along a reach of the Sacramento River, California, USA. The imagery was used as input for an ensemble particle image velocimetry (PIV) algorithm to produce near-continuous maps of surface flow velocity along a reach approximately 1 km in length...
Authors
Paul J. Kinzel, Carl J. Legleiter, Christopher L. Gazoorian
By
Water Resources Mission Area
New York Water Science Center
June 25, 2024
An enhanced and expanded Toolbox for River Velocimetry using Images from Aircraft (TRiVIA)
An enhanced and expanded Toolbox for River Velocimetry using Images from Aircraft (TRiVIA)
Detailed, accurate information on flow patterns in river channels can improve understanding of habitat conditions, geomorphic processes, and potential hazards to help inform water management. Data describing flow patterns in river channels can be obtained efficiently via image-based techniques that have become more widely used in recent years as the number of platforms for acquiring...
Authors
Carl J. Legleiter, Paul J. Kinzel
By
Water Resources Mission Area
June 24, 2024
Siting considerations for satellite observation of river discharge
Siting considerations for satellite observation of river discharge
With growing global capability for satellite measurement of river discharge (flow) comes a need to understand and reduce error in satellite-based discharge measurements. Satellite-based discharge estimates are based on measurements of water surface width, elevation, slope, and potentially velocity. Site selection is important for reducing error and uncertainty in both conventional and...
Authors
Jack R. Eggleston, Christopher A. Mason, David M. Bjerklie, Michael T. Durand, Robert W. Dudley, Merritt Elizabeth Harlan
By
Water Resources Mission Area
New England Water Science Center
April 4, 2024
Evaluating the potential for efficient, UAS-based reach-scale mapping of river channel bathymetry from multispectral images
Evaluating the potential for efficient, UAS-based reach-scale mapping of river channel bathymetry from multispectral images
Introduction: Information on spatial patterns of water depth in river channels is valuable for numerous applications, but such data can be difficult to obtain via traditional field methods. Ongoing developments in remote sensing technology have enabled various image-based approaches for mapping river bathymetry; this study evaluated the potential to retrieve depth from multispectral...
Authors
Carl J. Legleiter, Lee R. Harrison
By
Water Resources Mission Area
April 1, 2024
A Robot Operating System (ROS) package for mapping flow fields in rivers via Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV)
A Robot Operating System (ROS) package for mapping flow fields in rivers via Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV)
Non-contact, remote sensing approaches to measuring flow velocities in river channels are widely used, but typical workflows involve acquiring images in the field and then processing data later in the office. To reduce latency between acquisition and output, with the ultimate goal of enabling real-time image velocimetry, we developed a Robot Operating System (ROS) package for Particle...
Authors
Carl J. Legleiter, Michael Dille
By
Water Resources Mission Area
May 9, 2023
The Toolbox for River Velocimetry using Images from Aircraft (TRiVIA)
The Toolbox for River Velocimetry using Images from Aircraft (TRiVIA)
Accurate knowledge of the speed at which water moves along a river is essential for understanding ecohydraulic processes and managing natural resources. Measuring flow velocity via remote sensing can be more efficient than conventional field methods, and powerful computational techniques for inferring velocity fields from videos or image time series have been developed. The development...
Authors
Carl J. Legleiter, Paul J. Kinzel
By
Water Resources Mission Area
January 17, 2023
Moving Aircraft River Velocimetry (MARV): Framework and proof-of-concept on the Tanana River
Moving Aircraft River Velocimetry (MARV): Framework and proof-of-concept on the Tanana River
Information on velocity fields in rivers is critical for designing infrastructure, modeling contaminant transport, and assessing habitat. Although non-contact approaches to measuring flow velocity are well established, these methods assume a stationary imaging platform. This study eliminates this constraint by introducing a framework for moving aircraft river velocimetry (MARV). The...
Authors
Carl J. Legleiter, Paul J. Kinzel, Mark Laker, Jeff Conaway
By
Water Resources Mission Area
October 25, 2022
A multiscale approach for monitoring groundwater discharge to headwater streams by the U.S. Geological Survey Next Generation Water Observing System Program—An example from the Neversink Reservoir watershed, New York
A multiscale approach for monitoring groundwater discharge to headwater streams by the U.S. Geological Survey Next Generation Water Observing System Program—An example from the Neversink Reservoir watershed, New York
Groundwater-stream connectivity across mountain watersheds is critical for supporting streamflow during dry times and keeping streams cool during warm times, yet U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) stream measurements are often sparse in headwaters. Starting in 2019, the USGS Next Generation Water Observing System Program developed a multiscale methods and technology testbed approach to...
Authors
Martin A. Briggs, Christopher L. Gazoorian, Daniel H. Doctor, Douglas A. Burns
By
Water Resources Mission Area
National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program
Florence Bascom Geoscience Center
Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center
New York Water Science Center
Below are data or web applications associated with NGWOS.
January 29, 2026
Water Data for the Nation (WDFN)
Water Data for the Nation (WDFN)
Water Data for the Nation (WDFN) is the home for USGS’s modernization of public delivery of water data.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Alaska Science Center
Arizona Water Science Center
California Water Science Center
Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center (CFWSC)
Central Midwest Water Science Center
Central Plains Water Science Center
Colorado Water Science Center
Dakota Water Science Center
Idaho Water Science Center
Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center
Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center
Nevada Water Science Center
New England Water Science Center
New Jersey Water Science Center
New Mexico Water Science Center
New York Water Science Center
Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center
Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center
Oregon Water Science Center
Pacific Islands Water Science Center
Pennsylvania Water Science Center
South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)
Upper Midwest Water Science Center
Utah Water Science Center
Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center
Washington Water Science Center
Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center
Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF)
January 29, 2026
USGS Water Data APIs
USGS Water Data APIs
This site is the home for modernized access to USGS water data in machine-readable formats via REST APIs, a common type of web service programs use to search and download data. These services provide USGS water data, ranging from continuous measurements of streamflow to information about individual USGS sites and more.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Alaska Science Center
Arizona Water Science Center
California Water Science Center
Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center (CFWSC)
Central Midwest Water Science Center
Central Plains Water Science Center
Colorado Water Science Center
Dakota Water Science Center
Idaho Water Science Center
Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center
Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center
Nevada Water Science Center
New England Water Science Center
New Jersey Water Science Center
New Mexico Water Science Center
New York Water Science Center
Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center
Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center
Oregon Water Science Center
Pacific Islands Water Science Center
Pennsylvania Water Science Center
South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)
Upper Midwest Water Science Center
Utah Water Science Center
Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center
Washington Water Science Center
Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center
October 1, 2022
WaterAlert
WaterAlert
The U.S. Geological Survey WaterAlert service provides notifications to your email or phone for changes in water conditions based on thresholds you choose.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Idaho Water Science Center
New Jersey Water Science Center
New York Water Science Center
Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center
Oregon Water Science Center
Upper Midwest Water Science Center
Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center
Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF)
