U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey

Open-File Report 2007–1067

Surface-Water Quality-Assurance Plan for 

the USGS Wisconsin Water Science Center
Abstract 1

Abstract 

This surface-water quality-assurance plan documents the standards, policies, and procedures used by 

the Wisconsin Water Science Center of the U.S. Geological Survey, Water Resources Discipline, for activities related to the collection, processing, storage, 

analysis, management, and publication of surface-water 

data. The roles and responsibilities of Water Science 

Center personnel in following these policies and procedures including those related to safety and training are 

presented.

INTRODUCTION

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) was established by an act of Congress on March 3, 1879, as a permanent Federal agency to perform the systematic and 

scientific “classification of the public lands, and examination of the geologic structure, mineral resources, and 

products of the national domain.” Surface-water activities in the Wisconsin Water Science Center (WSC) are 

part of the Water Resources Discipline’s (WRD; fig. 1) 

overall mission of appraising the Nation's water 

resources. Surface-water information, including streamflow, stage, and sediment data, are used at the Federal, 

State, and local levels for resource planning and management. The availability of timely, accurate, and reliable water data are critical to the management of surface 

waters within the State and the planning and design of 

water-resources projects. 

The purpose of this WSC surface-water qualityassurance plan (QA plan) is to document the standards, 

policies, and procedures used by the Wisconsin WSC 

for activities related to the collection, processing, storage, analysis, and publication of surface-water data. 

This plan identifies responsibilities for ensuring that 

stated policies and procedures are carried out. The plan 

also serves as a guide for all WSC personnel involved in 

surface-water activities and as a resource for related 

memorandums, publications, and other literature that 

describe associated techniques and requirements in 

more detail. This QA Plan will be reviewed at 3-year 

intervals for any future updates so that responsibilities 

and methodologies are kept current and ongoing procedural improvements are documented.

The scope of this plan includes discussions of the 

policies and procedures followed by this WSC for the 

collection, processing, analysis, storage, and publication of surface-water data. Specific types of surfacewater data include stage, reservoir storage, streamflow, 

sediment, and basin characteristics. In addition, issues 

related to the management of the computer database and 

employee safety and training are presented. Although 

procedures and products of interpretive projects are subject to the criteria presented in this report, individual 

interpretive projects are required to have a separate and 

complete quality-assurance plan.

WATER SCIENCE CENTER 

ORGANIZATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Quality assurance (QA) is an active process. 

Achieving and maintaining standards for surface-water 

data are accomplished by specific actions carried out by 

specific persons. Clear and specific statements of 

responsibilities promote an understanding of each person’s duties in the overall process of assuring surfacewater data quality.

Organization

The Wisconsin WSC is organized into operational 

teams and support units (fig. 2). The Streamflow and 

Lake Stage Network Team largely conducts the surfacewater program in the WSC. The support units include 

the Administrative Unit, the Computer Applications 

Unit, and the Science Support Unit. Three field offices 

in Middleton (south), Merrill (northeast), and Rice Lake 

(northwest) are organized under the Assistant Director 

for Surface Water Monitoring (hereafter referred to as 

“Assistant Director”). Individual personnel are assigned 

as discipline specialists and management advisors.

Surface-Water Quality-Assurance Plan for the USGS 

Wisconsin Water Science Center

By H.S. Garn
2 Surface-Water Quality-Assurance Plan for the USGS Wisconsin Water Science Center Regional Hydrologist, Western Region Regional Hydrologist, Central Region Regional Hydrologist, Northeast Region

Regional Hydrologist, Southeast Region

Office of Surface WaterOffice of Water QualityOffice of Ground WaterOffice of Water Information

Chief Scientist for HydrologyCooperative Water Program Chief of Staff

Hydrologic Instrumentation

Facility

National Water Quality 

Laboratory

Branch of Geophysics

National Research Program 8 Water Science Centers, Alaska Integrated Science Center (Water)

15 Water Science Centers16 Water Science Centers

7 Water Science Centers, Florida 

Integrated Science Center (Water)

National Water Information 

System

Water Resources 

Discipline

Senior Staff

Associate Director for Water

Figure 1. Organization of the Water Resources Discipline of the U.S. Geological Survey, 2007.
WATER SCIENCE CENTER ORGANIZATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES 3

Center Director

Charles Peters

USGS WISCONSIN WATER SCIENCE CENTER

Research Advisory Council

Science Support Unit

Administrative Services Unit

Computer Applications Unit

Assistant Director

for Environmental Studies

Peter Hughes

Assistant Director

for GW and National Investigations

Charles Dunning

Assistant Director

for SW Monitoring

Herb Garn

Surface-Water and 

Sediment Studies Team

Ground-Water Systems

Team

Nonpoint Evaluation

Team

Middleton Data Center

Wisconsin Mercury

Research Laboratory

Regional and National

Assessments Team

Lake Studies Team

Surface-Water Quality 

Monitoring Team

Streamflow and Lake

Stage Network Team

Rob Waschbusch

Merrill

Field Office

Rice Lake

Field Office

Middleton

Field Office

Other key surface-water personnel

Flood coordinators: Rob Waschbusch,

John Walker, Herb Garn, Peter Hughes

Database management: Gary Gill, Kevin Housel, 

Bridgett Marsh

Computer specialist, system administrator:

Bob Bodoh

Records archiving, data report: Bridgett Marsh

Safety officer: Gerald Goddard

Sediment specialist: Bill Rose

Center Director

Charles Peters

USGS WISCONSIN WATER SCIENCE CENTER

Research Advisory Council

Science Support Unit

Administrative Services Unit

Computer Applications Unit

Assistant Director

for Environmental Studies

Peter Hughes

Assistant Director

for GW and National Investigations

Charles Dunning

Assistant Director

for SW Monitoring

Herb Garn

Surface-Water and 

Sediment Studies Team

Ground-Water Systems

Team

Nonpoint Evaluation

Team

Middleton Data Center

Wisconsin Mercury

Research Laboratory

Regional and National

Assessments Team

Lake Studies Team

Surface-Water Quality 

Monitoring Team

Streamflow and Lake

Stage Network Team

Rob Waschbusch

Merrill

Field Office

Rice Lake

Field Office

Middleton

Field Office

Other key surface-water personnel

Flood coordinators: Rob Waschbusch,

John Walker, Herb Garn, Peter Hughes

Database management: Gary Gill, Kevin Housel, 

Bridgett Marsh

Computer specialist, system administrator:

Bob Bodoh

Records archiving, data report: Bridgett Marsh

Safety officer: Gerald Goddard

Sediment specialist: Bill Rose

Figure 2. Organization of the U.S. Geological Survey, Water Resources discipline, Wisconsin Water Science Center, 2007.
4 Surface-Water Quality-Assurance Plan for the USGS Wisconsin Water Science Center

Responsibilities

Surface-water data-collection personnel within the 

WSC are located in three field offices and the WSC 

Office in Middleton. The primary responsibility for 

ensuring that surface-water programs in the WSC are 

adequately planned rests with the WSC’s senior staff, 

including the WSC Director; the Assistant Director for 

Surface-Water Monitoring; the WSC Surface-Water 

Collection of Basic Records (SW CBR) Project Chief; 

and the Surface-Water Specialist. Members contribute 

their specialized knowledge to the formulation of policies and plans for short- and long-term programs and to 

the establishment of criteria for determining the type 

and scope of surface-water activities to undertake.

The responsibility for the preparation of, implementation of, and adherence to the QA policies 

described in the QA Plan lies with the WSC Director 

(Schroder and Shampine, 1992, p. 7). The WSC Director has delegated preparation of the QA Plan to the 

Assistant Director, who is responsible for any future 

updates and revisions.

All individuals involved in surface-water activities 

are responsible for implementing quality assurance. 

Field Office supervisors and project chiefs assume 

much of the responsibility; however, the Assistant 

Director and WSC Director have the final responsibility. Field Office Chiefs are responsible for daily operations in their area; they assign work according to an 

employee’s knowledge and experience and are responsible for ensuring quality control, QA, and safety of 

employees, whether in the field or in the office.

The following is a list of responsibilities of WSC 

personnel involved in the collection, processing, storage, analysis, or publication of surface-water data.

The WSC Director is responsible for: 

1. Managing and directing WSC programs, 

including all surface-water activities, and 

delegating surface-water activities, where 

applicable, to the WSC Assistant Directors.

2. Ensuring that surface-water activities in the 

WSC meet the needs of the Federal 

Government, the Wisconsin WSC, State and 

local agencies, other cooperating agencies, 

and the public.

3. Ensuring that all aspects of this QA Plan are 

understood and followed by WSC personnel. 

This responsibility is fulfilled by the WSC 

Director’s direct involvement or through 

clearly stated delegation to other personnel 

in the WSC.

4. Resolving any conflicts or disputes related to 

surface-water activities within the WSC.

5. Ensuring that employees are properly trained 

and informed about procedural and technical 

communications from Region and National 

headquarters.

6. Ensuring on-the-job safety and health of all 

WSC personnel.

7. Ensuring that all publications and other 

technical communications released by the 

WSC are accurate and comply with policies 

of the USGS. 

The Assistant Director, along with the Streamflow 

Network Team Leader (Chief of the SW CBR (00100) 

project), is responsible for:

1. Reviewing, evaluating, and advising surfacewater personnel on the technical adequacy of 

the methods of collection, analysis, and 

preparation of hydrologic data for the annual 

data report.

2. Serving as co-advisor, with the SurfaceWater Specialist, to the WSC Director and 

project chiefs on the collection, processing, 

and publication of hydrologic data.

3. Participating with the WSC Director and 

other staff members in planning and 

developing hydrologic-data programs and 

interpretive studies, in cooperation with 

other Federal and State agencies.

4. Serving as a WSC contact for cooperating 

agencies and responding to information 

inquiries from cooperating agencies and the 

public.

5. Ensuring on-the-job safety and health of all 

supervised employees.

6. Managing the data-collection program, 

which includes processing and publication of 

data by the WSC and field offices.
WATER SCIENCE CENTER ORGANIZATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES 5

7. Ensuring that surface-water data-collection, 

-processing, and -analysis activities 

associated with the Wisconsin surface-water 

network conform to the procedures, goals 

and policies of the WRD, the Office of 

Surface Water (OSW), the Office of Water 

Quality (OWQ), and the WSC.

8. Developing annual work plans, and 

preparing and managing the budget to 

operate the data-collection program in an 

efficient and fiscally responsible manner.

9. Ensuring that records for all surface-water 

network data stations are correctly 

computed, checked, and appropriately 

reviewed and that identified deficiencies are 

corrected.

10. Serving jointly with the Surface-Water 

Specialist and Chief of the Flood Frequency 

Project as the WSC Flood Coordinators. 

Coordinating site visits of USGS personnel 

during floods or other unusual or high-water 

events, and compiling the collected data; 

apprising WSC, Regional, and WRD 

Headquarters staff of current events using 

electronic media; sending press releases to 

local and national news media to disseminate 

data and to inform the public of real-time 

streamflow conditions; and coordinating 

among the USGS, the National Weather 

Service (NWS), the U.S. Army Corps of 

Engineers, and other Federal and State 

agencies.

11. Ensuring that supervised personnel receive 

appropriate training for safe and proper 

collection and computation of surface-water 

records.

12. Ensuring that supervised personnel conduct 

work in accordance with safety policies 

established by the USGS and the WSC.

13. Advising personnel about requirements for 

inspections and documenting of construction 

history and maintenance.

14. Preparing and updating the WSC Flood Plan.

15. Overseeing the production and publication 

of the Wisconsin annual water-data report.

16. Coordinating with the database manager to 

ensure that the surface-water databases are 

properly maintained and updated.

17. Overseeing the maintenance of the official 

drainage-area map files for the WSC.

18. Issuing station-identification numbers for 

new surface-water stations in the WSC.

19. Participating in outreach programs to 

promote the visibility of the USGS.

The Surface-Water Specialist and Chief of the 

Flood-Frequency Project is responsible for:

1. Participating with the WSC Director and 

other staff members in planning and 

developing hydrologic-data programs and 

interpretive studies, in cooperation with 

other Federal and State agencies.

2. Managing and conducting investigations in 

selected aspects of the surface-water 

discipline, including complex hydrologic 

and hydraulic analyses, statistical methods 

and hydraulic-engineering principles.

3. Managing the flood-frequency project, 

approving indirect streamflow 

measurements, and approving the crest-stage 

gage computations and records.

4. Ensuring that correct technical procedures 

are used in the collection, computation, 

analysis, and interpretation of surface-water 

data.

5. Managing the peak-flow and basincharacteristics databases.

6. Providing technical assistance for analysis 

and interpretation of surface-water data 

collected during hydrologic investigations.

7. Ensuring that correct procedures are 

followed for and checking all indirect 

measurements of streamflow.

