What is a Streamgage?

- A device that can provide continuous information on streamflow, water level, water quality, and/or precipitation
- Streamflow is a volume of water that passes a point on a stream per unit of time
USGS Monitoring Network
Kentucky Real-time
- Surface Water Sites
- Water Quality Sites
- Ground Water Sites
- Precipitation Gages
- Lake/Reservoir Gages
- 4 “Super” Gages 2019

Uses of the Data
▪ Planning, forecasting, and warning about floods and droughts
▪ Managing water rights and transboundary water issues ▪ Operating waterways for power production and navigation
▪ Monitoring environmental conditions to protect aquatic habitats
▪ Describing impacts to streamflow from changing land and water uses
▪ Assessing water quality and regulating pollutant discharges
▪ Determining if streams are safe for recreational activities
▪ Designing reservoirs, roads, bridges, drinking water and wastewater facilities
Presentations by USGS
Download the following presentations given at a KAMM Conference
More information
- U.S. Geological Survey Water Mission Area Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program: https://www.usgs.gov/gwsip
- WaterWatch: https://waterwatch.usgs.gov/
- WaterAlert: https://maps.waterdata.usgs.gov/mapper/wateralert/
- WaterNow: https://water.usgs.gov/waternow/
- National Water Information System: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis
- Techniques and Methods 3–A8 Discharge Measurements at Gaging Stations: https://pubs.usgs.gov/tm/tm3-a8/
- Water Cycle Glossary of Terms (Recommended by Ms. Platt’s elementary science students, Bay Minette AL): – https://www.oberk.com/watercycleglossaryofterms