National Water Quality Laboratory
Office of Risk and Resilience
Water Science School
June 22, 2021
National Water Dashboard (NWD)
National Water Dashboard (NWD)
The National Water Dashboard (NWD) is a mobile, interactive tool that provides real-time information on water levels, weather, and flood forecasts - all in one place on a computer, smartphone, or other mobile device. The NWD presents real-time stream, lake and reservoir, precipitation, and groundwater data from more than 13,500 USGS observation stations across the country.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Alaska Science Center
Arizona Water Science Center
California Water Science Center
Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center (CFWSC)
Central Midwest Water Science Center
Colorado Water Science Center
Dakota Water Science Center
Idaho Water Science Center
Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center
Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center
Nevada Water Science Center
New England Water Science Center
New Jersey Water Science Center
New Mexico Water Science Center
New York Water Science Center
Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center
Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center
Oregon Water Science Center
Pacific Islands Water Science Center
Pennsylvania Water Science Center
South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)
Upper Midwest Water Science Center
Utah Water Science Center
Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center
Washington Water Science Center
Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center
Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF)
Office of Risk and Resilience
Saline Lake Ecosystems Integrated Water Availability Assessment
June 21, 2021
How We Model Stream Temperature in the Delaware River Basin
How We Model Stream Temperature in the Delaware River Basin
Neural networks are powerful deep learning models that help us make accurate environmental predictions. This data visualization describes how to train an artificial neural network, and how the USGS uses them to make physically-realistic predictions with less data.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
New Jersey Water Science Center
April 27, 2021
From Snow to Flow (data visualization story)
From Snow to Flow (data visualization story)
A majority of the water in the western U.S. comes from snowmelt, but changes in the timing, magnitude, and duration of snowmelt can alter water availability downstream. This data visualization story explores what changing snowmelt means for water in the West, and how new USGS efforts can advance snow science by modeling snowpack and snowmelt dynamics and linking these results to streamflow.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
California Water Science Center
Nevada Water Science Center
Saline Lake Ecosystems Integrated Water Availability Assessment
December 3, 2020
Water science and management in the Delaware River Basin (data visualization story)
Water science and management in the Delaware River Basin (data visualization story)
The Delaware River supports thriving ecosystems and drinking water for 16 million people. How water is shared, and the quality of that water, has been the focus of decades of inter-state discussion, negotiation, and research. This data visualization story uses streamflow, salinity, and temperature to show how new USGS science and monitoring can inform water management in this age of cooperation.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
New Jersey Water Science Center
March 4, 2019
Water Quality Portal
Water Quality Portal
The Water Quality Portal integrates and provides access to publicly available water-quality data from databases such as USGS NWIS and BioData, EPA STORET, and USDA-ARS STEWARDS through a single search interface.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Idaho Water Science Center
New Jersey Water Science Center
New York Water Science Center
Upper Midwest Water Science Center
March 4, 2019
National Ground-Water Monitoring Network (NGWMN) Data Portal
National Ground-Water Monitoring Network (NGWMN) Data Portal
The NGWMN Data Portal provides access to groundwater data from multiple, dispersed databases in a web-based mapping application. The Portal contains current and historical data including water levels, water quality, lithology, and well construction.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
New York Water Science Center
Upper Midwest Water Science Center
Water Science School
Below are software associated with NGWOS.
December 27, 2024
critFlowQ
critFlowQ
This software release provides a means of inferring river discharge from remotely sensed data based on critical flow theory. This approach is only applicable to rivers with well defined standing waves and involves measuring their wavelength and the width of the channel. These data are then used to calculate flow velocity, water depth, and river discharge based on an assumption of...
By
Water Resources Mission Area
December 10, 2024
sundial
sundial
This software release provides a means of inferring the acquisition time of an image using the sundial method. This approach involves measuring the orientation of a shadow on the image and using the calculated solar geometry for that date to identify the time at which the sun would have been positioned so as to cast the observed shadow. The shadow orientation measurement can be made on...
By
Water Resources Mission Area
April 3, 2024
Satellite Tool for River Altimetry and eXtent in Alaska (SatTRAX-AK)
Satellite Tool for River Altimetry and eXtent in Alaska (SatTRAX-AK)
The USGS Satellite Tool for River Altimetry and eXtent in Alaska (SatTRAX-AK) is a Google Earth Engine application built for exploring Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) observable USGS gages reaches and Global Water Monitor (GWM) altimetry data for river surfaces. The application will run an analysis at select GWM sites to compute water extent and estimated water surface...
By
Water Resources Mission Area
September 29, 2023
SAS: Software Application for SMASH (Spectral Mixture Analysis for Surveillance of Harmful Algal Blooms)
SAS: Software Application for SMASH (Spectral Mixture Analysis for Surveillance of Harmful Algal Blooms)
The Software Application for SMASH (Spectral Mixture Analysis for Surveillance of Harmful Algal Blooms), or SAS for short, is an application to facilitate mapping of potentially harmful algal blooms in reservoirs, rivers, and lakes from remotely sensed data. More specifically, SAS is designed to exploit the detailed observations of reflectance available within a hyperspectral image to...
By
Water Resources Mission Area
January 13, 2023
Toolbox for River Velocimetry using Images from Aircraft (TRiVIA)
Toolbox for River Velocimetry using Images from Aircraft (TRiVIA)
# TRiVIA Toolbox for River Velocimetry using Images from Aircraft: TRiVIA ## Description The Toolbox for River Velocimetry using Images from Aircraft, or TRiVIA for short, is an application to facilitate estimation of surface flow velocities in river channels from various types of remotely sensed data acquired with a nadir-viewing geometry (i.e., looking straight down). Spatially...
By
Water Resources Mission Area
June 5, 2020
ORByT - Optical River Bathymetry Toolkit
ORByT - Optical River Bathymetry Toolkit
The Optical River Bathymetry Toolkit, ORByT, is an application to facilitate mapping water depth in river channels from passive optical image data. ORByT provides an integrated workflow for image processing, depth retrieval, and export of results.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
The Next Generation Water Observing System (NGWOS) supports water availability assessments, management, and prediction by enhancing water observations in basins that represent major U.S. hydrologic regions. NGWOS provides high-resolution, real-time data on water quantity, quality, and use, as well as advance the development and application of new sensor technologies and remote sensing methods.
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
View Media Details
Every day, data from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) water observing systems drive forecasts of floods and droughts, guide management of reservoirs for water supply and power generation, and inform water management decisions that underpin the prosperity of the Nation. These data have formed the backbone of national observations on current conditions and trends in water quantity and quality for more than a century.
Recognizing that more water observations can support a more resilient water future, Congress provided funding to USGS in Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 to begin piloting a Next Generation Water Observing System (NGWOS). The NGWOS is planned to be piloted in up to 10 medium-sized (~15,000–25,000 square mile) reference basins, each representative of a larger region with similar hydrologic characteristics. The NGWOS is enhancing and expanding USGS observations within these basins using new monitoring stations, new sensors, and other technologies that fill critical information gaps.