8. Serving jointly as the WSC Flood 

Coordinator with the SW CBR Project Chief. 

9. Assisting in training personnel involved in 

surface-water data collection, computation, 

and analysis.

10. Serving as technical advisor for surfacewater activities to the senior staff and other 

WSC personnel.

The Field Office Chiefs and hydrologic technicians 

are responsible for:

1. Developing stage-discharge and indexvelocity ratings at gaging stations by 

measuring stream discharge at various 

stages; computing discharge records for 

streamflow-gaging stations using the stage-
6 Surface-Water Quality-Assurance Plan for the USGS Wisconsin Water Science Center

discharge relation and stage record; 

reviewing the development of rating curves 

relative to channel condition and 

measurement trends to determine 

appropriate shifts; reviewing and checking 

accumulated data to determine the accuracy 

of results obtained at streamflow-gaging 

stations; recommending improvements in 

techniques and methods; writing station 

analyses that describe the annual streamflow 

characteristics and the procedures used to 

compute discharge records; and preparing 

data in final publication format.

2. Installing, servicing, and maintaining all 

types of stream-gaging structures, 

equipment, and recording instruments in 

their area.

3. Preparing sections of reports for use by the 

USGS, other Federal and State agencies, and 

the public.

4. Representing the WSC when conducting 

surface-water-related business with 

cooperating agencies and the public in their 

area.

5. Ensuring on-the-job safety and health.

6. Preparing plans for new streamflow-gaging 

stations, artificial controls, cableways, and 

other equipment associated with streamflowgaging structures and for the rehabilitation of 

existing stations; making reconnaissance and 

surveys for the location of new streamflowgaging stations; preparing orders for 

materials and cost estimates of major 

construction and repair jobs; and procuring 

materials. Constructing and maintaining 

structures and rebuilding installations that 

have been destroyed or damaged.

7. Running level circuits to establish or to 

check gage reference datums or peak stages 

from high-water marks.

The Database Administrator is responsible for:

1. Maintaining the WSC’s electronic and 

archived files of streamflow and water-level 

records; submitting reviewed surface-water 

data to WRD Headquarters for inclusion in 

the National database; working with Field 

Office Chiefs and other WSC personnel in 

the acquisition and compilation of surfacewater data.

2. Assisting others in the WSC to coordinate 

the real-time surface-water data program, 

including determining data requirements for 

existing and new real-time surface-water 

stations, reviewing and verifying incoming 

real-time data, and monitoring real-time data 

for inclusion on the WSC’s World Wide Web 

(WWW) home page.

3. Assisting the Computer Specialist as the 

Automated Data Processing System 

(ADAPS) database administrator.

The Computer Specialist is responsible for:

1. Ensuring that data integrity is preserved by 

performing regular backup of data files; 

ensuring that archived data, such as historical 

unit-values, are protected; providing 

assistance in restoring archived values as 

necessary; and installing USGS software, 

such as the National Water Information 

System (NWIS), in a timely fashion.

2. Assisting users in connecting various 

hardware components to the WSC computer 

system.

The WSC Safety Officer:

1. Consults with the WSC Director and 

supervisory staff to ensure that USGS and 

WRD safety programs are operational in the 

WSC. 

2. Identifies job safety and health hazards, 

instructs employees on job-safety 

requirements, reviews accident reports, 

initiates corrective measures for violations of 

Occupational Safety and Health Act 

standards, and directs periodic inspection of 

all work places, including streamflowgaging stations.

3. Consults with supervisors to determine 

safety needs for all employees, prepares 

WSC safety plans, and informs supervisors 

of safety training and equipment needed to 

safely complete job assignments.

Other WSC individuals who assist in surfacewater-related activities may include the following.
COLLECTION OF STAGE AND STREAMFLOW DATA 7

All Project Chiefs are responsible for:

1. Ensuring that surface-water data collected, 

computed, analyzed, or interpreted as a part 

of their project conform to OSW policies and 

the policies and procedures outlined in this 

plan.

2. Ensuring that collection, computation, 

analysis, and interpretation of surface-water 

data as a part of their projects are done in 

accordance with all applicable QA 

guidelines.

Personnel from other sections are available to provide assistance during periods of peak streamflow or 

other hydrologic events. When the need arises, personnel from the Surface-Water Quality Monitoring team 

will contact the Assistant Director for Environmental 

Studies, to request assistance. The assisting personnel 

generally will accompany Field Office personnel to 

ensure timely and safe data collection. These field 

assignments can vary from 1 day to more than 1 week.

COLLECTION OF STAGE AND 

STREAMFLOW DATA

Many of society’s daily activities, including industry, agriculture, energy production, waste disposal, and 

recreation, are closely linked to streamflow and water 

availability; therefore, reliable surface-water data are 

necessary for resource management and planning. The 

collection of stage and streamflow data is a primary 

component in the ongoing operation of streamflow-gaging stations (referred to in the remainder of this report 

as gaging stations) and other water-resource studies 

conducted by the Wisconsin WSC.

The objective of operating a gaging station is to 

obtain a continuous record of stage and discharge at the 

site (Carter and Davidian, 1968, p. 1). A continuous 

record of stage is obtained by installing instruments that 

sense and record the water-surface level in the stream. 

Discharge measurements are made at periodic intervals 

to define or verify the stage-discharge relation or the 

velocity rating and to define the time and magnitude of 

variations in that relation.

Installation and Maintenance of Gaging 

Stations 

Proper installation and maintenance of gaging stations are critical activities for ensuring quality in 

streamflow-data collection and analysis. Effective site 

selection, correct design and construction, and regular 

maintenance of a gage can make the difference between 

efficient and accurate discharge determinations and 

ones that are time-consuming, poor estimations of discharge. 

Gaging-station locations are selected to meet the 

purpose of each specific gage. Additionally, sites are 

selected with the intent of achieving, to the greatest 

extent possible, ideal hydraulic conditions. Criteria that 

describe the ideal gaging-station site are listed in Rantz 

and others (1982, p. 5). These criteria include unchanging natural controls that promote a stable stage-discharge relation, a satisfactory reach for measuring 

discharge throughout the range of stage, and the means 

for efficient and safe access to the gage and measuring 

location. Other aspects of controls considered by WSC 

personnel when planning gage-house installations 

include those discussed in Kennedy (1984, p. 2).

Field Office Chiefs and SW project chiefs are 

responsible for selecting sites for new gaging stations 

with input from cooperating agency officials, the Surface-Water Specialist, and the Assistant Director, when 

needed. The process of site selection includes discussion with personnel of the cooperating agency to determine the purpose(s) of the gaging station, as well as 

operation and data needs. Preliminary site selection 

starts with reviewing topographic and county maps and 

determining the type of gaging equipment needed to 

collect the data. Computer and paper files are searched 

to determine whether previous records have been collected at or near the selected site. USGS personnel, 

sometimes accompanied by cooperating agency officials, visit the stream reach to determine the best location for the gage. After a potential site has been selected, 

the following information is recorded: land ownership 

and whether permission is needed to install the gage, 

access to the proposed gage, gage location, needed 

equipment, availability of electricity and phone lines, 

high- and low-water measuring and control conditions, 

estimate of stage of the 100-year flood, and any suspected anomalies that might affect the stability of the 

stage-discharge relation. The Field Office Chief is 

responsible for proper documentation of agreements 

with property owners and Federal or State permits if 
8 Surface-Water Quality-Assurance Plan for the USGS Wisconsin Water Science Center

needed. The project chief is responsible for approving 

the site selection and design. The Field Office Chief is 

responsible for constructing the gage, installation of 

recording instruments, establishing the gage datum, and 

inspecting and approving the completed installation.

Personnel assigned to operate gaging stations must 

ensure that equipment, gage houses, and cableways are 

kept in good repair. A program of careful inspection and 

maintenance of equipment and gage houses promotes 

the safe collection of reliable and accurate data. To 

ensure proper maintenance, personnel assigned to the 

station should inspect each assigned station annually. 

Improvements needed or deficiencies observed at the 

gaging station and any unsafe conditions are documented annually on the gaging-station and cableway 

safety-inspection checklist. WSC policy requires that a 

visual inspection be performed at sites by field personnel during each visit. To prevent the buildup of sediment 

or the clogging of intakes, stilling wells are cleaned and 

intakes are flushed during field visits following major 

events, or as needed. Other maintenance activities performed on a regular basis include installation of heat 

lamps and subfloors each winter to reduce the effects of 

cold temperatures, checking and replacing batteries and 

nitrogen cylinders, cleaning the gage house, painting, 

and cutting brush near the gage house and cableway.

The Field Office Chief has the responsibility to 

ensure that gages and gage houses are kept in good 

repair. To ensure these responsibilities are carried out, 

the project chief or Field Office Chief verifies that 

inspections are made, reviews the reports from field personnel, inspects sites when necessary, and takes corrective action, or requests appropriate funding if needed. 

Deficiencies are communicated orally to the field personnel who service the gages, who are responsible for 

ensuring that they are remedied.

Measurement of Stage

Many types of instruments are available for measuring the water level, or stage, at gaging stations. 

Gages can be either nonrecording (Rantz and others, 

1982, p. 24) or recording (Rantz and others, 1982, p. 

32). Because the uses to which stage data may be put 

cannot be predicted, OSW policy specifies that surfacewater stage records at stream sites be collected with 

instruments and procedures that provide sufficient accuracy to support computation of discharge from a stagedischarge relation, unless greater accuracy is required 

(OSW Memorandum 93.07; see appendix 1).

In general, operation of gaging stations for the purpose of determining daily discharge includes the goal of 

collecting stage data at the accuracy of + or - 0.01 ft 

(foot) or 0.2 percent of the effective stage being measured (OSW Memorandum 93.07). An explanation of 

WRD policy on stage-measurement accuracy as it 

relates to instrumentation is provided in OSW Memorandum 93.07. OSW Memorandum 96.05 (see 

appendix 1) reaffirms and clarifies this policy.

The types of instruments installed at any specific 

gage operated by the Wisconsin WSC depend on the 

needs of the cooperator, the availability of utility lines, 

hydraulic conditions, telemetry, the expected range of 

stage, the types of data to be collected, and the expected 

life of the gage. Types of water-level sensors generally 

used by personnel in this WSC include float-type sensor/potentiometers, pressure sensors, and CSGs; types 

of recorders used are Campbell CR10X and CR500 

dataloggers with phone modems for remote data 

retrieval.

The Project Chief, after consulting with the Assistant Director, if needed, is responsible for selecting the 

type of stage recorder needed at each gaging station. 

The hydrologic technician ensures that any new equipment is installed safely and correctly. If non-routine 

equipment such as an acoustical velocity meter (AVM) 

is to be installed, field personnel may need to obtain 

instruction or assistance from WSC personnel trained in 

their use to ensure proper installation or maintenance of 

equipment. Proper maintenance of gage instrumentation or replacement, if needed, is the responsibility of 

field personnel servicing the gage.

Accurate stage measurement requires not only 

accurate instrumentation but also proper installation 

and continual monitoring of all system components to 

ensure their accuracy does not deteriorate with time 

(OSW Memorandum 93.07). To ensure that instruments 

located within the gage house record water levels that 

accurately represent the water levels of the body of 

water being investigated, “inside” and “outside” waterlevel readings are obtained by independent means. For 

example, at a stilling-well gaging station, all recording 

instruments are calibrated to an inside staff or electrictape gage located on the recorder shelf, and outside 

readings are made from a staff or reference point, or 

with a wire-weight gage mounted on a bridge rail near 

the gage house. The inside gage readings may not 

always equal outside readings, especially if the gages 
COLLECTION OF STAGE AND STREAMFLOW DATA 9

are not in the same pool at all ranges of stage. At stations equipped with a stilling well, the base or reference 

gage typically is an instrument installed inside the gage 

house, and other gages are installed outside the gage 

house to indicate whether or not the instruments are 

operating properly (Rantz and others, 1982, p. 53 and p. 

64). At pressure-transducer sites, the outside gage is the 

reference gage. Peak-stage indicators should be used at 

all stilling-well installations and CSGs installed at all 

pressure-transducer stations to verify peak stage.

Personnel servicing the gaging station are responsible for comparing inside and outside readings during 

each site visit to determine whether the outside water 

level is being represented correctly by the recording 

equipment. If a deficiency is identified, the employee 

servicing the gage is responsible for thoroughly documenting the problem in the field notes and either correcting the problem immediately or at the earliest 

opportunity. The primary recorder or recorders should 

be adjusted to agree with the reference gage if the readings differ by 0.02 ft or more.

