Streamflow Information for the Next Century

Book excerpt: Since 1889, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has operated a multipurpose streamgaging network supported primarily by other Federal, State, and local agencies. Streamgaging stations are the monitoring tools used to track the flux of water and associated components in streams and rivers across the Nation. Streamflow data from them are used for planning and decisions related to agriculture, industry, urban water supplies, navigation, riverine and riparian habitat, and flood hazard identification. The principles that have guided this national network are: " Many partners contribute funding for the operation of gaging stations to collaboratively achieve Federal mission goals and the individual goals of the funding agencies." All data are freely available to all partners and the public." USGS operates the network on behalf of all partners to achieve economy and standardization of availability and quality of data. These goals remain appropriate and applicable today. However, the multipurpose streamgaging network needs increased resources and reorientation because of deficiencies in the present network to meet Federal goals, changing instrumentation and communication technology, and new opportunities to integrate our streamflow data with information from other Federal agencies.