To date, NGWOS has begun in five basins, each with a particular regional focus:
Delaware River Basin
(2019): Identify drivers of increasing surface and groundwater salinity and quantify how they affect past, present, and future water availability;
Upper Colorado River Basin
(2020): Provide insight into how past, present, and future snow conditions impact water supply and the ability to meet demand;
Illinois River Basin
(2021): Improve understanding of nutrients and HABs and their potential to limit past, present, and future water availability;
Willamette River Basin
(2022, partial funding): Advance understanding of how past, present, and future streamflow and water temperature conditions affect human use and the amount of suitable habitat for spring Chinook salmon;
Trinity-San Jacinto River Basin
(2023, partial funding): Identify drivers and improve understanding of past, present, and future urban flooding to predict and manage change impacts on water security.
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
View Media Details
Emerging and Innovative Technologies
Research and Development (R&D) efforts are critical to the evolution of USGS water monitoring networks. The NGWOS serves as the primary program where new and innovative techniques, methods and instrumentation for water monitoring are developed and matured. This includes 1) the development of prototypes and products that are sufficiently matured such that they can be transitioned to our national network operations to improve efficiency, accuracy and temporal- scales of data collection, and 2) derive operational techniques and methodologies for the next generation of environmental monitoring sensors, systems and monitoring location infrastructure.
Many of the technologies and methods NGWOS is developing is in
partnership with universities and industry
as directed by Congress.  Focus areas have included satellite remote sensing observations for water quantity and quality; non-contact methods for measuring water stage and velocity; and the development of low cost, autonomous vehicles for water monitoring.  These strategic investments with U.S. partners are advancing our cutting-edge water monitoring networks and driving technological innovations.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
View Media Details
Water Data Management and Delivery
The NGWOS is modernizing the
National Water Information System
(NWIS) cyberinfrastructure to accommodate new data and sensor networks, displaying observational uncertainty, and improving the efficiency of data transmission and network operations.  NGWOS is also building new ways to access information such as the
Hydrologic Imagery Visualization and Information System
(HIVIS), which provides real-time camera imagery from over 800 USGS streamgages nationwide. Ongoing NGWOS investments will drive further modernization of the cyberinfrastructure and web-based data analysis and visualization tools to maximize access and societal benefits.
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
View Media Details
Visit Webcam
Webcam at USGS Streamgage 01463500 Delaware River at Trenton NJ.
Visit the site page
to see current video and static images.
Study Area
Contacts
Chad R Wagner
Program Coordinator
Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program
Program Coordinator
National Water Quality Program
Program Coordinator, Water Observing Systems Portfolio (WOSP)
Water Resources Mission Area
Email
cwagner@usgs.gov
Phone
919-571-4021
Brian Pellerin
Program Manager, Next Generation Water Observing Systems
Water Resources Mission Area
Program Manager, Water Hazards
Water Resources Mission Area
Email
bpeller@usgs.gov
Phone
703-648-6865
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Extreme Hydrologic Event Monitoring
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Hazard and Event Monitoring
Hazards (Floods, Droughts, Hurricanes, etc.)
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Pollution (Chemical and Biological)
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Snow, Ice, and Glaciers
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Below are other science projects associated with NGWOS.
Filter Total Items: 20
January 16, 2025
Integrated Water Availability Assessments
The USGS Water Resources Mission Area is assessing how much water is available for human and ecological needs in the United States and identifying where and when the Nation may have challenges meeting its demand for water.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Integrated Water Availability Assessments
January 16, 2025
Integrated Water Availability Assessments
The USGS Water Resources Mission Area is assessing how much water is available for human and ecological needs in the United States and identifying where and when the Nation may have challenges meeting its demand for water.
October 31, 2024
USGS National Streamgaging Network
As of October 2024, the USGS Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program supports the collection and (or) delivery of both streamflow and water-level information at 8,705 sites and water-level information alone at 3,460 additional sites. The data are served online—most in near real-time—to meet many diverse needs including the protection of life, property, the environment, and our economy.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
USGS National Streamgaging Network
October 31, 2024
USGS National Streamgaging Network
As of October 2024, the USGS Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program supports the collection and (or) delivery of both streamflow and water-level information at 8,705 sites and water-level information alone at 3,460 additional sites. The data are served online—most in near real-time—to meet many diverse needs including the protection of life, property, the environment, and our economy.
August 27, 2024
Integrated Water Prediction (IWP)
The USGS Integrated Water Prediction science program is focused on developing and improving model code, workflows, and applications of core water availability components at a national extent.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Integrated Water Prediction (IWP)
August 27, 2024
Integrated Water Prediction (IWP)
The USGS Integrated Water Prediction science program is focused on developing and improving model code, workflows, and applications of core water availability components at a national extent.
July 9, 2024
Integrated Water Science Basins: Willamette River
The Willamette River Basin reflects the conflicting water demands between humans and ecosystems—particularly salmon— and the challenge resource managers face throughout the Pacific Northwest.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Oregon Water Science Center
Integrated Water Availability Assessments
Integrated Water Science Basins: Willamette River
July 9, 2024
Integrated Water Science Basins: Willamette River
The Willamette River Basin reflects the conflicting water demands between humans and ecosystems—particularly salmon— and the challenge resource managers face throughout the Pacific Northwest.
April 27, 2021
Integrated Water Science (IWS) Basins
The U.S. Geological Survey is integrating its water science programs to better address the Nation’s greatest water resource challenges. At the heart of this effort are plans to intensively study several Integrated Water Science (IWS) basins—medium-sized watersheds (10,000-20,000 square miles) and underlying aquifers—over the next decade. The IWS basins will represent a wide range of environmental...
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Integrated Water Science (IWS) Basins
April 27, 2021
Integrated Water Science (IWS) Basins
The U.S. Geological Survey is integrating its water science programs to better address the Nation’s greatest water resource challenges. At the heart of this effort are plans to intensively study several Integrated Water Science (IWS) basins—medium-sized watersheds (10,000-20,000 square miles) and underlying aquifers—over the next decade. The IWS basins will represent a wide range of environmental...
April 26, 2021
Next Generation Water Observing System: Illinois River Basin
The Next Generation Water Observing System provides high-fidelity, real-time data on water quantity, quality, and use to support modern water prediction and decision-support systems that are necessary for informing water operations on a daily basis and decision-making during water emergencies. The Illinois River Basin provides an opportunity to implement the NGWOS in a system challenged by an...
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Next Generation Water Observing System: Illinois River Basin
April 26, 2021
Next Generation Water Observing System: Illinois River Basin
The Next Generation Water Observing System provides high-fidelity, real-time data on water quantity, quality, and use to support modern water prediction and decision-support systems that are necessary for informing water operations on a daily basis and decision-making during water emergencies. The Illinois River Basin provides an opportunity to implement the NGWOS in a system challenged by an...
April 26, 2021
Next Generation Water Observing System: Upper Colorado River Basin
The Next Generation Water Observing System (NGWOS) provides high-fidelity, real-time data on water quantity, quality, and use to support modern prediction and decision-support systems that are necessary for informing water operations on a daily basis and decision-making during water emergencies. The headwaters of the Colorado and Gunnison River Basins provide an opportunity to implement NGWOS in a...