The person assigned to the gaging station is responsible for ensuring that instruments installed at gaging 

stations are properly serviced and calibrated by carefully reviewing all field data, examining plots of the raw 

data, comparing hydrographs with those from other stations, and using available information on weather and 

site conditions. Field personnel should be familiar with 

and understand manufacturer product manuals and use 

and care instructions, and applicable TWRI’s and WRD 

memorandums. Ideally, all sensors and recorders should 

be bench tested prior to installation at the gage. This 

practice ensures proper calibration of equipment and 

may eliminate additional site visits. When instruments 

are installed at the gage, they should be checked for 

loose fittings and connections, and improper alignment 

or orientation. Sensors and recorders should be calibrated against reference gages and manually operated to 

test their performance. When deficiencies are identified, 

the field person should correct the problem immediately 

or replace the faulty equipment. Each field vehicle 

should be supplied with adequate tools and spare parts 

to repair or replace equipment. If a separate trip is 

needed to correct the problem at the gage, it should be 

done as soon as is reasonably possible. Individuals who 

have questions related to the calibration and maintenance of water-level recorders should contact their Field 

Office Chief or, in his or her absence, the project chief 

or other WSC expert.

Gaging-Station Documents

WSC policy specifies that certain documents be 

placed in each gage house for the purpose of keeping an 

on-site record of observations, equipment maintenance, 

structural maintenance, and other information helpful to 

field personnel. Documents maintained at each gage 

house include (1) the most recent tabular listing of the 

stage-discharge relation (rating table); (2) a graph of the 

stage-discharge relation (rating curve) on which measurements are plotted; (3) a log, updated by field personnel during each site visit, describing control 

conditions and listing gage readings, discharge measured, gaging-station maintenance performed, and 

instrument maintenance performed; (4) the most recent 

station description listing all gages and reference marks 

at the site, locations of measurement cross sections with 

guidance on which to use at various stages, information 

related to extreme events including the potential for 

channel storage between the gage and measuring section during flood conditions, and other information (see 

the section “Site Documentation, Station Descriptions” 

in this report); (5) a site-specific Job Hazard Analysis 

and a traffic control plan for bridges, where appropriate; 

(6) a calendar; and (7) important contacts and telephone 

numbers.

The field person assigned to the gaging station is 

responsible for updating gage documents in the gage 

house as needed. Nonassigned field personnel who visit 

a gage house and identify a need to update one or more 

of the documents should notify the Field Office Chief. 

Employees who have questions about documents or 

information kept in a gage house, when the documents 

should be updated, or appropriate methods of appending logs or plotting measurements should contact the 

Field Office Chief.

Levels

The various gages at a gaging station are set to register the elevation of a water surface above a selected 

level reference surface called the gage datum. The 

gage's supporting structures—stilling wells, backings, 

shelters, bridges, and other structures—tend to settle or 

rise as a result of earth movement, static or dynamic 

loads, vibration, or battering by floodwaters and floodborne ice or debris. Vertical movement of a structure 

makes the attached gages read too high or too low and, 

if the errors go undetected, may lead to inaccuracies in 
10 Surface-Water Quality-Assurance Plan for the USGS Wisconsin Water Science Center

streamflow records. Leveling, a procedure by which 

surveying instruments are used to determine the difference in altitude between points, is used to set the gages 

and to check them for vertical movement from time to 

time (Kennedy, 1990, p. 1). Levels are run periodically 

to all benchmarks, reference marks (RMs), reference 

points, and gages at each station to determine if any 

datum changes have occurred (Rantz and others, 1982, 

p. 545).

WSC policy requires that levels be run at newly 

established gaging stations at the time of construction 

and installation and then annually until three sets of levels have been obtained. If the history of levels shows the 

gage to be stable, then levels are run to established gaging stations at intervals ranging from 3 to a maximum of 

5 years. If the gage has been found to be unstable, levels 

will be run yearly or more frequently, as needed. Levels 

for established CSGs should be run annually or, if the 

gage is found to be stable, at 2-year intervals. Additional leveling surveys should be run as needed when 

conditions such as known instability, nearby construction, unexplained differences in readings or vandalism 

or other damage exist; before discontinuing, relocating, 

or resetting a gage; or when any other condition or circumstance casts doubt on the reliability of the gage settings or datum. Gages should be reset to agree with 

levels when the levels indicate a vertical change greater 

than 0.015 ft. When gages are reset, field personnel 

should document the reset by writing the “found” and 

“left” gage readings and the time associated with each 

reading on the level note sheet. Levels are run to all 

gages and both the inside and outside water surfaces are 

determined by direct levels, or by taping down from a 

reference point if direct levels are not practical. When 

levels are run, each gage or established mark should be 

read twice, with readings separated by at least one move 

of level instrument. The level loop must close within 

0.005 ft from the starting elevation; or if this error is 

exceeded, the set of levels shall be run again. 

Leveling procedures followed by WSC personnel 

pertaining to circuit closure, instrument reset, and 

repeated use of turning points are described by Thomas 

and Jackson (1981) and in OSW Memorandum 93.12. 

When practical, at least three independent RMs are 

established for all gaging stations. At least one of the 

RMs is to be located away from bridges, cableways, and 

the gage-house foundation.The level instruments are 

kept properly adjusted and checked by use of a peg test 

as described in Kennedy (1990, p. 13). Peg tests are 

done periodically on each instrument, typically once 

each field season prior to running levels. If the accuracy 

of an individual instrument becomes suspect for any 

reason, however, a peg test is performed immediately. 

Results of the tests are recorded on a log and kept in a 

levels file in each office. If an instrument is found to be 

in error, level runs made with the erroneous instrument 

are examined and actions are taken to correct any errors, 

or the level runs are determined to be invalid and the 

level procedures are repeated.

If a gaging station is established near an existing 

benchmark, or if a benchmark is placed near the station 

after it has been established, the elevation of the gage 

datum with respect to sea level, or sea-level elevation 

for “zero” of the gage should be determined. This is 

done by running levels to determine sea-level elevations 

of pertinent gage features and the water surface at the 

gage. The sea-level elevation of the gage is assigned a 

stage of 0.00 ft, with all stage measurements thus representing elevation, in feet, above this datum. Any stage 

reading can then be converted back to elevation above 

sea level by adding the measured stage to the sea-level 

elevation of the gage datum. The elevation of the benchmark is the elevation as determined from the latest levelnet adjustment. The date of that adjustment should be 

obtained from the agency that established it. Benchmarks should be accepted only when their reliability 

and basis of establishment have been authenticated. 

Published references to a benchmark used by the USGS 

in referring river stages to sea level should always 

include the name of the agency responsible for the 

benchmark and the date of the level-net adjustment used 

in determining its elevation.

When a gaging station is established, a “reference” 

or “base” gage will be designated. All gage heights typically will be referred to this gage. The reference gage 

should be a gage that can be checked by levels and for 

which datum corrections can be determined and made 

easily. Reference gages for different types of stations 

are usually as follows:

•Recording station with stilling well - inside gage.

•Recording station with transducer - outside gage.

•Wire-weight gage - check bar and the dial are set, 

by levels, to the water surface at a low stage.

•Staff gage station - lowest gage.

•Crest-stage gage - top of lower cap.

If the designated “reference” or “base” gage is out of 

operation and another gage is used temporarily, readings from the latter should be converted to equivalent 

readings for the reference gage. The procedure for this 
COLLECTION OF STAGE AND STREAMFLOW DATA 11

conversion is to apply a datum correction (if applicable) 

by comparative readings, from levels, or a combination 

of the two.

A sheet summarizing results of all level runs at gaging stations is maintained as part of the information for 

each station. Results of level runs should be added to the 

WSC summary sheet after completion. The sheet 

enables a quick review of all level results and assists in 

identifying unstable reference gages, RMs, reference 

points, gage supports, and errors in outside staff gages 

and wire-weight gages. The level-summary sheet also 

enables a quick comparison of gage settings, errors 

found, and corrections applied throughout the period of 

data collection.

It is the responsibility of each Field Office Chief to 

ensure that levels are run with the appropriate frequency, 

that levels are run correctly and level notes are completed correctly, and that all field level notes are 

checked. The level information is entered on the levelsummary sheet by the individual who computes the 

annual discharge record. The level-summary sheet is 

stored in the station computation folder and should be 

reviewed annually.

Site Documentation

Thorough documentation of qualitative and quantitative information describing each gaging station is 

required. The station description and photographs provide a permanent record of site characteristics, structures, equipment, instrumentation, elevations, location, 

and changes in conditions at each site. Information pertaining to where this documentation is maintained is discussed in the section of this report entitled “Office 

Setting.”

Station Descriptions

A station description is prepared for each gaging 

station and it becomes part of the permanent record for 

each station. A WSC Site File Entry Form with required 

information should be completed for new stations soon 

after the station location is determined and given to the 

SW CBR Project Chief, who assigns the downstreamorder station number and name, and passes the form to 

the database administrator for establishment of NWIS 

computer header information and data descriptors. WSC 

policy requires that the station description be written by 

the time that the first year of record is computed. The 

Field Office Chief is responsible for ensuring that station descriptions are prepared correctly in a timely manner and are updated. Station descriptions are reviewed 

annually and updated as needed by the person computing the annual record.

Station descriptions are written to include specific 

types of information in a consistent format (Kennedy, 

1983, p. 2). An example station description follows. 

When the original station description for a gaging station is being written, a standard form can be obtained 

from the directory “ftp depot\001”. The latitude-longitude coordinates and quarter-quarter-section location 

are determined from a USGS 7.5-minute topographic 

map. The gage location is plotted on the set of topographic maps maintained as the master Drainage Area 

Maps. Each gaging station is assigned a downstreamorder number; if assistance is needed, the SW CBR 

Project Chief should be consulted. All current station 

descriptions are stored in a central computer directory 

on network drive “projects:\Station Information”, accessible by all USGS personnel. Paper copies of the 

description are located in the station file in each field 

office and in field files kept by the field person. Station 

descriptions and other information are maintained on 

the Station Information Management System (SIMS), 

which is available to all USGS personnel. Station 

descriptions are archived when changes are made and 

placed in the “projects:\Station Information” directory. 

The SIMS Web site is located at: 

http://tx.cr.usgs.gov/field/sqlsims/StationsRpt.asp?district_cd=55
12 Surface-Water Quality-Assurance Plan for the USGS Wisconsin Water Science Center

EXAMPLE STATION DESCRIPTION 

05362000 Jump River at Sheldon, WI

Location.—Lat 45°18'29", long 90°57'23", in SE 1/4 SW 1/4 sec.26, T.33 N., R.5 W., Rusk County, on right bank 10 ft downstream from 

Highway C bridge in Sheldon, 1,500 ft upstream from Shoulder Creek, and 11 mi upstream from mouth.

Established.—July 22, 1915, by H.C. Beckman, USGS. Water-stage recorder Feb. 9, 1919, to Aug. 31, 1941 (gage destroyed by flood); 

various other gages at same general location for other periods. Sept. 28, 1964, bubble gage installed by K.S. Brigham and S.J. Field, 

USGS. Sutron Accubar pressure sensor installed July 29, 1998.

Drainage area.—576 sq mi.

Gage.—A CR-10 datalogger with phone modem receives input from a Sutron Accubar pressure sensor. Unit values recorded each 15

min; data retrieval automatically each day. Shelter is a 5 ft x 5 ft walk-in metal building. A NWS precip gage is mounted on the roof and

is integrated to the CR-10. The orifice enters the river at the right bank, about 10 ft downstream from the gage. Primary outside reference

is a filed arrow on the downstream side of the bridge. The crest gage is located on a 24-inch oak, about 115 ft southwest of the left 

down stream corner of the bridge.

Pertinent Elevations (gage datum)

Instrument shelf - 31.6 ft

Floor - about 28 ft

Ground level at house - about 26.5 ft

Orifice level - 1.92 ft by tape-up to W.S. at date of installation

Datum of gage.—1,092.75 ft above National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929.

History.—Established 7/22/15. USGS water-stage recorder operated 2/9/19 to 8/31/41 (destroyed by flood). Tape gage in creamery well 

house 400 ft upstream at same datum used 4/2/53 to 2/18/54. Various gages near same location used during other periods. A manometer

bubble gage was installed in a 5 ft x 5 ft concrete gage house (located 5 ft downstream from Hwy. C bridge at right bank) on 9/28/64,

with strip-chart recorder used to 5/5/71 and ADR from 5/5/71 to 12/22/94. (A DCP was in place from May 1984 to Dec. 18, 1990.) A

CR-10 replaced the ADR 12/22/94, and was used with existing manometer until 7/29/98. (Strip-chart recorder used as backup for entire

period.) A new Hwy. C bridge was built in 1998. Old gage and equipment was removed for construction. New gage built 20 ft north and

15 ft west of old concrete building. New orifice about 12 ft downstream from old orifice. The new gage with Sutron pressure sensor and

CR-10 began operation 7/29/98.
COLLECTION OF STAGE AND STREAMFLOW DATA 13

References and benchmarks:

RM 12, a transition reference (used to transfer datum during 1998 bridge construction), is no longer needed as part of the regular level

circuit, but could be used in case of a total loss of other references. RM 12 is the top of the water hydrant, 69 ft north of gage; established

5/16/96 at elevation 37.952 ft.

