USGS West Virginia Water Science Center

Welcome to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Web page for the water resources of West Virginia; this is your direct link to all kinds of water-resource information. Here you'll find information on West Virginia's rivers and streams. You'll also find information about ground water, water quality, and many other topics. The USGS operates the most extensive satellite network of stream-gaging stations in the state, many of which form the backbone of flood-warning systems.

USGS West Virginia Highlights

West Virginia 2008 Water Data Report Now Available

The 2008 USGS Water Data Report is now available online and improves on the previous online reports with a new interactive feature designed to make site data retrieval easier and more convenient.

The new report includes a national map interface that can be used to identify an area of interest, locate sites where water data were collected for Water Year 2008, and access most of that data. The annual Water Data Report provides a snapshot of water conditions for a given year. Access the Water Data Report using a text () or map () interface.

Featured Project

Emerging contaminants in the Upper Potomac River Basin

Smallmouth bass with an external lesion for South Branch Potomac River. (photo credit Vicki Blazer, USGS-LSC)

Smallmouth bass with an external lesion from South Branch Potomac River. Many of the fish with an intersex condition also had lesions, an indicator of stress. (photo credit Vicki Blazer, USGS-LSC)

Background In 2002, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) began receiving reports of fish kills in the South Branch Potomac River. The dead fish, primarily smallmouth bass, were found thoughout lower reaches of the South Branch. Additionally, anglers precived a decline in what was considered a premier smallmouth bass recreational fishery. WVDNR initiated a study of smallmouth bass health with assistance from the USGS Leetown Science Center National Fish Health Research Laboratory. Abnormal gonads were observed in a high percentage of the fish examined. The high rate of "intersex" warranted concern for the potential presence of chemicals that can interfere with the natural system of communication within an organism that controls development and reproduction. Many of these compounds have only recently been detected in the environment and are referred to as "emerging contaminants".Find out more