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Next Generation Water Observing System: Upper Colorado River Basin
April 26, 2021
Next Generation Water Observing System: Upper Colorado River Basin
The Next Generation Water Observing System (NGWOS) provides high-fidelity, real-time data on water quantity, quality, and use to support modern prediction and decision-support systems that are necessary for informing water operations on a daily basis and decision-making during water emergencies. The headwaters of the Colorado and Gunnison River Basins provide an opportunity to implement NGWOS in a...
April 26, 2021
Next Generation Water Observing System: Delaware River Basin
The Next Generation Water Observing System (NGWOS) supports water availability assessments, management, and prediction by enhancing water observations in basins that represent major U.S. hydrologic regions. The Delaware River Basin was the first Integrated Water Science basin selected, providing an opportunity to implement the NGWOS program in a nationally important, complex interstate river...
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program
Next Generation Water Observing System: Delaware River Basin
April 26, 2021
Next Generation Water Observing System: Delaware River Basin
The Next Generation Water Observing System (NGWOS) supports water availability assessments, management, and prediction by enhancing water observations in basins that represent major U.S. hydrologic regions. The Delaware River Basin was the first Integrated Water Science basin selected, providing an opportunity to implement the NGWOS program in a nationally important, complex interstate river...
October 21, 2020
Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF)
The USGS Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF) supports the water-resource monitoring efforts of USGS scientists and other Federal scientists by providing quality-assured hydrologic equipment and instrumentation support.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF)
October 21, 2020
Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF)
The USGS Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF) supports the water-resource monitoring efforts of USGS scientists and other Federal scientists by providing quality-assured hydrologic equipment and instrumentation support.
March 4, 2019
Rapid Deployment Gages (RDGs)
Rapid Deployment Gages (RDGs) are fully-functional streamgages designed to be deployed quickly and temporarily to measure and transmit stream stage data in emergency situations.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Rapid Deployment Gages (RDGs)
March 4, 2019
Rapid Deployment Gages (RDGs)
Rapid Deployment Gages (RDGs) are fully-functional streamgages designed to be deployed quickly and temporarily to measure and transmit stream stage data in emergency situations.
March 4, 2019
Integration of sUAS into Hydrogeophysical Studies
The USGS is evaluating the integration of small unoccupied aircraft systems – sUAS or "drones" – into USGS hydrogeophysical studies.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Integration of sUAS into Hydrogeophysical Studies
March 4, 2019
Integration of sUAS into Hydrogeophysical Studies
The USGS is evaluating the integration of small unoccupied aircraft systems – sUAS or "drones" – into USGS hydrogeophysical studies.
March 4, 2019
StreamStats
StreamStats provides access to spatial analytical tools that are useful for water-resources planning and management, and for engineering and design purposes. The map-based user interface can be used to delineate drainage areas, get basin characteristics and estimates of flow statistics, and more. Available information varies from state to state.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
StreamStats
March 4, 2019
StreamStats
StreamStats provides access to spatial analytical tools that are useful for water-resources planning and management, and for engineering and design purposes. The map-based user interface can be used to delineate drainage areas, get basin characteristics and estimates of flow statistics, and more. Available information varies from state to state.
Below are data or web applications associated with NGWOS.
Filter Total Items: 61
February 24, 2025
Cyanotoxin concentrations in extracts from Solid Phase Adsorption Toxin Tracking (SPATT) samplers and other water-quality data collected from the Salem River, New Jersey, July-October, 2020.
Cyanotoxin concentrations in extracts from Solid Phase Adsorption Toxin Tracking (SPATT) samplers and other water-quality data collected from the Salem River, New Jersey, July-October, 2020.
This data release presents cyanotoxin and multiparameter water-quality sonde data collected from July-October 2020, at eleven sites in the Salem River, New Jersey. Data-collection sites included seven flowing and four impounded reaches of the main stem Salem River. Solid Phase Adsorption Toxin Tracking (SPATT) samplers were deployed at 11 sampling locations during the study period and...
By
New Jersey Water Science Center
January 3, 2025
Hydrogeomorphic Map of the Neversink Reservoir Watershed, New York
Hydrogeomorphic Map of the Neversink Reservoir Watershed, New York
This Scientific Data Release is for a spatial geodatabase containing hydrogeomorphic map units within the Neversink Reservoir Watershed, New York, formatted to Geologic Map Schema (GeMS) standards. Hydrogeomorphic map units within this data release are defined as areas with distinct topographic and hydrologic characteristics, which includes both surficial geologic deposits and regions of...
By
Florence Bascom Geoscience Center
December 26, 2024
Satellite images used to test a sundial method for inferring image acquisition time from shadow orientation
Satellite images used to test a sundial method for inferring image acquisition time from shadow orientation
This data release provides satellite images used to test a method for inferring image acquisition time from shadow orientation. For many applications, such as linking remotely sensed data to streamflow recorded at a gaging station, knowing the time an image is acquired is important, but such metadata often is not available. The sundial method is a simple means of inferring image...
By
Water Resources Mission Area
December 26, 2024
Image-based measurements and gage records used to test a method for inferring river discharge from remotely sensed data based on critical flow theory
Image-based measurements and gage records used to test a method for inferring river discharge from remotely sensed data based on critical flow theory
This data release makes available the data used to test a method for remote sensing of river discharge based on critical flow theory. In rivers where flow conditions are near critical and well-defined standing waves are present, simple measurements of the wavelengths of the standing waves and the width of the channel made using readily available image data can be used to infer river...
By
Water Resources Mission Area
December 20, 2024
Deep learning classification of landforms from lidar-derived elevation models in the glaciated portion of the northern Delaware River Basin of New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania
Deep learning classification of landforms from lidar-derived elevation models in the glaciated portion of the northern Delaware River Basin of New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania
The Delaware River Basin (DRB) covers portions of five states (Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania) and several geologic provinces, encompassing much of the complex geology of the Mid-Atlantic region. This data release focuses on the recently glaciated northern DRB, which includes portions of New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Groundwater storage is...
By
Florence Bascom Geoscience Center
November 20, 2024
Airborne electromagnetic and magnetic survey of Illinois River Basin, 2023
Airborne electromagnetic and magnetic survey of Illinois River Basin, 2023
Airborne electromagnetic (AEM) and magnetic survey data were collected during January and February 2023 over a distance of 3,799.3 line kilometers covering the Illinois River Basin and surrounding regions in Illinois and Indiana. Data were collected as part of the USGS Illinois River Basin Next Generation Water Observing Systems (NGWOS) project to improve understanding of depth to...
By
Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center
October 26, 2024
Remotely sensed data, field measurements, and MATLAB code used to produce image-derived velocity maps for a reach of the Sacramento River near Glenn, CA, September 16-19, 2024
Remotely sensed data, field measurements, and MATLAB code used to produce image-derived velocity maps for a reach of the Sacramento River near Glenn, CA, September 16-19, 2024
This data release provides remotely sensed data, field measurements, and MATLAB code associated with an effort to produce image-derived velocity maps for a reach of the Sacramento River in California's Central Valley. Data collection occurred from September 16-19, 2024, and involved cooperators from the Intelligent Robotics Group from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration...