RM 13, a 1/2-inch hex-headed lag at streamward base of 14-inch cedar, 20 ft streamward of gage; established 8/26/98 at 27.048 ft.

RM 14, a DOT tablet on top of right downstream wingwall, set 11/98 by DOT; USGS established elevation 12/14/98 at 28.795 ft.

RP 2, a 1-inch rebar at right bank, slightly downstream from gage and 1.5 ft upstream from orifice; established 7/24/98 at 3.912 ft.

RP 4, a filed arrow on left downstream side of twelfth guardrail post from right downstream end of bridge; established 12/14/98 at

30.688 ft.

C.G. bracket, top of lower bracket for crest gage, located on 24-inch oak, about 115 ft SW of left downstream corner of bridge; established 

at 12.192 ft.

Channel and control.—A coarse gravel rapids 1,000 ft below is the control and is subject to slight shifts. Channel has fairly clean gravel

bottom. The right bank is high. The left bank overflows at extremely high water. Channel fairly straight above gage but curves to left onethird mile below the gage.

Discharge measurements.—Low and medium stage measurements are made by wading 600 ft below gage; another site is 300 ft above l

railroad bridge upstream from gage and is best for stages below 3.5 ft. Wade below 4.5 ft gage height. Medium and high stage 

measurements made from the bridge at the gage. The bridge is marked at 5-ft intervals on downstream side. (Initial point is right 

abutment.) Measurements under ice cover are usually made about 600 ft below gage, at same site as wading measurement.

Floods.—46,000 cfs Aug. 31, 1941, 18.8 ft gage height, from flood marks. (This flood destroyed former gage.)

Winter flow.—Complete ice cover in winter.

Point of zero flow.—Shifting. About 3.5 ft in 1959; about 2.7 ft, gage datum, on July 23, 1964; about 2.0 ft, July 30, 1998.

Regulation and diversion.—No known regulation.

Accuracy.—Conditions suitable for good records.

Observer data.—None. 

Cooperation.—Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources contributes half the annual operation and maintenance cost.

Sketch and Photographs.—Colored slides and black and white photos are in the photograph file.

Date revised March 16, 1999

Date reviewed: February 10, 2000, by T.J. Popowski
14 Surface-Water Quality-Assurance Plan for the USGS Wisconsin Water Science Center

Photographs

Field personnel photograph newly installed gage 

houses, station controls, reference marks, cableways, 

and upstream and downstream views of the channel to 

document gaging-station construction, changes in control and channel conditions (including geometry and 

vegetation), damaged structures, unusual hydrologic 

events such as extensive backwater or high-water flow 

conditions, or to supplement written descriptions. All 

field personnel should have a digital camera for recording these conditions and events. If a camera is not available, field personnel may purchase an inexpensive 

disposable camera as needed. Digital photos are stored 

in the Station Information directory as .jpg files and 

labeled appropriately. A separate narrative may be 

placed in the directory that describes individual photos. 

The back of each photograph that becomes part of the 

station record is identified by writing with a permanentink marker the station number and name, date, gage 

height and discharge (if known), and a brief description 

of what the photograph shows. Slides also should be 

labeled with the date and station name and number. The 

videotaping with narration of activities and significant 

events also is encouraged. Digital cameras also are 

capable of video recording and personnel should be 

familiar with this operation. The WSC video camera 

may be checked out by request. Videotapes can be purchased through regular procurement procedures. The 

same information that is included on photographs 

should be written on the videotape label. Photographs 

for the current year are placed in the current station 

folder. Older photographs are maintained in the station 

history folder.

Direct Discharge Measurements

Direct measurements of discharge are made with 

any one of a number of methods approved by WRD. 

The most common are the current-meter method, which 

is the summation of the products of the subsection areas 

of the stream cross section and their respective average 

velocities (Rantz and others, 1982, p. 80) and ADCP 

methods. Procedures used for current-meter measurements are described in Rantz and others (1982, p. 139); 

Carter and Davidian (1968, p. 7); and Buchanan and 

Somers (1969, p. 1). Procedures for ADCP are in the 

USGS Wisconsin Water Science Center Acoustic QA 

Plan and in Simpson (2001).

When personnel measure stream discharge, 

attempts are made to minimize errors. Sources of errors 

are identified in Sauer and Meyer (1992). Errors can be 

random, such as depth errors associated with soft, 

uneven, or mobile streambeds; uncertainties in mean 

velocity associated with vertical-velocity distribution 

errors; and pulsation errors. Errors also include systematic errors, or bias, associated with improperly calibrated equipment or the improper use of such 

equipment. To minimize systematic errors, each field 

trip is performed at least annually by someone other 

than the person who usually is assigned the group of stations, and a different set of equipment is used. Field 

trips also may be rotated to different field personnel 

every 1 to 2 years. Field areas are assigned by the SW 

CBR Project Chief and the Field Office Chief. At the 

gaging station, the field person ultimately is responsible 

for proper equipment maintenance and performance. 

The TWRI series (Smoot and Novak, 1968) and OSW 

Technical Memorandum No. 99.06 discuss the maintenance of vertical-axis type current meters. The accepted 

spin tests are those described in Smoot and Novak 

(1968). The results of the spin tests are recorded on the 

Current-Meter Log maintained for each meter as outlined in OSW Memorandums 89.07 and 99.06. When 

discharge in clear-water streams is measured, the meter 

should be inspected, cleaned and oiled once a day and 

then spin tested. When streams are turbid, the meter 

should be cleaned and oiled after each measurement. 

Employees who have questions concerning the appropriate procedures for making discharge measurements 

should contact their Field Office Chief, SW CBR 

Project Chief, or Assistant Director.

WSC policies related to the measurement of discharge by use of the current-meter method, in accordance with WRD policies, include the following 

procedures.

Depth criteria for meter selection.—WSC personnel select the type of current meter to be used for each 

discharge measurement on the basis of criteria provided 

by the OSW (OSW Memorandum 85.07), and WaterSupply Paper 2175 (Rantz and others, 1982). Occasions 

may arise during unusual hydrologic events that require 

deviations from the use of standard measuring methods. 

Meters are used with caution when a measurement must 

be made in conditions outside these criteria; any deviations from the criteria are noted and the measurement 

accuracy is downgraded accordingly. A change of meter 

is not recommended during a measurement when a few 

subsections in a single measurement cross section 
COLLECTION OF STAGE AND STREAMFLOW DATA 15

exceed the stated ranges of depth and velocity. If the 

flow in the affected area represents less than 10 percent 

of the total discharge, then the error associated with 

these few subsections will not affect the error of the 

measurement significantly. It is left to the discretion of 

the field personnel making the measurement to change 

meters in situations where overflow conditions create a 

secondary channel, which effectively creates a different 

measurement cross section.

Number of measurement subsections.—The spacing of observation verticals in the measurement section 

can affect the accuracy of the measurement (Rantz and 

others, 1982, p. 179). Observations of depth and velocity are to be made at a minimum of about 25 to 30 verticals, which are necessary so that no more than 5 

percent of the total flow is measured in any one vertical. 

Even under the worst conditions, the discharge computed for each vertical should not exceed 10 percent of 

the total discharge and ideally should not exceed more 

than 5 percent (Rantz and others, 1982, p. 140). Exceptions to this policy are allowed in circumstances where 

accuracy would be sacrificed if this number of verticals 

were maintained, such as rapidly changing stage (Rantz 

and others, 1982, p. 174). Fewer than the ideal number 

of verticals may be used in very narrow streams (about 

12 ft wide when an AA meter is used and about 5 ft wide 

when a pygmy meter is used) to avoid making the vertical spacing narrower than the width of the meter. Measurement of discharge is essentially a sampling process, 

and the accuracy of sampling results typically decreases 

markedly when the number of samples is less than about 

25.

Other direct methods of measuring discharge.—

WRD and OSW techniques and guidelines are to be followed when discharge is measured by other direct methods of measurement, such as the use of portable weirs, 

flumes, and volumetric methods. These portable 

devices are applied according to methods described in 

Rantz and others (1982, p. 263), Buchanan and Somers 

(1969, p. 57), and Kilpatrick and Schneider (1983).

Computation of mean gage height.—Mean gage 

height at the time of the discharge measurement and the 

instantaneous discharge measured are used to develop 

the stage-discharge relation (rating) at a gaging station. 

If the change in stage during the measurement is greater 

than 0.15 ft, the mean gage height is obtained by a 

weighting procedure. Procedures for the computation of 

mean gage height during a discharge measurement are 

to be used as presented in Rantz and others (1982, p. 

170–173).

Check measurements.—A second discharge measurement is made for the purpose of checking a first discharge measurement when the measurement differs 

from the rating by more than 5 percent and the result of 

the first discharge measurement is suspect. The result is 

considered suspect if the measurement difference from 

the rating cannot be explained by control conditions or 

other conditions of the measurement. When a check 

measurement is made, the potential for systematic 

errors is minimized by using different stationing for verticals than those used during the initial measurement, by 

selecting a new measurement section, by inspecting and 

spin testing meters, or by changing meters. If the check 

measurement is within 5 percent of the first discharge 

measurement, the two measurements are considered to 

be reliable evidence of a shift in the stage-discharge 

relation. 

Corrections for storage.—Discharge measurements made at a considerable distance from the station 

during times of changing stage will not be equal 

because of channel storage between the measuring section and the gaging station. Corrections for storage 

applied to measured discharges made some significant 

distance from the gaging station during a change in 

stage are discussed in Rantz and others (1982, p. 177) 

and in OSW Memorandum 92.09.

Field Notes

Thorough documentation of field observations and 

data-collection activities performed by field personnel 

is a necessary component of surface-water data collection and analysis. All information is recorded as it is 

obtained and is never left to be documented from memory. To ensure that clear, thorough, and systematic notations are made during field observations, discharge 

measurements are recorded by field personnel on standard discharge-measurement notes (Form 9-275). These 

notes include the following information:

1. Location identified by station name and 

number, or by latitude/longitude for a 

miscellaneous site;

2. Date, party (last name and initials), type of 

meter suspension, meter number, and spin 

test;

3. Local time of measurement, in military local 

(24-hour) time;

4. Bank of stream used as the starting point;

5. Gage readings and corresponding times;
16 Surface-Water Quality-Assurance Plan for the USGS Wisconsin Water Science Center

6. Streamflow, cross-section, and control 

conditions;

7. Weather conditions; and 

8. Other information affecting the accuracy of 

the discharge measurement and the stagedischarge relation.

Original observations, once written on the note 

sheet, are not erased. Original data are corrected by 

drawing a line through the erroneous value and then 

writing the correct value. Changes from original data 

are initialled by the person making the change. Some 

examples of original data on a discharge-measurement 

note sheet include gage readings, vertical stationing, 

depth observations, meter revolutions, and time. Examples of information on a discharge-measurement note 

sheet that is computed from original data, but is not considered original data, include mean gage height, stream 

width, mean velocity, and total discharge listed on the 

front sheet. WSC policy specifies that all discharge 

measurements be calculated in their entirety before field 

personnel leave the site, unless exceptional circumstances of safety or other priorities warrant departure 

from this policy.

Notations associated with miscellaneous surfacewater data-collection activities are to be made on a standard miscellaneous note sheet (Miscellaneous Field 

Notes—Form 9-275-D, January 1988). All miscellaneous notes are required to include, at a minimum, initials and last name of field-party members, date, time 

associated with observations, purpose of the site visit, 

and a detailed description of the observations.

A review of field notes by a checker or the Field 

Office Chief is required after each field trip and annually as part of a surface-water records review. The computer discharge calculation program QCOMP (on file in 

the WSC Office) may be used to compute and check 

measurements. Only those measurements made during 

floods, made during ice cover, that define extreme low 

flow or large shifts from the rating, and that are used to 

develop the rating are required to be checked. Deficiencies found in the content, accuracy, clarity, or thoroughness of field notes are identified and communicated 

orally to field personnel. The deficiencies are remedied 

by the Field Office Chief, who provides specific instructions to individuals who fail to record notations that 

meet USGS and WSC standards. 

Acceptable Equipment

Equipment used by the Wisconsin WSC to measure 

surface-water discharge has been found acceptable by 

the WRD through use and testing. An array of acceptable equipment for measuring discharge includes current meters, timers, wading rods, bridge cranes, tag 

lines, and others (Rantz and others, 1982, p. 82; Smoot 

and Novak, 1968). Although an official list of acceptable equipment is not available, Buchanan and Somers 

(1969), Carter and Davidian (1968), and Edwards and 

Glysson (1988) discuss the equipment used by the 

USGS. The equipment in use has a long-term history of 

reliability and is available from the Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF) at Stennis Space Center, Mississippi.

