Real-time Monitoring

The USGS systematically collects all types of water data to better manage the water resources in each state.

Approved Mean Annual Discharge The stream flow monitoring station on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal near Lemont, Illinois has been in operation since December 7, 2004. The site is operated in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago District, Chicago, Illinois. Link to Approved Mean Annual Discharge Link to Real-Time Gage Data: 05536890

A water conditions summary table that includes historical and current river stage data and combines National Weather Service forecast river stages for stream-monitoring sites in Illinois is available. The table is updated every 30 minutes and the stream-monitoring sites are operated by various agencies. River stages above flood stage are shown in red to help monitor flooding conditions. You can...

Real-time precipitation data is available in our map-driven application for the Central Midwest Water Science Center. You can use a map to select a precipitation-monitoring site and view precipitation amounts for the previous 3,6,12,24,48 hours and 7,14, and 30 days. A data table shows precipitation amounts at all sites within that state.

The Central Midwest Water Science Center collects real-time surface water, groundwater, water quality, precipitation, and other hydrologic data. Resource managers, farmers, fishermen, kayakers, land-use planners, engineers, environmentalists, and flood forecasters use this information to make critical decisions.