By
Water Resources Mission Area
October 16, 2024
Conceptual headwater stream daily heat budget scenarios under varied shading and groundwater influence
Conceptual headwater stream daily heat budget scenarios under varied shading and groundwater influence
The Neversink River watershed (above the Neversink Reservoir) in the Catskill Mountains of New York, USA has been a focus of U.S. Geological Survey research for decades regarding stream geochemistry, acidification, and ecology dynamics. In 2019, the Water Mission Area Next Generation Water Observing Systems Program (NGWOS) augmented the existing stream gage network to include multiscale
By
Water Resources Mission Area
October 15, 2024
Thermal imagery acquired from an Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) and hydroacoustic measurements of flow velocity collected along the Sacramento River, California, November, 2023
Thermal imagery acquired from an Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) and hydroacoustic measurements of flow velocity collected along the Sacramento River, California, November, 2023
A reach of the Sacramento River near Glenn, California, was selected as a field site to test a sensor payload developed by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for estimating surface flow velocities in rivers. The payload, called the River Observing System (RiOS), can be deployed from an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS). RiOS includes visible and...
By
Water Resources Mission Area
October 8, 2024
Hyperspectral image transects and field measurements of reflectance, visible dye concentration, and flow velocity acquired during a tracer experiment on the Missouri River near Lexington, MO, on May 11, 2024
Hyperspectral image transects and field measurements of reflectance, visible dye concentration, and flow velocity acquired during a tracer experiment on the Missouri River near Lexington, MO, on May 11, 2024
This data release includes several types of remotely sensed data and field measurements acquired during a tracer experiment performed on the Missouri River near Lexington, Missouri, on May 11, 2024. One of the primary goals of this study was to assess the feasibility of inferring concentrations of a visible dye (Rhodamine WT) in a large, highly turbid natural river channel using data...
By
Water Resources Mission Area
October 3, 2024
Fiber-optic distributed temperature sensing, seepage meter, vertical temperature profiler, water level, water quality, and streambed thermal property data collected to better understand groundwater and surface water connectivity at two sites in the Illino
Fiber-optic distributed temperature sensing, seepage meter, vertical temperature profiler, water level, water quality, and streambed thermal property data collected to better understand groundwater and surface water connectivity at two sites in the Illino
As part of the US Geological Survey's Next Generation Water Observing Systems Program (NGWOS) Research and Development efforts in the Illinois River Basin, two intensive technology 'testbed' locations were established for the purpose of conducting a detailed groundwater and surface water interaction study regarding the fate and transport of excess nutrients. Specifically, nitrate is...
By
Water Resources Mission Area
September 19, 2024
Ground-based frequency domain electromagnetic (FDEM) data from the Illinois River Basin in support of the USGS Next Generation Water Observing System
Ground-based frequency domain electromagnetic (FDEM) data from the Illinois River Basin in support of the USGS Next Generation Water Observing System
This data release contains frequency domain electromagnetic (FDEM) geophysical data collected in fields and forests near and along the banks of the Kankakee River near Hanna, Indiana to observe near surface (top 10 meters or less) electrical conductivity variations, potentially related to soil moisture, lithology, and/or pore fluid conductivity. Both a GEM-2 and a DualEM-421 instrument...
By
New York Water Science Center
Below are multimedia items associated with NGWOS.
May 19, 2023
Next Generation Water Observing System Conceptual Diagram
Conceptual illustration showing how USGS's Next Generation Water Observing System will enhance the spatial and temporal monitoring of water within reference basins and larger hydrologic regions in all U.S. states and territories.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Streamgage 01437500 Neversink River at Godeffroy, NY
Streamgage 01437500 Neversink River at Godeffroy, NY
September 23, 2021
Streamgage 01437500 Neversink River at Godeffroy, NY
Streamgage 01437500 Neversink River at Godeffroy, NY
Streamgage 01437500 Neversink River at Godeffroy, NY
Webcam
at USGS Streamgage 01437500 Neversink River at Godeffroy, NY.
Visit
Water Data For the Nation
to get current data for this site.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
New York Water Science Center
September 23, 2021
Streamgage 01437500 Neversink River at Godeffroy, NY
Streamgage 01437500 Neversink River at Godeffroy, NY
Streamgage 01437500 Neversink River at Godeffroy, NY
Streamgage 01437500 Neversink River at Godeffroy, NY
Webcam
at USGS Streamgage 01437500 Neversink River at Godeffroy, NY.
Visit
Water Data For the Nation
to get current data for this site.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
New York Water Science Center
Colorado River above Glenwood Springs, CO (09071750)
Colorado River above Glenwood Springs, CO (09071750)
September 23, 2021
Colorado River above Glenwood Springs, CO (09071750)
Colorado River above Glenwood Springs, CO (09071750)
Colorado River above Glenwood Springs, CO (09071750)
Webcam
at USGS Streamgage 09071750 Colorado River above Glenwood Springs, CO.
Visit
Water Data For the Nation
to get current data for this site.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Colorado Water Science Center
September 23, 2021
Colorado River above Glenwood Springs, CO (09071750)
Colorado River above Glenwood Springs, CO (09071750)
Colorado River above Glenwood Springs, CO (09071750)
Colorado River above Glenwood Springs, CO (09071750)
Webcam
at USGS Streamgage 09071750 Colorado River above Glenwood Springs, CO.
Visit
Water Data For the Nation
to get current data for this site.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Colorado Water Science Center
Colorado River near Cameo, CO (09095500)
Colorado River near Cameo, CO (09095500)
September 23, 2021
Colorado River near Cameo, CO (09095500)
Colorado River near Cameo, CO (09095500)
Colorado River near Cameo, CO (09095500)
Webcam
at USGS Streamgage 09095500 Colorado River near Cameo, CO.
Visit
Water Data For the Nation
to get current data for this site.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Colorado Water Science Center
September 23, 2021
Colorado River near Cameo, CO (09095500)
Colorado River near Cameo, CO (09095500)
Colorado River near Cameo, CO (09095500)
Colorado River near Cameo, CO (09095500)
Webcam
at USGS Streamgage 09095500 Colorado River near Cameo, CO.
Visit
Water Data For the Nation
to get current data for this site.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Colorado Water Science Center
Streamgage 01463500 Delaware River at Trenton, NJ
Streamgage 01463500 Delaware River at Trenton, NJ
September 23, 2021
Streamgage 01463500 Delaware River at Trenton, NJ
Streamgage 01463500 Delaware River at Trenton, NJ
Streamgage 01463500 Delaware River at Trenton, NJ
Webcam
at USGS Streamgage 01463500 Delaware River at Trenton NJ.
Visit the site page
to access data for this site.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
New Jersey Water Science Center
September 23, 2021
Streamgage 01463500 Delaware River at Trenton, NJ
Streamgage 01463500 Delaware River at Trenton, NJ
Streamgage 01463500 Delaware River at Trenton, NJ
Streamgage 01463500 Delaware River at Trenton, NJ
Webcam
at USGS Streamgage 01463500 Delaware River at Trenton NJ.