The mechanical meters most commonly used by 

WSC personnel for measuring surface-water discharge 

are the Price AA current meter and the Price pygmy current meter. The technician or hydrologist using the current meter is responsible for its condition and 

maintenance. Methods followed by WSC personnel for 

inspecting, repairing, and cleaning these meters are 

described in Rantz and others (1982, p. 93), Buchanan 

and Somers (1969, p. 7), Smoot and Novak (1968, p. 9), 

and OSW Technical Memorandums 89.07 and 99.06.

Spin tests of current meters that meet minimum 

requirements (45 seconds for a Price pygmy meter and 

2 minutes for an AA meter) are required prior to each 

field trip, and results are documented in a log that is 

maintained for each meter. Each field person maintains 

the log for the meters he or she uses. This log is part of 

the permanent archived record of the WRD (OSW 

Memorandum 89.07). A permanent online spin-test log 

is maintained on the WSC internal Web site. Spin tests 

also are conducted if there is any indication that the performance of the meter has deteriorated. Repairs are 

made to the meters when deficiencies are identified 

through the spin test or inspection. Damaged current 

meters are not to be used under any circumstances; a 

spare meter carried as part of routine field supplies 

should be used instead.

In addition to performing the timed spin tests prior 

to field trips, field personnel are required to inspect the 

meter before and after each measurement to see that the 

meter is in good condition, that the cups spin freely, and 

that the cups do not stop abruptly. A timed spin test 

made before a measurement does not ensure that the 

meter will not become damaged or fouled during the 

measurement. If the meter’s condition is suspect, a fol-
COLLECTION OF STAGE AND STREAMFLOW DATA 17

lowup spin test after a field trip is encouraged. Field personnel must assess apparent changes in velocity or 

visually inspect the meter periodically during the measurement to ensure that the meter continues to remain in 

proper operating condition. Descriptive notations concerning the meter condition, such as “OK,” or “free,” or 

other such comments, are made at the appropriate location on the discharge measurement sheet. The Field 

Office Chief will inspect meters and equipment annually to ensure that field personnel maintain the equipment they use. If deficiencies are identified, it is the 

responsibility of the individual who uses the equipment 

in the field to correct the equipment problem immediately, by repair or replacement. 

Alternative Equipment

Unusual conditions and the development of new 

technology sometimes involve the collection of surfacewater data with alternative or advanced equipment. To 

demonstrate the quality of surface-water data collected 

with non-routine equipment, thorough documentation 

of procedures and observations must be maintained. 

Equipment used by this WSC includes Acoustic 

Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs), Acoustic Doppler 

Velocimeters (ADVs), and Acoustic Velocity Metering 

(AVM) systems. In situations where mechanical equipment could be used and where standard parameter-relation ratings were available, the results obtained with 

these instruments were occasionally compared for consistency with those obtained with mechanical equipment. Use of acoustic equipment is becoming more 

common, and will likely soon become standard equipment.

The responsibility for ensuring that alternative 

equipment is utilized correctly and that documentation 

is comprehensive and is stored correctly is held by the 

individual using the equipment, the ADCP and AVM 

WSC experts checking the record, and, ultimately, by 

the Project Chief of the appropriate team. The ADCP 

specialist in the WSC has documented the methods for 

the proper use of ADCPs and AVMs and assures that 

manufacturer’s specifications and procedures are 

adhered to. The methods are described in operating procedures and instructions on file in the WSC office. Policy and technical guidance on the use of ADCPs are 

provided in OSW Technical Memorandums 2002.02, 

2005.04, 2005.05, 2005.08, and 2007.01. A qualityassurance plan for measurements made with ADCPs 

was prepared by Oberg, Morlock, and Caldwell (2005). 

The Wisconsin WSC quality-assurance plan and other 

acoustic information is available in the directory (M:) 

“Acoustics.QA”.

Indirect Discharge Measurements

In many situations, especially during floods, it is 

impossible or impractical to measure peak discharges 

by means of a current meter. There may not be sufficient 

warning for personnel to travel to the site to make a 

direct measurement, or physical access to the site during 

the event may not be feasible or safe. A peak discharge 

determined by indirect methods is in many situations 

the best available means of defining the upper portions 

of the stage-discharge relation at a site. Because extrapolation of a stage-discharge relation, or rating, beyond 

twice the measured discharge at a gaging station is 

undesirable and may be unreliable, discharge measurements made by indirect methods during periods of high 

flow are important methods of data collection (Rantz 

and others, 1982, p. 334).

Data-collection and -computation procedures for 

indirect methods presented in Benson and Dalrymple 

(1967) are to be followed. That report includes policies 

and procedures related to site selection, field survey, 

identification of high-water marks, selection of roughness coefficients, computations, and the written summary. The WSC also follows procedures for 

measurement of peak discharge by indirect methods 

presented in Rantz and others (1982, p. 273). 

In addition to the general procedures presented in 

Benson and Dalrymple (1967), the WSC follows guidelines presented in other reports that describe specific 

types of indirect measurements suited to specific types 

of flow conditions. The slope-area method is described 

in Barnes (1967) and Dalrymple and Benson (1967). 

The USGS uses the Manning equation when applying 

the slope-area method. Procedures for selecting the 

roughness coefficient are described in Arcement and 

Schneider (1989) and Coons (1995). The computer program SAC may be used to make computations of peak 

discharge with the slope-area method (Fulford, 1994). 

Procedures for the determination of peak discharge 

through culverts, based on a classification system that 

delineates six types of flow, are described in Bodhaine 

(1982). The computer program CAP, that assists in 

computations of peak discharge at culverts, is discussed 

in Fulford (1997). At situations where open-channel 

width contractions occur, such as flow under a bridge, 
18 Surface-Water Quality-Assurance Plan for the USGS Wisconsin Water Science Center

peak discharge can be measured through use of methods 

described in Matthai (1967) and WSPRO, the watersurface profile computation model (Shearman, 1990) or 

HEC-RAS (Brunner, 2001).

Water-surface profiles along a stream channel are 

determined in association with selected discharges 

when studies are performed that involve delineation of 

flood plains or when extensions are made to stage-discharge relations at streamflow sites. WSC personnel are 

required to follow the procedures associated with stepbackwater methods described in Davidian (1984). 

WSPRO may be used to assist in the computations of 

water-surface profiles with step-backwater methods 

(OSW Memorandum 87.05).

General guidelines that are followed by the WSC 

when making indirect measurements include those discussed in OSW Memorandum 92.10 and in Shearman 

(1990). Some general guidelines include obtaining a 

minimum of three cross sections, limiting conveyance 

ratios to between 0.7 and 1.4, avoiding sections that 

result in flow moving in and out of critical flow, and 

other criteria. Violation of any one of the general guidelines and criteria does not necessarily invalidate an indirect measurement (OSW Memorandum 92.10). The 

decision to accept or reject a measurement requires the 

hydrologic judgement of qualified individuals.

The WSC Surface-Water Specialist is responsible 

for ensuring that indirect measurements are performed 

correctly. The Surface-Water Specialist also reviews 

procedures and documentation for all indirect measurements made for rating extension and flood-peak determination. If deficiencies are found during the review, 

the Surface-Water Specialist informs the involved individuals and holds one-on-one training as needed. Measurements that are questionable and difficult to assess 

are reviewed by the Regional Surface-Water Specialist 

or specialists outside the WSC, and the Surface-Water 

Specialist is responsible for ensuring that any revisions 

identified by the outside reviewers are corrected.

The Field Office Chief, Surface-Water Specialist, 

or SW CBR Project Chief determines when and where 

indirect measurements are made. In the Wisconsin 

WSC, indirect measurements generally are made, as a 

rule, at sites when peak flow is estimated to be at least 

twice the discharge of the greatest measured flow and 

sufficient head loss exists for the indicated type of indirect measurement, where it is impossible to obtain 

direct discharge measurements of high flow, and where 

direct measurements are unattainable because of hazardous high-water measuring conditions. The SW CBR 

Project Chief or Surface-Water Specialist should be 

consulted for assistance when a rating needs to be 

extended.

The person assigned the station is responsible for 

identifying when a peak has occurred and flagging 

high-water marks. Because the quality and clarity of 

high-water marks are best soon after an event, field personnel are required to have available in their field vehicles the necessary supplies for marking the stream 

reach, such as nails, survey flagging and stakes, and 

spray paint. Selection of a suitable reach of channel is 

extremely important in making an indirect measurement. At some streamflow-gaging stations and other 

sites, therefore, the stream reach for indirect measurements at specified ranges of stage has been preselected 

and that information has been included in the station 

description.

After each indirect measurement is computed, the 

graphs, field notes and data, plotted profiles, maps, calculations or computer output, and written analysis associated with the measurement are checked by the 

Surface-Water Specialist. The information is organized 

by grouping all information for a single measurement in 

a labeled folder that is filed in the appropriate station 

file. 

The responsibility of maintaining the accuracy of 

the peak-flow data files, including computer database 

files, lies within the WSC (OSW Memorandum 92.10). 

It is the responsibility of Surface-Water Specialist to 

ensure that appropriate indirect-measurement results 

are entered into the peak-flow files and that the peakflow files are correct. For further discussion on the 

update and review of the peak-flow files, refer to the 

section entitled “Database Management.”

Crest-Stage Gages

Crest-stage gages (CSGs) are used throughout the 

WRD as tools for determining peak stages at otherwise 

ungaged sites, confirming peak stages at selected sites 

where recording gages are located, and determining 

peak stages along selected stream reaches or other locations, such as upstream and downstream from bridges 

and culverts. The OSW requires quality-assurance procedures comparable to those used at continuous-record 

stations for the operation of CSGs and for the computation of annual peaks at CSGs (OSW Memorandum 

88.07).
COLLECTION OF STAGE AND STREAMFLOW DATA 19

Procedures followed by this WSC in the operation 

of CSGs are presented in Rantz and others (1982, p. 9, 

77, 78). One or more gages are maintained at each 

selected site where measurement of peak water-surface 

elevations is required on a stream. Upstream and downstream gages are maintained at culverts or other structures where measurement of water-surface elevations is 

required to compute flow through the structure and to 

establish the resulting type of flow.

Except at sites where CSGs are used only to confirm or determine peak stages, stage-discharge relations 

are developed in association with the gage on the basis 

of direct or indirect high-water measurements. For new 

CSGs at locations where direct measurements are difficult to obtain, water-surface profile computations with 

the standard step-backwater method (Davidian, 1984; 

Shearman, 1990) may be used to develop a theoretical 

rating. Subsequent direct and indirect discharge measurements are made to verify the stage-discharge relation. Direct or indirect measurements are obtained 

annually or when significant events occur to verify or 

adjust the rating. Levels are run to the gage according to 

WSC policy or as soon as possible after significant 

changes in the gage occurred because of damage to the 

gage, reconstruction, or some other situation. When 

extremely high peaks occur, an outside high-water mark 

is found when possible to confirm the gage reading, and 

is described on the note sheet and flagged by a durable 

indicator (such as survey flagging tape) so that the elevation of the high-water mark can be determined the 

next time levels are run.

Field observations are written on CSG inspection 

note sheets. All field notes are required to include the 

station name and identification number, initials and last 

name of inspecting personnel, date, time of observation, 

gage height, measured discharge, and a sketched location of high-water marks if applicable. The Field Office 

Chief will ensure that correct data-collection procedures are used by personnel. This responsibility 

includes examining all note sheets of personnel in their 

first 3 years of experience, or when field personnel 

encounter unusual conditions. If a deficiency in datacollection activities is identified, the Field Office Chief 

will give the field person individual training. Policies 

and procedures for computation of peak discharges at 

CSGs and associated documentation are presented in 

the section entitled “Processing and Analysis of Stage 

and Streamflow Data.”

Artificial Controls

Artificial controls, including broad-crested weirs, 

thin-plate weirs, and flumes, are built in stream channels to simplify the procedure of obtaining accurate 

records of discharge (Rantz and others, 1982, p. 12). 

Such structures serve to stabilize and constrict the channel at a section, reducing the variability of the stage-discharge relation.

Where artificial controls are installed as permanent 

structures, WSC policy is that stage-discharge relations 

be verified by making current-meter measurements 

throughout the range of stage, if possible, or by relying 

on the design rating when measurements cannot be 

made. Portable weir plates, flumes, and calibrated containers for volumetric measurements may be used by 

WSC personnel during low-flow conditions that are too 

low to be measured with a current meter. These portable 

devices are applied according to methods described in 

Buchanan and Somers (1969, p. 57) and Rantz and others (1982, p. 263).

The Field Office Chief is responsible for ensuring 

the correct selection and installation of artificial controls, with assistance from the Surface-Water Specialist 

as needed. The criteria used for selecting the type of 

artificial control include cost, channel and sediment 

characteristics, flow conditions, and range of discharge 

(Carter and Davidian, 1968, p. 3; Rantz and others, 

1982, p. 15 and 348; and Kilpatrick and Schneider, 

1983, p. 2 and 44). 

