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Re-Prioritization of the U.S. Geological Survey Federal Priority Streamgage Network, 2022

Open-File Report 2023-1032
By: , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20231032

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Abstract

The Federal Priority Streamgage (FPS) network of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), created in 1999 as the National Streamflow Information Program, receives Congressional appropriations to support the operation of a federally-funded “backbone” network of streamflow gages across the United States that are designated to meet the “Federal needs” or priorities of the country. Anticipating the evolution of Federal stakeholder water-data needs, the USGS launched a re-evaluation of the fundamental priorities for the FPS network in October 2020. In March 2022, the FPS Re-Prioritization Project used an online survey to solicit feedback from 767 stakeholders representing 22 Federal agencies who benefit from the FPS network. Additional feedback from survey respondents was obtained during online listening sessions to validate the USGS’s understanding of current Federal water-data needs. Results of the feedback show that the original five network priorities identified by the U.S. Geological Survey in 1999 are still valid but require modification to better incorporate additional needs, including Federal water operations, streamflow trends and extremes, water rights involving Federal lands, and streamflow data supporting ecosystem health. Federal stakeholder feedback also indicated that the inclusion of precipitation and water-temperature data collection, along with stream imagery, would enhance the value of the FPS network.

Results of the FPS Re-Prioritization Project and Open Season that ended in May 2024 revealed that the number of FPS locations meeting the updated eligibility criteria nearly tripled, which illustrates the value of the information provided by the FPS network. The Water Forecasting & Operations and the Water Quality network priorities contributed to the largest number of new eligible FPS sites, demonstrating the importance of the FPS network in supporting informed decisions related to the protection of life, property, the environment, and the economy of the United States.

Suggested Citation

Dillow, J.J.A., McCallum, B.E., and Angeroth, C.E., 2023, Re-prioritization of the U.S. Geological Survey Federal Priority Streamgage Network (ver. 1.1, April 2025): U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2023–1032, 7 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20231032.

ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Background
  • FPS Re-Prioritization Project
  • Results
  • Summary
  • References Cited
  • Appendix 1. Federal Stakeholder Online Survey Questions
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Re-prioritization of the U.S. Geological Survey Federal Priority Streamgage Network, 2022
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 2023-1032
DOI 10.3133/ofr20231032
Edition Version 1.0: April 2023; Version 1.1: April 2025
Publication Date April 07, 2023
Year Published 2023
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) WMA - Observing Systems Division, Maryland-Delaware-District of Columbia Water Science Center
Description Report: iii, 7 p.; Data Release
Country United States
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Additional publication details