Visit the site page
to access data for this site.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
New Jersey Water Science Center
Streamgage 01462000 Delaware River at Lambertville, NJ
Streamgage 01462000 Delaware River at Lambertville, NJ
September 23, 2021
Streamgage 01462000 Delaware River at Lambertville, NJ
Streamgage 01462000 Delaware River at Lambertville, NJ
Streamgage 01462000 Delaware River at Lambertville, NJ
Webcam
at USGS Streamgage 01462000 Delaware River at Lambertville, NJ.
Visit
Water Data For the Nation
to get current data for this site.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
New Jersey Water Science Center
September 23, 2021
Streamgage 01462000 Delaware River at Lambertville, NJ
Streamgage 01462000 Delaware River at Lambertville, NJ
Streamgage 01462000 Delaware River at Lambertville, NJ
Streamgage 01462000 Delaware River at Lambertville, NJ
Webcam
at USGS Streamgage 01462000 Delaware River at Lambertville, NJ.
Visit
Water Data For the Nation
to get current data for this site.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
New Jersey Water Science Center
April 1, 2021
Next Generation Water Observing System—Illinois River Basin (briefing)
Next Generation Water Observing System—Illinois River Basin (briefing)
Next Generation Water Observing System—Illinois River Basin (briefing)
Briefing sheet for the Next Generation Water Observing System—Illinois River Basin pilot.
By
Water Resources
April 1, 2021
Next Generation Water Observing System—Illinois River Basin (briefing)
Next Generation Water Observing System—Illinois River Basin (briefing)
Next Generation Water Observing System—Illinois River Basin (briefing)
Next Generation Water Observing System—Illinois River Basin (briefing)
Briefing sheet for the Next Generation Water Observing System—Illinois River Basin pilot.
By
Water Resources
October 1, 2020
U.S. River Conditions, Water Year 2020
U.S. River Conditions, Water Year 2020
U.S. River Conditions, Water Year 2020
This animation shows the changing conditions of USGS streamgages from October 1, 2019 to September 30, 2020. The conditions shown range from the driest condition seen at a gage (red open circles) to the wettest (blue closed circles). There is also a purple ring added to indicate gages that are flooding.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program
October 1, 2020
U.S. River Conditions, Water Year 2020
U.S. River Conditions, Water Year 2020
U.S. River Conditions, Water Year 2020
U.S. River Conditions, Water Year 2020
This animation shows the changing conditions of USGS streamgages from October 1, 2019 to September 30, 2020. The conditions shown range from the driest condition seen at a gage (red open circles) to the wettest (blue closed circles). There is also a purple ring added to indicate gages that are flooding.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program
November 18, 2019
NGWOS Upper Colorado & Gunnison River Basin Briefing Sheet
NGWOS Upper Colorado & Gunnison River Basin Briefing Sheet
NGWOS Upper Colorado & Gunnison River Basin Briefing Sheet
Next Generation Water Observing System Upper Colorado & Gunnison River Basin briefing sheet.
By
Water Resources
November 18, 2019
NGWOS Upper Colorado & Gunnison River Basin Briefing Sheet
NGWOS Upper Colorado & Gunnison River Basin Briefing Sheet
NGWOS Upper Colorado & Gunnison River Basin Briefing Sheet
NGWOS Upper Colorado & Gunnison River Basin Briefing Sheet
Next Generation Water Observing System Upper Colorado & Gunnison River Basin briefing sheet.
By
Water Resources
March 12, 2019
U.S. River Conditions for Water Year 2018
U.S. River Conditions for Water Year 2018
U.S. River Conditions for Water Year 2018
This is an animation showing the changing conditions of USGS streamgages for Water Year 2018 (October 1, 2017 to September 30, 2018). The conditions shown range from the driest condition seen at a gage to the wettest.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program
March 12, 2019
U.S. River Conditions for Water Year 2018
U.S. River Conditions for Water Year 2018
U.S. River Conditions for Water Year 2018
U.S. River Conditions for Water Year 2018
This is an animation showing the changing conditions of USGS streamgages for Water Year 2018 (October 1, 2017 to September 30, 2018). The conditions shown range from the driest condition seen at a gage to the wettest.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program
July 28, 2018
Next Generation Water Observing System—Delaware River Basin (briefing)
Next Generation Water Observing System—Delaware River Basin (briefing)
Next Generation Water Observing System—Delaware River Basin (briefing)
Briefing sheet for the Next Generation Water Observing System—Delaware River Basin pilot.
By
Water Resources
Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program
July 28, 2018
Next Generation Water Observing System—Delaware River Basin (briefing)
Next Generation Water Observing System—Delaware River Basin (briefing)
Next Generation Water Observing System—Delaware River Basin (briefing)
Next Generation Water Observing System—Delaware River Basin (briefing)
Briefing sheet for the Next Generation Water Observing System—Delaware River Basin pilot.
By
Water Resources
Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program
Below are publications associated with NGWOS.
September 18, 2019
Water priorities for the nation—The U.S. Geological Survey next generation water observing system
Water priorities for the nation—The U.S. Geological Survey next generation water observing system
The challenges of providing safe and sustainable water supplies for human and ecological uses and protecting lives and property during water emergencies are well recognized. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) plays an essential role in meeting these challenges through its observational networks and renowned water science and research activities (National Academies of Science, Engineering...
Authors
Sandra M. Eberts, Chad R. Wagner, Michael D. Woodside
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Filter Total Items: 23
February 1, 2025
Development of ‘SedCam’— A close-range remote sensing method of estimating suspended-sediment concentration in small rivers
Development of ‘SedCam’— A close-range remote sensing method of estimating suspended-sediment concentration in small rivers
The adaptation of suspended-sediment surrogate technologies continues to rapidly expand across geomorphology and fluvial sediment monitoring efforts. Over a decade of research and development shows increased reliability and accuracy of in-situ surrogates with reduced program cost as compared to traditional sample-based methods, but environmental fouling and probe damage can be...
Authors
Adam R. Mosbrucker, Molly S. Wood
By
Volcano Hazards Program
Volcano Science Center
January 14, 2025
Enhanced hydrologic monitoring and characterization of groundwater drainage features
Enhanced hydrologic monitoring and characterization of groundwater drainage features
Groundwater drains to the land surface, generating the baseflow of streams, lakes, and wetlands. The hydrologic resilience of baseflow during prolonged dry periods and after disturbance can be assessed with evolving remote sensing analysis paired with localized monitoring of groundwater drainage features and creative model calibration strategies.
Authors
Martin A. Briggs
By
Water Resources Mission Area
December 19, 2024
Mapping river flow from thermal images in approximately real time: Proof of concept on the Sacramento River, California, USA
Mapping river flow from thermal images in approximately real time: Proof of concept on the Sacramento River, California, USA
Image velocimetry has become an effective method of mapping flow conditions in rivers, but this analysis is typically performed in a post-processing mode after data collection is complete. In this study, we evaluated the potential to infer flow velocities in approximately real time as thermal images are being acquired from an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS). The sensitivity of thermal...