When artificial controls are inspected, specific 

information pertaining to control conditions is written 

on the field note sheets to assist in analysis of the surface-water data. These notes include information on the 

condition of the control structure, scour or fill of the 

streambed immediately upstream from the control, vegetative growth, and debris on the control. Regular maintenance at artificial controls includes cleaning the 

control and approach section during each visit as 

needed, and running levels. When problems are encountered by field personnel, field notes are made to document the problem and the problems are corrected 

immediately if possible. If the control structure needs to 

be cleaned, gage readings are taken before any cleaning 

or repair of the structure is done and again after the 

cleaning or repair is completed and the flow conditions 

have stabilized. In situations where the scope of the 

problem prohibits field personnel from correcting the 

problem when first encountered, the Field Office Chief 
20 Surface-Water Quality-Assurance Plan for the USGS Wisconsin Water Science Center

or the SW CBR Project Chief is notified so that the necessary corrective actions can be scheduled.

Special Hydrologic Conditions

Floods

Flood conditions present problems that do not 

occur on a regular basis. These problems can include 

difficulties in gaining access to a streamflow gage or 

measuring site because roads and bridges are flooded, 

closed, or destroyed. Debris in the streamflow can damage equipment and present dangers to personnel collecting the data. Rapidly changing stage or conditions 

requiring measurements to be made at locations some 

distance from the gage can create problems in associating a gage height to a measured discharge.

The WSC maintains a flood plan so that high-priority surface-water data associated with flood conditions 

are collected correctly and in a timely manner. The 

flood plan describes responsibilities before, during, and 

after a flood, field-activity priorities and informationreporting procedures. WRD Memorandum 00.12 provides policy and guidelines for timely documentation 

and reporting of flood events. The flood plan also serves 

as a central reference for emergency communications, 

including telephone numbers of key WSC and cooperator personnel, and numbers for accessing streamflow 

gages equipped with telemetry. 

The Flood Coordinators are responsible for ensuring that the flood plan includes all appropriate information, including updated information. Currently, the SW 

CBR Project Chief, the Assistant Director, and the 

Flood Frequency Project Chief are the Flood Coordinators. The flood plan is reviewed annually, and updated 

when significant changes occur, by the SW CBR Project 

Chief, and Assistant Director. A copy of the flood plan 

is provided to all personnel in the WSC who assist in 

surface-water activities. The Assistant Director ensures 

that appropriate individuals receive a copy of the flood 

plan and it is available on the WSC internal Web site. 

The plan is to be kept with each person’s field files in the 

field vehicle. The Flood Coordinators and Field Office 

Chiefs ensure that individuals who receive a copy of the 

plan are proficient in the procedures in the flood plan. 

During localized flooding within a Field Office 

area, the Field Office Chief coordinates flood activities. 

During a broader or statewide flood, the Flood Coordinators coordinate surface-water data-collection activities. Personnel not already in the field should contact the 

Flood Coordinators or Field Office Chief and be available to receive assignments. Employees who are already 

in the field should call one of the Flood Coordinators 

each morning and at the end of the day to provide discharge-measurement data and information on local conditions. The Flood Coordinators may be able to provide 

the following information to field personnel to help 

direct field work: current gage heights and times, priority needs, malfunctioning gages, description of area 

affected by flooding, location of storm and storm track, 

precipitation amounts, location of road closures, and the 

location of other field personnel. Personnel who arrive 

at a gaging station during high water are responsible for 

their personal safety, ensuring that all station equipment 

and measuring devices are safe and located above 

expected high-water crest, determining stage and measuring discharge, and telephoning results to one of the 

Flood Coordinators. Personnel are to use methods discussed in Rantz and others (1982, p. 60) for determining 

peak stage at gaging stations.

WSC personnel follow policies and procedures 

documented in publications and memorandums when 

collecting surface-water data during floods. Techniques 

for current-meter measurements of flood flow are presented in Rantz and others (1982, p. 159-170). Procedures for identifying high-water marks for indirect 

discharge measurements are presented in Benson and 

Dalrymple (1967, p. 11). When discharge measurements are made a distance from the gaging station during changing stage, adjustments are applied to make 

measured discharge hydraulically comparable with 

recorded gage height as described in OSW Memorandum 92.09 and in Buchanan and Somers (1969, p. 54). 

When measurements are made some distance from the 

gaging station, the WSC policy is to establish temporary 

reference marks for noting the rate of stage change.

The Assistant Director is responsible for reviewing 

WSC activities related to floods. This review includes 

seeing that guidelines and priorities identified in the 

flood plan are followed and that the guidelines appropriately address WSC requirements for obtaining flood 

information in a safe and thorough manner. If deficiencies are identified, the problem and possible solution are 

discussed with the SW CBR and Flood Frequency 

Project Chiefs and Surface-Water Specialist. Corrections are communicated to field personnel in writing 

and the flood plan is updated as necessary. Employees 

who have questions about particular policies or procedures related to flood activities or who recognize the 
COLLECTION OF STAGE AND STREAMFLOW DATA 21

need for additional training in any aspect of flood-data 

collection are to contact their Field Office Chief or the 

Assistant Director. 

Low Flow

Streamflow conditions encountered during periods 

of low flow typically are much different from those during periods of medium and high flow and include 

braided channels and aquatic plant growth, which create 

poor measurement conditions. Low-flow discharge is 

measured to define the lower segment of the stage-discharge relation at gaging stations, to identify gains or 

losses of flow between the channel and ground-water 

system, and to evaluate other relations. Additionally, 

low-flow measurements are made to define the relation 

between low-flow characteristics of one basin and those 

of nearby basins so that flows can be estimated from the 

basin for which more data are available (OSW Memorandum 85.17).

In many situations, low flows are associated with 

factors that reduce the accuracy of discharge measurements. These factors include algae growth that impedes 

the free movement of current-meter buckets and the 

movement of large percentages of the flow in the narrow 

spaces between cobbles. When natural conditions are in 

the range considered by the field personnel to be undependable, the cross section is physically improved for 

measurement by removal of debris or large cobbles, 

construction of dikes to reduce the amount of nonflowing water, or other such efforts (Buchanan and Somers, 

1969, p. 39). After the cross section is modified, the 

flow is allowed to stabilize before the discharge measurement is initiated. If the channel modification affects 

the stage at the gage, notes are to be made on the discharge measurement note and visit sheet to record gageheight readings before and after the measurement. WSC 

policy requires that gage height corresponding to zero 

flow be determined by field personnel for all wadable 

stations, where feasible. Gage height of zero flow generally is determined by measuring the elevation, referenced to gage datum, of the lowest point of the section 

control. The Field Office Chief will ensure that WSC 

personnel use appropriate equipment and procedures 

during periods of low flow and will review all droughtrelated data.

Cold Weather

Surface-water activities in the Wisconsin WSC 

include measuring stream discharge during cold 

weather. Cold temperatures, wind, snow, and ice can 

hinder data collection and can be dangerous to field personnel. Additional procedures are necessary to ensure 

employee safety when collecting streamflow data during periods of cold weather.

When the stream at the gaging station is affected by 

ice, discharge measurements made during complete or 

partial ice cover are useful for analysis and determination of flow during periods of ice-affected stage record. 

WSC personnel are required to follow procedures for 

discharge measurements under ice cover as described in 

Buchanan and Somers (1969, p. 42), which include procedures for discharge measurements made by wading or 

discharge measurements from cableways and bridges 

when debris and ice are in the stream. WSC personnel 

also follow procedures to collect winter streamflow data 

as presented in Rantz and others (1982, p. 124). Additionally, OSW Memorandum 84.05 provides guidelines 

on equipment for measuring flow under ice.

Equipment presently preferred by OSW for measuring discharge during slush-free conditions under ice 

cover is a Price AA current meter built with a Water Survey of Canada (WSC) winter-style yoke and a conventional metal-cup rotor. The pygmy meter also may be 

used (OSW Memorandum 84.05). After the effective 

depth of the ice cover is determined for a stream free of 

slush, WSC policy is to use the same criteria for Price 

AA or pygmy meter selection as for open-water flows 

(the Price AA meter is used where effective depths are 

1.5 ft or greater). Where slush ice is present, the metering equipment preferred by OSW has a WSC winterstyle yoke with a polymer rotor (OSW Memorandum 

88.18). Although polymer rotors are not to be used during all other conditions (OSW Memorandum 90.01), the 

superior ability of the polymer rotor to shed slush ice 

and retard freezing in ice-covered streams is considered 

to be more important than the turbulent-flow-related 

inaccuracies associated with the rotor (OSW Memorandum 92.04). The OSW also considers the regular Price 

AA meters with conventional metal-bucket rotors to be 

acceptable for use in slush-free conditions if holes 

larger than those required by the WSC winter-style yoke 

can be cut through the ice (OSW Memorandum 92.04). 

The Fraiser vane ice meter also may be used under ice 

cover. The vanes do not become filled with slush ice as 

the cups of the Price AA meter often do. Other advan-
22 Surface-Water Quality-Assurance Plan for the USGS Wisconsin Water Science Center

tages of the vane ice meter are that the meter will fit in 

the hole made by the ice drill, the yoke and ice rod also 

serve as an ice-measuring stick, and the contact chamber of the vane meter can be rotated to any position.

The velocity distribution under ice cover is such 

that velocities are slower near the underside of the ice as 

well as near the streambed. The conventional 0.2- and 

0.8-depth positioning method is recommended for 

effective depths of 2.5 ft or greater and the 0.6-depth 

positioning method is recommended for effective 

depths less than 2.5 ft. Ratios of point velocities at various depths need to be defined when ice measurements 

are made to determine whether any coefficients are necessary to convert the velocity obtained by the 0.2- and 

0.8-depth method or the 0.6-depth method to the mean 

velocity. The average of the velocities obtained by the 

0.2- and 0.8-depth method usually is an acceptable 

mean velocity, but a coefficient of 0.92 typically is 

applied to the velocity obtained by the 0.6-depth 

method. When the velocity is measured, the meter is 

kept as far upstream as possible to avoid the effect of the 

vertical pulsation of water in the hole. Exposure of the 

meter to cold air during the measurement should be 

minimized by keeping the meter submerged. The meter 

must be free of ice when the velocity is being determined.

All measurements made during ice cover are 

required to be checked by a checker or the Field Office 

Chief following winter field trips and annually as part of 

a surface-water records review. The computer discharge 

calculation program QCOMP may be used to compute 

and check measurements. The Field Office Chief or 

project chief will determine whether a two-person crew 

will be used for winter field trips for safety or other reasons during unusual weather conditions or for specific 

sites.

PROCESSING AND ANALYSIS OF 

STREAMFLOW DATA

The computation of streamflow records involves 

the analysis of field observations and field measurements, the determination of stage-discharge and velocity relations, the adjustment and application of those 

relations, and the systematic documentation of the 

methods and decisions that were applied. Streamflow 

records are computed and published for each gaging 

station annually. This section of the QA Plan includes 

descriptions of procedures and policies pertaining to the 

processing and analysis of data associated with the 

computation of streamflow records. The procedures followed by the WSC coincide with those described in 

Rantz and others (1982) and in Kennedy (1983). 

Detailed standards and methodology for electronic processing of records weredescribed by Sauer (2002).

Processing of Real-Time Streamflow Data

Real-time streamflow data in Wisconsin are served 

from computers located in Middleton and maintained 

by the WSC. The National Water Information SystemWeb (NWIS-W) software is used to conform to USGS 

standards for presentation format. The WSC’s Web 

pages at http://wi.water.usgs.gov provide access to realtime data on the Internet and other pertinent information, including Web page links to other USGS offices, 

related water-resources agencies, the NWS, weather 

data, and other databases. 

The WSC’s Web pages are maintained by the Webmaster, Computer Specialist, and Database Administrators. A necessary and critical element in maintaining 

accurate streamflow records on a real-time basis is the 

need for rating analysis and shift application as soon as 

is practical after a discharge measurement has been 

made. The Wisconsin WSC’s policy is that rating analyses and shift applications will be performed by using 

the following procedures for data disseminated on the 

WSC’s public Web page.

During normal flow conditions and for sites determined to be non-critical from a water-management perspective, WSC policy is that discharge measurement 

notes be reviewed and the current shift applied in the 

data processing system (ADAPS) within 10 workdays 

following completion of the field trip. During major 

flooding and depending on the site and situation, earlier 

measurements and shifts should be called in daily from 

the field to the Flood Coordinator. This is required if 

shifts have a substantial effect on peak flows and pertains especially to sites co-located with NWS floodforecast points and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sites. 

