Webcam at USGS Streamgage 01437500 Neversink River at Godeffroy, NY.
Visit Water Data For the Nation to get current data for this site.
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
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
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
New data visualization explores neural networks, and how the USGS uses them to make physically-realistic predictions with less data
From Snow to Flow
What changing snowmelt means for water availability in the western U.S.
What changing snowmelt means for water availability in the western U.S.
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
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
How new USGS science and monitoring can inform water management
Delaware River Dashboard
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
Below are other science projects associated with NGWOS.
Filter Total Items: 20
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 at least 10 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...
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...
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...
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...
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.
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.
Integration of sUAS into Hydrogeophysical Studies
The USGS is evaluating the integration of small unoccupied aircraft systems – sUAS or "drones" – into USGS hydrogeophysical studies.
StreamStats: Streamflow Statistics and Spatial Analysis Tools for Water-Resources Applications
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 multimedia items associated with NGWOS.
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.
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.
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.
Webcam at USGS Streamgage 09071750 Colorado River above Glenwood Springs, CO.
Visit Water Data For the Nation to get current data for this site.
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.
Webcam at USGS Streamgage 09095500 Colorado River near Cameo, CO.
Visit Water Data For the Nation to get current data for this site.
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.
Webcam at USGS Streamgage 01463500 Delaware River at Trenton NJ.
Visit the site page to access data for this site.
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.
Webcam at USGS Streamgage 01462000 Delaware River at Lambertville, NJ.
Visit Water Data For the Nation to get current data for this site.
Next Generation Water Observing System—Illinois River Basin (briefing)
Briefing sheet for the Next Generation Water Observing System—Illinois River Basin pilot.
Briefing sheet for the Next Generation Water Observing System—Illinois River Basin pilot.
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.
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.
NGWOS Upper Colorado & Gunnison River Basin Briefing Sheet
Next Generation Water Observing System Upper Colorado & Gunnison River Basin briefing sheet.
Next Generation Water Observing System Upper Colorado & Gunnison River Basin briefing sheet.
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.
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.
Next Generation Water Observing System—Delaware River Basin (briefing)
Briefing sheet for the Next Generation Water Observing System—Delaware River Basin pilot.
Briefing sheet for the Next Generation Water Observing System—Delaware River Basin pilot.
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
Below are other science projects associated with NGWOS.
Filter Total Items: 20
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 at least 10 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...
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...
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...
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...
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.
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.
Integration of sUAS into Hydrogeophysical Studies
The USGS is evaluating the integration of small unoccupied aircraft systems – sUAS or "drones" – into USGS hydrogeophysical studies.
StreamStats: Streamflow Statistics and Spatial Analysis Tools for Water-Resources Applications
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 multimedia items associated with NGWOS.
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.
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.
Webcam at USGS Streamgage 01437500 Neversink River at Godeffroy, NY.
Visit Water Data For the Nation to get current data for this site.
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.
Webcam at USGS Streamgage 09071750 Colorado River above Glenwood Springs, CO.
Visit Water Data For the Nation to get current data for this site.
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.
Webcam at USGS Streamgage 09095500 Colorado River near Cameo, CO.
Visit Water Data For the Nation to get current data for this site.
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.
Webcam at USGS Streamgage 01463500 Delaware River at Trenton NJ.
Visit the site page to access data for this site.
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.
Webcam at USGS Streamgage 01462000 Delaware River at Lambertville, NJ.
Visit Water Data For the Nation to get current data for this site.
Next Generation Water Observing System—Illinois River Basin (briefing)
Briefing sheet for the Next Generation Water Observing System—Illinois River Basin pilot.
Briefing sheet for the Next Generation Water Observing System—Illinois River Basin pilot.
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.
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.
NGWOS Upper Colorado & Gunnison River Basin Briefing Sheet
Next Generation Water Observing System Upper Colorado & Gunnison River Basin briefing sheet.
Next Generation Water Observing System Upper Colorado & Gunnison River Basin briefing sheet.
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.
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.
Next Generation Water Observing System—Delaware River Basin (briefing)
Briefing sheet for the Next Generation Water Observing System—Delaware River Basin pilot.
Briefing sheet for the Next Generation Water Observing System—Delaware River Basin pilot.