Our History

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), an agency within the U.S. Department of the Interior, serves the Nation through its mission of providing reliable, unbiased scientific information on resource issues where natural science can make a substantial contribution to the well-being of the Nation. USGS mission areas include: Climate and Land Use Change, Core Science Systems, Ecosystems, Energy, Minerals, and Environmental Health, Natural Hazards, and Water. The USGS has collected hydrologic information in Kansas since 1895 through the first USGS Cooperative Water funding agreement for 6 streamflow gages with the Kansas Water Board (predecessor to Kansas Water Office). USGS collects streamflow and gage-height data; reservoir levels; and water-quality, suspended sediment, water-quantity; and groundwater level data. Hydrologic studies are conducted on national, regional, statewide, and local levels. The USGS in Kansas works cooperatively with more than 40 Federal, State, and local agencies, such as the Kansas Water Office, the U.S Army Corps of Engineers, and the City of Wichita.