During floods, discharge measurements may be needed 

at specific locations to help define the upper end of the 

rating. At the same time, an equipment malfunction or 

damage from flood water at a site might make it necessary to divert personnel from making high-flow measurements to making equipment repairs. The order of 

priorities for the allocation of resources during a flood 

generally are to
PROCESSING AND ANALYSIS OF STREAMFLOW DATA 23

1. Maintain or repair equipment to avoid or 

minimize loss of data,

2. Sample at or service water-quality sites that 

are event-dependent to meet the objectives of 

study,

3. Make flood discharge measurements to 

define rating based on need for 

measurements, timing of peaks, urgency, and 

availability of field personnel.

Priorities for measurements at gaging stations and 

CSG sites are listed in the WSC Flood Plan. Questions 

about priorities should be directed to the Flood Coordinator, Surface-Water Specialist, or Assistant Director.

Review of Real-Time Streamflow Data

Real-time streamflow data that are disseminated on 

the public Web page must be reviewed frequently to 

ensure their quality and to prevent the distribution of 

erroneous information (WRD Memorandum 99.34). 

The WSC uses both automated and manual review procedures to meet this objective. 

Automated procedures that have been implemented 

by the WSC include the setting of minimum and maximum threshold values for stage and discharge and their 

rates of change. If exceeded, these settings will initiate 

warnings of potential errors that will be delivered by email to the appropriate WSC personnel. The technicians 

and Database Manager receive and act on these messages. Detailed procedures used in the Wisconsin WSC 

for processing real-time streamflow data are presented 

in appendix 2.

In addition to the automated procedures, WRD 

Technical Memorandum 99.34 requires frequent and 

ongoing screening and review of Web data, including at 

least daily review of hydrographs during normal hours 

of operation. The WSC also requires that real-time 

streamflow data be reviewed regularly for accuracy and 

(or) missing data. This task usually is done daily each 

morning during normal working hours, but the frequency may vary depending on current flow conditions 

or on whether the sites are critical to water-management 

agencies and the NWS. The frequency of reviews is 

increased and extended beyond normal working hours, 

including weekends, during times of major flooding. 

The SW CBR Project Chief, Surface-Water Specialist, 

and Database Manager are responsible for these 

reviews. Field offices are also responsible for reviewing 

the sites within their operational jurisdiction. Weekly 

gage-height plots are generated for stations that have 

been requested by the field offices, technicians, and 

project chiefs. The stations with automatic samplers 

also have sampling times plotted on the graph. For 

project sites, this review is the responsibility of the 

project chief.

Error Handling

Two general types of errors are associated with 

streamflow data that are delivered by the real-time system and disseminated on the Internet. The first are persistent problems that typically are associated with some 

type of equipment failure in data collection or transmission, but also could be related to ice effects. Because of 

the nature of these problems, they generally occur on a 

continuing basis for more than a single recording interval. The second are intermittent problems, which often 

are the result of a data-transmission error. These typically are present as missing data, a zero, or an unreasonably large value. If these errors occur, they are corrected 

as soon as possible as other work priorities allow. On a 

daily basis, the Database Manager attempts to retrieve 

any data that have not arrived. Some failed data retrievals are initially ignored, but are called back automatically by the computer after a few hours. Action is taken 

only if the automatic callbacks are not getting through 

or if there is urgent need for the data. The responsible 

technicians and project chief are notified of any sites 

that are not responding or if repairs are needed.

A feature in the computer program DECODES is 

used at sites to filter out values that are obviously in 

error and outside a specified range so that they are not 

stored in ADAPS. Several automated notifications are 

sent by e-mail for data not retrieved, incomplete retrievals, date errors, and various other problems. “Bad” values also are manually removed from the tables used to 

generate the Web pages. If warranted, Field Offices or 

responsible technicians are notified to edit the unit values in ADAPS.

Data Qualification Statements

WRD Technical Memorandum 95.19 requires that 

streamflow data that are made available on the Web 

should be considered provisional until the formal 

review process has been completed. To ensure that 

everyone who accesses data on the Web is aware of this 

fact, data qualification statements are included at key 

locations with a clickable heading “Provisional Data 

Subject to Revision” on all real-time data pages. 
24 Surface-Water Quality-Assurance Plan for the USGS Wisconsin Water Science Center

Measurements and Field Notes

The gage-height information, discharge information, control conditions, and other field observations 

written by personnel on the measurement note sheets 

and other field note sheets form the basis for records 

computation for each gaging station. Measurements and 

field notes that contain original data are required to be 

stored indefinitely (Hubbard, 1992). Measurements and 

other field notes for the water year that is currently 

being computed are filed in an annual computation 

folder for each station. Measurement field notes for previous water years are backfiled by each field office.

Discharge measurements made during floods, during ice cover, that define extreme low flow or large 

shifts from the rating, that are sent to cooperating agencies, and that are used to develop the rating are required 

to be checked by reviewing the mathematics and other 

items listed in Kennedy (1983, p. 6–7). After the discharge measurements are checked, field personnel are 

expected to enter the measurement information and 

remarks into the current USGS database within 2 weeks 

of returning from the field. A printout of the measurement summary (Form 9-207) is included in the primary 

folder for the station records. It is the responsibility of 

the individual computing the records for each station to 

ensure that the measurement note sheets are correct, that 

the information stored in the computer files agrees with 

that on the measurement note sheets, and that an 

updated printout of the measurement list is contained in 

the folder. 

Continuous Gage-Height Record

Surface-water gage-height data are collected as 

continuous record (hourly, 15-minute, or 5-minute values, for example) in the form of electronic transmissions by telephone, values stored in electronic data 

recorders, digital punches on paper tape, or pen traces 

on paper by primary and backup recorders. Streamflow 

records are computed for most stations by converting 

gage-height record to discharge record through application of stage-discharge relations. Ensuring the accuracy 

of gage-height record is, therefore, a necessary component of ensuring the accuracy of computed discharges.

Gage-height record is assembled for the period of 

analysis in as complete a manner as possible. Periods of 

inaccurate gage-height data are identified, then corrected (see the section “Datum corrections, gage-height 

corrections, and shifts”), or deleted as appropriate. 

Items included in the assembly of gage-height record 

and procedures for processing the data are discussed in 

Kennedy (1983, p. 6), and Rantz and others (1982, p. 

560 and p. 587).

Data are transmitted by telephone (landline or cellular) for almost all stations or by satellite data-collection platforms for a few stations and entered into the 

ADAPS computer database through DECODES. These 

data are retrieved by automated computer retrieval programs. Data from storage modules or other forms of 

storage are entered into ADAPS from field computers 

following a data-collection field trip. Raw data files are 

maintained unaltered for future reference. Stage data 

stored in the computer files are used for computing surface-water records and are compared closely with field 

observations, including observer readings. Observer 

readings are maintained in the designated computation 

folder by station. All stage data are reviewed by the 

hydrographer after entering data and before computing 

the record. 

Because data are provided on a near real-time basis 

to the public on the WSC World Wide Web homepage, 

WSC policy is to review the data daily by visually scanning the hydrographs for periods of missing, incomplete, or obviously questionable data. The Field Office 

Chief is responsible for ensuring that the gage-height 

data received from stations are reasonable. 

Records and Computation

Each field office is responsible for maintaining surface-water station files. The station record file includes 

the current computation folder with the primary printout, rating and discharge measurements, station 

description, the historical-data backfile, and the station 

history folder. These files are located in an easily accessible area and clearly labeled with the station name and 

identification number.

Record computation is done on a continuing basis 

to improve the accuracy of real-time and provisional 

data, and to minimize the work effort after the end of the 

water year. The hydrographer assigned to the gaging 

station is responsible for computing the record. The 

record is then checked independently by staff other than 

the individual who computed the record to determine 

whether the record was computed as documented and to 

detect any possible errors in data entry or analysis. The 

SW CBR Project Chief, Field Office Chiefs, and other 
PROCESSING AND ANALYSIS OF STREAMFLOW DATA 25

project chiefs will review the final checked records to 

ensure compliance with USGS policies and procedures 

prior to publication of the data.

Procedures for Computing and Checking Records

Procedures for ensuring the thoroughness, consistency, and accuracy of streamflow records are described 

in this section of the QA Plan. In the Wisconsin WSC, a 

record computation checklist maintained in each current station folder is used to track the steps completed in 

the computation process. The goals, procedures, and 

policies presented in this section are grouped in association with the separate components that are included in 

the records-computation process. 

Gage Height

The accuracy of surface-water discharge records 

depends on the accuracy of discharge measurement, the 

accuracy of rating definition, and the completeness and 

accuracy of the gage-height record (OSW Memorandum 93.07). Computation of streamflow records 

includes ensuring the accuracy of gage-height record by 

comparing gage-height readings made by use of independent reference gages, comparing inside and outside 

gages, examining high-water marks, comparing the 

redundant recordings of peaks and troughs by use of 

maximum and minimum indicators, examining data 

obtained at CSGs, and confirming or updating gage 

datums by means of leveling surveys.

Records computation includes examination of 

gage-height record to determine if the record accurately 

represents the water level of the body of water being 

monitored. Additionally, it includes identifying periods 

of time during which inaccuracies have occurred and 

determining the cause of those inaccuracies. When possible and appropriate, inaccurate gage-height record is 

corrected. When corrections are not possible, the erroneous gage-height data are removed from the set of data 

used for streamflow records computation. 

For stations having more than one recorder collecting gage-height record, one is designated as the primary 

recorder and the other is the backup recorder. For example, at a station that has a data-collection platform 

(DCP) for satellite transmission and an analog recorder, 

the DCP is the primary recorder and the analog recorder 

is the backup recorder. The purpose of the backup 

recorder is to verify the gage-height data collected by 

the primary recorder, to provide stage record should the 

primary recorder malfunction, and provide information 

that may not be discernible from the digital record. In 

the case of bad or missing record, if gage-height record 

is available and used from backup recorders, it is copied 

to the primary data descriptor and noted on the primary 

computation printout and in the station analysis. A unitvalue plot of the gage-height record should be made to 

check for periods of questionable record. When a correction is made, notes describing the basis for the correction and how the correction was applied will be made 

on the primary sheet and station analysis. Also included 

on the primary printout are any computation notes about 

the accuracy of the record, such as ice-affected or missing gage-height data. The hydrographer computing the 

record is responsible for ensuring that the final record 

contains all the corrections needed, and record checkers 

verify that the correct procedure was followed. 

Levels

Errors in gage-height data caused by vertical 

changes in the gage or gage-supporting structure can be 

measured by running levels. Gages can be reset or gage 

readings can be adjusted by applying corrections based 

on levels (Kennedy, 1983, p. 6).

Procedures for computing records for each station 

include ensuring that the front sheet has been completed 

for each set of levels, checking the level notes for errors, 

ensuring that information is entered correctly in the historical level summary, and ensuring that information 

was applied appropriately as datum corrections. The 

individual computing the records is required to check 

field notes for indications that the gages were reset correctly. The individual computing the records makes 

appropriate adjustments to the gage-height record by 

applying datum corrections. All changes are noted in 

the station analysis and on the primary printout. 

Rating

The development of the stage-discharge relation, 

also called the rating, is one of the principal tasks in 

computing discharge records. The rating is usually the 

relation between gage height and discharge (simple rating). Ratings for some special sites involve additional 

factors, such as rate of change in stage or fall in slope 

reach (complex ratings) (Kennedy, 1983, p. 14). WSC 

personnel are to follow procedures for the development, 

modification, and application of ratings that are 

described in Kennedy (1984) and guidelines pertaining 
26 Surface-Water Quality-Assurance Plan for the USGS Wisconsin Water Science Center

to rating and records computation that are presented in 

Kennedy (1983, p. 14) and in Rantz and others (1982, 

chap. 10-14 and p. 549).

For each gaging station, the most recent rating table 

or graph can be obtained by using standard USGS computer software or by retrieving a paper copy from either 

the field folder or the field office station file, or by asking the Field Office Chief or Project Chief. A copy of 

the most recent rating table shall be kept at each gaging 

station and in current field and office folders. A graphical plot of the most recent rating will be kept in the 

office file. Old ratings will be kept in station backfiles. 

All high-stage measurements should be plotted and 

numbered on the graphical rating. New discharge rating 

curves and tables are developed and reviewed in the 

originating field office before being put into use. The 

hydrographer enters the rating into the computer and the 

checker verifies that the rating was entered correctly. 

Complex rating curves should be reviewed by the 

Project Chief or Surface-Water Specialist. All ratings 

must be checked before copies are sent outside the 

office.

