Real-time surface-water monitoring in New Jersey, 2003

Abstract

A network of 93 gaging stations that provide surface-water stage, flow (discharge), and tide-level data on a "realtime" basis through satellite, radio, and telephone telemetry is operating (May 2003) in New Jersey through a cooperative effort of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and other agencies. The stream data from these stations are transmitted every 1 to 4 hours and then are immediately posted for viewing on the Internet. This fact sheet describes the "real-time" monitoring network, and the equipment used to measure stage and flow and to transmit the data for viewing on the Internet. Instructions for viewing the data are included. The agencies cooperating in the operation and maintenance of the "realtime" surface-water data network are Background This statewide network consists of several sub-networks that were created to provide time-critical surfacewater data as well as information on long-term hydrologic conditions and trends in stream stage, flow (discharge), and tide levels within the State of New Jersey and to make the data available quickly. The gaging stations in these "real-time" networks, located throughout New Jersey (fig. 1), provide time-critical information for the monitoring of floods, droughts, and daily streamflow conditions needed for public safety; water-supply management; and the daily operations of water supply and receiving-water discharges. This combined statewide network, for example, provides data that allow for timely flood warnings to the public and evacuations in flood-prone areas. The system provides upto-date observations of drought conditions for the optimum management of water supplies and up-to-date information on streamflow conditions for fishermen, canoeists, kayakers, boaters, and other recreational users. In addition, the data from this network can be used to estimate the most recent stream and tide conditions at nearby stations that do not have satellite telemetry. Surface-water stage and streamflow information typically is used by engineers, planners, water-supply managers, emergency-management personnel, and the general public for a variety of purposes. Some of the uses for this streamflow information include incorporation into the design of bridges, dams, flood detention and control struc-U.