Water
resources management has grown out of competition for the use of water
and the fact that mother nature does not supply water at a constant
or predictable rate. Whether for human supply, recreation, or habitat,
there are many demands placed on this limited resource. In order to
properly manage our water resources, we must have the means to measure
them. Stream gages measure the quantity and variability of our surface
water resources. In addition, the analysis of streamflow data in combination
with groundwater data helps us understand the relationships of the
hydrologic cycle. When flooding occurs, stream gages are indispensable
as tools for flood forecasting and warning along rivers and streams.
The
Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) believes that there is a need
to increase awareness of the importance of stream gages. The purpose
of these web pages is to provide an understanding of what stream gages
do, how they work, and who is responsible for maintaining and funding
them. Stream gages are a vital tool in our management of water resources.
Operation of these gages under the exacting standards of the United
States Geological Survey (USGS) provides a consistent set of streamflow
data throughout the United States. Reliable funding of the stream
gage network is necessary in order to obtain the information needed
to make good decisions about the managing of our shared water resources.