Authors
Carl J. Legleiter, Paul J. Kinzel, Michael Dille, Massimo Vespignani, Uland Wong, Isaac E Anderson, Elizabeth Hyde, Christopher L. Gazoorian, Jennifer Marie Cramer
By
Water Resources Mission Area
National Innovation Center
New York Water Science Center
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
October 23, 2024
Software application for spectral mixture analysis for surveillance of harmful algal blooms (SMASH): A tool for identifying cyanobacteria genera from remotely sensed data
Software application for spectral mixture analysis for surveillance of harmful algal blooms (SMASH): A tool for identifying cyanobacteria genera from remotely sensed data
Remote sensing is often used to detect algae, but standard techniques do not provide information on the types of algae present or their potential to form a harmful algal bloom (HAB). We developed a framework for identifying algal genera based on reflectance: SMASH, short for Spectral Mixture Analysis for Surveillance of HABs. The Software Application for SMASH (SAS) was developed in...
Authors
Carl J. Legleiter, Tyler V. King
By
Water Resources Mission Area
June 29, 2024
Reach-scale mapping of surface flow velocities from thermal images acquired by an uncrewed aircraft system along the Sacramento River, California, USA
Reach-scale mapping of surface flow velocities from thermal images acquired by an uncrewed aircraft system along the Sacramento River, California, USA
An innovative payload containing a sensitive mid-wave infrared camera was flown on an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) to acquire thermal imagery along a reach of the Sacramento River, California, USA. The imagery was used as input for an ensemble particle image velocimetry (PIV) algorithm to produce near-continuous maps of surface flow velocity along a reach approximately 1 km in length...
Authors
Paul J. Kinzel, Carl J. Legleiter, Christopher L. Gazoorian
By
Water Resources Mission Area
New York Water Science Center
June 25, 2024
An enhanced and expanded Toolbox for River Velocimetry using Images from Aircraft (TRiVIA)
An enhanced and expanded Toolbox for River Velocimetry using Images from Aircraft (TRiVIA)
Detailed, accurate information on flow patterns in river channels can improve understanding of habitat conditions, geomorphic processes, and potential hazards to help inform water management. Data describing flow patterns in river channels can be obtained efficiently via image-based techniques that have become more widely used in recent years as the number of platforms for acquiring...
Authors
Carl J. Legleiter, Paul J. Kinzel
By
Water Resources Mission Area
June 24, 2024
Siting considerations for satellite observation of river discharge
Siting considerations for satellite observation of river discharge
With growing global capability for satellite measurement of river discharge (flow) comes a need to understand and reduce error in satellite-based discharge measurements. Satellite-based discharge estimates are based on measurements of water surface width, elevation, slope, and potentially velocity. Site selection is important for reducing error and uncertainty in both conventional and...
Authors
Jack R. Eggleston, Christopher A. Mason, David M. Bjerklie, Michael T. Durand, Robert W. Dudley, Merritt Elizabeth Harlan
By
Water Resources Mission Area
New England Water Science Center
April 4, 2024
Evaluating the potential for efficient, UAS-based reach-scale mapping of river channel bathymetry from multispectral images
Evaluating the potential for efficient, UAS-based reach-scale mapping of river channel bathymetry from multispectral images
Introduction: Information on spatial patterns of water depth in river channels is valuable for numerous applications, but such data can be difficult to obtain via traditional field methods. Ongoing developments in remote sensing technology have enabled various image-based approaches for mapping river bathymetry; this study evaluated the potential to retrieve depth from multispectral...
Authors
Carl J. Legleiter, Lee R. Harrison
By
Water Resources Mission Area
April 1, 2024
A Robot Operating System (ROS) package for mapping flow fields in rivers via Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV)
A Robot Operating System (ROS) package for mapping flow fields in rivers via Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV)
Non-contact, remote sensing approaches to measuring flow velocities in river channels are widely used, but typical workflows involve acquiring images in the field and then processing data later in the office. To reduce latency between acquisition and output, with the ultimate goal of enabling real-time image velocimetry, we developed a Robot Operating System (ROS) package for Particle...
Authors
Carl J. Legleiter, Michael Dille
By
Water Resources Mission Area
May 9, 2023
The Toolbox for River Velocimetry using Images from Aircraft (TRiVIA)
The Toolbox for River Velocimetry using Images from Aircraft (TRiVIA)
Accurate knowledge of the speed at which water moves along a river is essential for understanding ecohydraulic processes and managing natural resources. Measuring flow velocity via remote sensing can be more efficient than conventional field methods, and powerful computational techniques for inferring velocity fields from videos or image time series have been developed. The development...
Authors
Carl J. Legleiter, Paul J. Kinzel
By
Water Resources Mission Area
January 17, 2023
Moving Aircraft River Velocimetry (MARV): Framework and proof-of-concept on the Tanana River
Moving Aircraft River Velocimetry (MARV): Framework and proof-of-concept on the Tanana River
Information on velocity fields in rivers is critical for designing infrastructure, modeling contaminant transport, and assessing habitat. Although non-contact approaches to measuring flow velocity are well established, these methods assume a stationary imaging platform. This study eliminates this constraint by introducing a framework for moving aircraft river velocimetry (MARV). The...
Authors
Carl J. Legleiter, Paul J. Kinzel, Mark Laker, Jeff Conaway
By
Water Resources Mission Area
October 25, 2022
A multiscale approach for monitoring groundwater discharge to headwater streams by the U.S. Geological Survey Next Generation Water Observing System Program—An example from the Neversink Reservoir watershed, New York
A multiscale approach for monitoring groundwater discharge to headwater streams by the U.S. Geological Survey Next Generation Water Observing System Program—An example from the Neversink Reservoir watershed, New York
Groundwater-stream connectivity across mountain watersheds is critical for supporting streamflow during dry times and keeping streams cool during warm times, yet U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) stream measurements are often sparse in headwaters. Starting in 2019, the USGS Next Generation Water Observing System Program developed a multiscale methods and technology testbed approach to...
Authors
Martin A. Briggs, Christopher L. Gazoorian, Daniel H. Doctor, Douglas A. Burns
By
Water Resources Mission Area
National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program
Florence Bascom Geoscience Center
Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center
New York Water Science Center
Below are data or web applications associated with NGWOS.
