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USGS IN YOUR STATE

USGS Water Science Centers are located in each state.

South Dakota Streamgages at Risk of Discontinuation

Gages Scheduled for Discontinuation

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) South Dakota Water Science Center streamflow data-collection network has lost funding support for six streamflow or peak-flow gages as a result of budget reductions in fiscal year (FY) 2006 and 2007. Partial funding is available for 2 of the 6 stream gages. Table 1 presents additional information on the stream gages, that were affected by funding reductions on water programs in support of collection and dissemination of hydrologic information by the USGS in South Dakota.

This network generally provides two pieces of information for each stream gage, the stream level or stage and streamflow or discharge. Near real-time stream-flow data are used by many Americans, such as fishermen, canoeists, kayakers, and outdoors enthusiasts to assess optimal river conditions. Near real-time streamflow data also are used by the BIA, Tribes, Bureau of Reclamation, National Weather Service (NWS), and other Federal, State, local, and emergency response officials to:

• Document water uses and water rights,
• Provide the basis for streamflow forecasts made by the National Weather Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service; these forecasts are critical to annual irrigation planning,
• Determine flood hazard zones and make building and development decisions,
• Decide to evacuate homes or businesses during a flood,
• Plan for water supply or wastewater treatment facilities,
• Manage water quality or habitat conditions,
• Design infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and culverts,
• Accurately estimate streamflow across the whole State for better designed water management systems, and
• Decide about the safety of recreational boating.

Those interested in gage funding or streamflow data should contact Joyce Williamson at 605-394-3219.

For more information go to http://water.usgs.gov/osw/.

Table 1. List of SD streamgages for discontinuation (28KB, PDF)

Figure 1. Map showing the locations of streamgages