What is the USGS National Water Data for the Nation?

What is NWIS?

The USGS National Water Information System (NWIS) is a very large collection of data and information on the water resources of the United States. The database contains current and historical water data from more than 1.5 million sites across the nation.

USGS Water Data for the Nation

USGS shares these data within NWIS with the public through the USGS Water Data for the Nation Site. On this web site, data are displayed as graphs, in tables, or on maps. Data files can also be downloaded.

Most people are interested in these kinds of data on this site:

• Current streamflow conditions (real-time data).
• Water quality of streams and groundwater. Some real-time data are available.
• Water levels in wells. Some water levels are available in real-time.