January 29, 2026
Water Data for the Nation (WDFN)
Water Data for the Nation (WDFN)
Water Data for the Nation (WDFN) is the home for USGS’s modernization of public delivery of water data.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Alaska Science Center
Arizona Water Science Center
California Water Science Center
Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center (CFWSC)
Central Midwest Water Science Center
Central Plains Water Science Center
Colorado Water Science Center
Dakota Water Science Center
Idaho Water Science Center
Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center
Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center
Nevada Water Science Center
New England Water Science Center
New Jersey Water Science Center
New Mexico Water Science Center
New York Water Science Center
Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center
Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center
Oregon Water Science Center
Pacific Islands Water Science Center
Pennsylvania Water Science Center
South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)
Upper Midwest Water Science Center
Utah Water Science Center
Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center
Washington Water Science Center
Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center
Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF)
January 29, 2026
USGS Water Data APIs
USGS Water Data APIs
This site is the home for modernized access to USGS water data in machine-readable formats via REST APIs, a common type of web service programs use to search and download data. These services provide USGS water data, ranging from continuous measurements of streamflow to information about individual USGS sites and more.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Alaska Science Center
Arizona Water Science Center
California Water Science Center
Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center (CFWSC)
Central Midwest Water Science Center
Central Plains Water Science Center
Colorado Water Science Center
Dakota Water Science Center
Idaho Water Science Center
Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center
Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center
Nevada Water Science Center
New England Water Science Center
New Jersey Water Science Center
New Mexico Water Science Center
New York Water Science Center
Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center
Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center
Oregon Water Science Center
Pacific Islands Water Science Center
Pennsylvania Water Science Center
South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)
Upper Midwest Water Science Center
Utah Water Science Center
Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center
Washington Water Science Center
Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center
October 1, 2022
WaterAlert
WaterAlert
The U.S. Geological Survey WaterAlert service provides notifications to your email or phone for changes in water conditions based on thresholds you choose.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Idaho Water Science Center
New Jersey Water Science Center
New York Water Science Center
Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center
Oregon Water Science Center
Upper Midwest Water Science Center
Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center
Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF)
National Water Quality Laboratory
Office of Risk and Resilience
Water Science School
June 22, 2021
National Water Dashboard (NWD)
National Water Dashboard (NWD)
The National Water Dashboard (NWD) is a mobile, interactive tool that provides real-time information on water levels, weather, and flood forecasts - all in one place on a computer, smartphone, or other mobile device. The NWD presents real-time stream, lake and reservoir, precipitation, and groundwater data from more than 13,500 USGS observation stations across the country.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Alaska Science Center
Arizona Water Science Center
California Water Science Center
Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center (CFWSC)
Central Midwest Water Science Center
Colorado Water Science Center
Dakota Water Science Center
Idaho Water Science Center
Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center
Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center
Nevada Water Science Center
New England Water Science Center
New Jersey Water Science Center
New Mexico Water Science Center
New York Water Science Center
Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center
Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center
Oregon Water Science Center
Pacific Islands Water Science Center
Pennsylvania Water Science Center
South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)
Upper Midwest Water Science Center
Utah Water Science Center
Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center
Washington Water Science Center
Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center
Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF)
Office of Risk and Resilience
Saline Lake Ecosystems Integrated Water Availability Assessment
June 21, 2021
How We Model Stream Temperature in the Delaware River Basin
How We Model Stream Temperature in the Delaware River Basin
Neural networks are powerful deep learning models that help us make accurate environmental predictions. This data visualization describes how to train an artificial neural network, and how the USGS uses them to make physically-realistic predictions with less data.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
New Jersey Water Science Center
April 27, 2021
From Snow to Flow (data visualization story)
From Snow to Flow (data visualization story)
A majority of the water in the western U.S. comes from snowmelt, but changes in the timing, magnitude, and duration of snowmelt can alter water availability downstream. This data visualization story explores what changing snowmelt means for water in the West, and how new USGS efforts can advance snow science by modeling snowpack and snowmelt dynamics and linking these results to streamflow.
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Water Resources Mission Area
California Water Science Center
Nevada Water Science Center
Saline Lake Ecosystems Integrated Water Availability Assessment
December 3, 2020
Water science and management in the Delaware River Basin (data visualization story)
Water science and management in the Delaware River Basin (data visualization story)
The Delaware River supports thriving ecosystems and drinking water for 16 million people. How water is shared, and the quality of that water, has been the focus of decades of inter-state discussion, negotiation, and research. This data visualization story uses streamflow, salinity, and temperature to show how new USGS science and monitoring can inform water management in this age of cooperation.
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Water Resources Mission Area
New Jersey Water Science Center
March 4, 2019
Water Quality Portal
Water Quality Portal
The Water Quality Portal integrates and provides access to publicly available water-quality data from databases such as USGS NWIS and BioData, EPA STORET, and USDA-ARS STEWARDS through a single search interface.
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Water Resources Mission Area
Idaho Water Science Center
New Jersey Water Science Center
New York Water Science Center
Upper Midwest Water Science Center
March 4, 2019
National Ground-Water Monitoring Network (NGWMN) Data Portal
National Ground-Water Monitoring Network (NGWMN) Data Portal
The NGWMN Data Portal provides access to groundwater data from multiple, dispersed databases in a web-based mapping application. The Portal contains current and historical data including water levels, water quality, lithology, and well construction.
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Water Resources Mission Area
New York Water Science Center
Upper Midwest Water Science Center
Water Science School
Below are software associated with NGWOS.
December 27, 2024
critFlowQ
critFlowQ
This software release provides a means of inferring river discharge from remotely sensed data based on critical flow theory. This approach is only applicable to rivers with well defined standing waves and involves measuring their wavelength and the width of the channel. These data are then used to calculate flow velocity, water depth, and river discharge based on an assumption of...
By
Water Resources Mission Area
December 10, 2024
sundial
sundial
This software release provides a means of inferring the acquisition time of an image using the sundial method. This approach involves measuring the orientation of a shadow on the image and using the calculated solar geometry for that date to identify the time at which the sun would have been positioned so as to cast the observed shadow. The shadow orientation measurement can be made on...
By
Water Resources Mission Area
April 3, 2024
Satellite Tool for River Altimetry and eXtent in Alaska (SatTRAX-AK)
Satellite Tool for River Altimetry and eXtent in Alaska (SatTRAX-AK)
The USGS Satellite Tool for River Altimetry and eXtent in Alaska (SatTRAX-AK) is a Google Earth Engine application built for exploring Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) observable USGS gages reaches and Global Water Monitor (GWM) altimetry data for river surfaces. The application will run an analysis at select GWM sites to compute water extent and estimated water surface...
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Water Resources Mission Area
September 29, 2023
SAS: Software Application for SMASH (Spectral Mixture Analysis for Surveillance of Harmful Algal Blooms)
SAS: Software Application for SMASH (Spectral Mixture Analysis for Surveillance of Harmful Algal Blooms)
The Software Application for SMASH (Spectral Mixture Analysis for Surveillance of Harmful Algal Blooms), or SAS for short, is an application to facilitate mapping of potentially harmful algal blooms in reservoirs, rivers, and lakes from remotely sensed data. More specifically, SAS is designed to exploit the detailed observations of reflectance available within a hyperspectral image to...
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Water Resources Mission Area
January 13, 2023
Toolbox for River Velocimetry using Images from Aircraft (TRiVIA)
Toolbox for River Velocimetry using Images from Aircraft (TRiVIA)
# TRiVIA Toolbox for River Velocimetry using Images from Aircraft: TRiVIA ## Description The Toolbox for River Velocimetry using Images from Aircraft, or TRiVIA for short, is an application to facilitate estimation of surface flow velocities in river channels from various types of remotely sensed data acquired with a nadir-viewing geometry (i.e., looking straight down). Spatially...
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Water Resources Mission Area
June 5, 2020
ORByT - Optical River Bathymetry Toolkit
ORByT - Optical River Bathymetry Toolkit
The Optical River Bathymetry Toolkit, ORByT, is an application to facilitate mapping water depth in river channels from passive optical image data. ORByT provides an integrated workflow for image processing, depth retrieval, and export of results.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
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