The goal of policies and procedures pertaining to 

ratings is to promote efficiency and accuracy in the 

development and documentation of ratings. It is the 

responsibility of the individual working the station 

records to ensure that measurements for the current year 

and all high-water measurements for the station are 

plotted on the current work plot of the rating. Generally, 

changes in the stage-discharge relation that tend to be 

temporary are addressed through the use of variablestage shifts. It is left to the discretion of the hydrographer working the station records to determine whether 

changes in the relation are addressed with shifts or warrant the introduction of a new rating. Changes in the 

stage-discharge relation that are relatively stable generally warrant the introduction of a new rating. It is the 

responsibility of the individual computing the records to 

fully develop the new rating, enter all input values and 

offsets into the computer using standard USGS software, and to plot the new rating with the measurement 

data. It is the responsibility of the individual checking 

the station records to ensure that the rating input points 

and offsets agree with available measurement data. The 

checker has the latitude to disagree with the scope and 

shape of the new rating and with the original decision on 

whether or not to introduce a new rating, however, it is 

the responsibility of the checker to discuss these disagreements with the individual that worked the station 

records. The two must come to a consensus on the 

appropriate rating to use. If a consensus is not reached, 

it is their responsibility to present the matter to the Field 

Office Chief or Project Chief, who will make a final 

determination.

Datum Corrections, Gage-Height Corrections, and Shifts

A correction applied to gage-height readings to 

compensate for the effect of settlement or uplift of the 

gage is measured by level surveys and is called a “datum 

correction” (Kennedy, 1983, p. 9). Datum corrections 

are applied to gage-height record in terms of magnitude 

(feet) and time (when the datum change occurred). In 

the absence of any evidence indicating exactly when the 

change occurred, the change is assumed to have 

occurred gradually from the time the previous levels 

were run, and the correction is prorated with time 

(Rantz and others, 1982, p. 545). Datum corrections are 

applied when the magnitude of the vertical change is 

greater than 0.015 ft.

A correction applied to gage-height readings to 

compensate for differences between the recording gage 

and the base gage is called a “gage-height correction” 

(Rantz and others, 1982, p. 563). These corrections are 

applied in the same manner as datum corrections by use 

of the same standard USGS computer software. Gageheight corrections are applied so that the recorded data 

agree with the base-gage data. These corrections are 

applied when the gage-height difference between the 

recording gage and the base gage is equal to or greater 

than 0.02 ft, or for as small a difference as 0.01 ft when 

warranted due to low-water conditions when the percent 

difference from the rating is excessive.

A correction applied to the stage-discharge relation, or rating, to compensate for variations in the rating 

is called a shift. Shifts reflect the fact that stage-discharge relations are not permanent but vary with time, 

either gradually or abruptly, because of changes in the 

physical features that form the control at the gaging station (Rantz and others, 1982, p. 344). Shifts can be 

applied to vary in magnitude with time and with stage 

(Kennedy, 1983, p. 35). Shift curves are developed from 

the existing log rating-curve plots and transferred to 

form arithmetic variable-shift diagrams to be used in the 

shift application process. The stage-shift program 

should also be used for time-only shifts. All shifts must 

be documented in the station analysis and entered into 

the measurement summary file. Care should be taken to 

explain why a shift occurred as well as how and when 

the shift was applied. All shifts are entered and reviewed 
PROCESSING AND ANALYSIS OF STREAMFLOW DATA 27

in the computer using current USGS NWIS software. A 

shift paragraph, a narrative that describes how shifts-bystage were distributed, is included in each gaging station’s station analysis. 

Datum corrections, gage-height corrections, and 

shifts for each station are entered in the standard USGS 

data-processing software (ADAPS), and are stored as 

finalized data upon completion of the WSC’s recordscomputation process. The individual who works the station records ensures that recorded gage heights and 

computed discharges represent a logical and smooth 

transition between water years. Datum corrections, 

gage-height corrections, and shifts are discussed in the 

station analysis, and associated copies of the variableshift diagram and computer-generated shift analysis 

indicating how the shifts were distributed are attached 

to the station analysis to be included as part of the permanent record. This documentation is maintained indefinitely for future reference.

Hydrographs

A discharge hydrograph is a plot of daily mean discharges versus time. The date is aligned with the horizontal axis and the discharge is aligned with the 

logarithmic vertical axis. In the process of computing 

station records, this hydrograph is a useful tool for identifying periods of erroneous information, such as incorrect shifts or datum corrections. Additionally, 

hydrographs are helpful when estimating discharges for 

periods of undefined stage-discharge relation, such as 

during backwater or ice conditions, and in estimating 

discharges for periods of missing record.

Information recorded on the hydrograph for each 

station includes the station name, station number, water 

year, date the hydrograph was plotted, plots of measurements and inspections, periods of missing record, estimated discharges for days of missing record, periods of 

ice effect, and estimated discharges during periods of 

ice effect. To assist in the estimation of discharges during periods of ice effect and missing record, precipitation, air-temperature, and water-temperature data are 

also superimposed on the hydrograph. If other station 

records are plotted on the same hydrograph, use of a different color for each station is a practical way to indicate 

the record at each station. Notes of climatic and hydrologic conditions observed by field persons and observers may also be transferred to the hydrograph, and 

written vertically on the day to which the note applies. 

Hydrographs may be plotted on a pre-printed standard 

form or viewed electronically so that a plot for one station can be compared directly to that of another station. 

The individual that computes the station records is 

responsible for completing the hydrograph. The individual that checks the records ensures that the 

hydrograph is complete and correct. Hydrographs are 

an important analysis tool and are used to check computed record by comparison with nearby or similar stations.

Hydrograph comparison is a component of records 

computation for each station. Hydrograph comparison, 

further described in Rantz and others (1982, p. 575) is 

an effective means for evaluating the validity of shift, 

datum, or gage-height correction applications, identifying periods of faulty gage-height data, and estimating 

discharges for periods of missing record or periods of 

no stage-discharge relation. After records are computed, checked, and finalized, each plotted hydrograph 

is filed in the station folder and maintained indefinitely 

for future reference. 

Station Analysis

A complete analysis of data collected, procedures 

used to process the data, and the logic upon which the 

computations were based is documented for each year 

of record for each station to provide a basis for review 

and to serve as a reference in the event that questions 

arise about the records at some future date (Rantz and 

others, 1982, p. 580). Topics discussed in detail in the 

station analysis include equipment, gage-height record, 

levels, datum corrections, rating, determination of discharge, range of discharge and measurements, cause of 

shifts and how shifts were applied, extremes, and 

remarks. The station analysis is written in SIMS by the 

individual who prepares the record for the water year, 

who is generally the field person assigned to the gaging 

station. The station analysis should be written clearly 

and concisely and should include all information pertinent to final streamflow determinations. The Records 

Management System (RMS) is used for tabling gageheight corrections, discharge measurements, and variable shifts to assist in the preparation of station analyses. Included with the hard copy of the station analysis 

are all graphs of variable-stage shift diagrams, a printout of the shift analysis, and a printout of the computergenerated year-end summary. SWReview is utilized to 

provide graphical reports for rating, Vshift, and 

monthly plots; it can also be used to provide all the 
28 Surface-Water Quality-Assurance Plan for the USGS Wisconsin Water Science Center

ADAPS tables and outputs to expedite the review of 

records.

When the record has been computed, a person is 

assigned to check the record and the station analysis. 

This person is responsible for the accuracy of the entire 

record and station analysis. If differences of opinion 

arise between the preparer of the record and the checker, 

the order of responsibility for resolving differences is: 

(1) Field Office Chief, (2) Project Chief (3) SurfaceWater Specialist, and (4) Assistant Director. The final 

copy of the station analysis is filed in each current 

water-year station folder to be maintained indefinitely 

and electronically archived in SIMS with a copy put in 

the Station Information directory. The station folders 

are maintained in each field office and a complete set of 

history folders is maintained in the WSC Office. An 

electronic copy of all station analyses is also maintained 

on the current computer system under the directory 

“projects:\Station Information”.

Winter Records

Computing records that represent winter conditions 

at gaging stations involves procedures that are not applicable to records that represent conditions at other times 

of the year. The formation of ice in stream channels or 

on section controls affects the stage-discharge relation 

by causing backwater; the effect varies with the quantity 

and nature of the ice, as well as with the discharge 

(Rantz and others, 1982, p. 360). During some conditions the recorded gage-height data may be accurate, 

although the actual stage-discharge relation may be 

undeterminable and unstable. An example of this condition is when surface ice forms on the stream, but the 

stilling well remains unfrozen and the water level in the 

stilling well represents the backpressure caused by the 

ice in the channel. During other conditions the recorded 

gage-height data may be inaccurate, resulting in periods 

of missing gage-height record. An example of the latter 

is when a stilling well or the intakes to the stilling well 

are frozen.

The individual computing the station record is 

responsible for identifying ice-affected periods, documenting those periods in the station analysis and on the 

hydrograph, and estimating daily mean discharges for 

the period. The individual also identifies periods of 

faulty or missing gage-height record, documents those 

periods in the station analysis and on the hydrograph, 

estimates daily mean discharges for the period, and 

enters those estimates in the daily values computer file. 

That individual identifies the specific unit values that 

should be considered faulty record and should be 

flagged as such in the unit-values computer file; the 

faulty period is clearly indicated on the primary computation sheets. The individual who checks the winter 

records is responsible for ensuring that the determinations of ice-affected periods, periods of faulty gageheight record, and estimated daily mean discharges are 

correct. If the checker is in agreement with the periods 

of record that are faulty, the hydrographer is responsible 

for deleting the faulty unit values from the unit-values 

computer file. The checker is responsible for discussing 

any disagreements with the individual who computed 

the records. If the two cannot reach a consensus on corrective actions that address the disagreement, the Field 

Office Chief or Project Chief is responsible for making 

the final determination. In general, the checker is 

responsible for making corrections to the data files and 

documentation; for more extensive broad-scale 

changes, however, the individual who computed the 

record modifies or corrects the station records.

Some streams remain open and free from ice effect 

most of the time as a result ground water discharging 

into the stream, flow of heated water from power plants 

or similar facilities into the stream, or warmer outflows 

released from reservoirs. If applicable, the hydrograph 

from one of these stations is used as a guide in estimating winter discharges at nearby ice-affected stations. At 

other stations, ice effect is more intermittent or infrequent; when estimating the discharge for these stations, 

the recorded gage-height data are carefully examined, 

and appropriate consideration is given to the open-water 

part of the day.

Individuals that work station records for winter 

periods use a combination of recorded gage-height data, 

discharge measurements, precipitation and temperature 

data, and other environmental information that may be 

available. Although ice-affected discharge measurements are truly representative only for a specific time at 

a site, the measurements are helpful for determining a 

general range of discharges, from which daily means for 

selected time periods can be estimated. Unit-value plots 

are used to identify streamflow patterns associated with 

the occurrence of ice. Hydrograph comparison with 

nearby stations is useful in estimating daily mean discharges. Nearby stations on streams that tend to remain 

free of ice are particularly useful. The discharge is estimated on the hydrograph or within HYDRA from comparison with a nearby, preferably open-water station, 

and the temperature graph. If daily discharges are esti-
PROCESSING AND ANALYSIS OF STREAMFLOW DATA 29

mated on the hydrograph, they will be shown on the primary printout and entered into the computer daily 

values table. Periods of estimated daily discharges are 

identified on all daily value tables with an “e.” All periods of estimated daily discharges are shown on the 

hydrograph as dashed lines. Generally, records for days 

for which discharges are estimated are considered poor.

Hydra and MISTE are new tools in ADAPS that 

can be used to expedite record estimation. Hydra allows 

the data to be presented in graphical and tabular forms 

and can be used to modify or delete unit and daily values. MISTE can be used to create regression estimates 

of daily discharges. MISTE is useful when the original 

data are missing or during ice periods, and an estimate 

must be made. Data created by MISTE can be loaded 

into Hydra as a reference curve; data from the reference 

curve can be copied into the original data set and used 

to fill in the missing gaps. The data values automatically 

are flagged as estimated data. When used correctly, 

these tools save considerable time in estimating missing 

data.

Furnished Records

Some surface-water data collected under the supervision of other agencies, organizations, or institutions 

are received by the WSC office and published in the 

annual data report. Daily mean discharge data provided 

by other agencies are reviewed before publication by the 

same processes used for USGS data (WRD Memorandum 85.129) The evaluation of these records often 

includes occasional discharge measurements to verify 

the ratings. As a minimal check, hydrographs are compared with those from nearby stations operated by the 

WSC. If errors in the data are suspected, the furnishing 

agency is contacted to determine if an error has been 

made. Daily mean discharge data are taken from the 

supplied printed copy and entered into the database. 

Another type of data comes from cooperating agencies 

supplying daily, or most commonly month-end reservoir contents. Data tables and correspondence from the 

furnishing agency are maintained in the station folder 

for future reference. The agency that furnished the data 

is identified and given credit in the annual report when 

the data are published.

Daily Values Table

With few exceptions, a discharge value is determined and stored for each day for each gaging station 

operated by the WRD. The daily values table generated 

by use of the records-computation software contains the 

discharge values that are stored for each day of the water 

year. It is the responsibility of the individual that computes the records to ensure that the daily values table, 

which includes those values stored in the daily values 

computer file, contains the correct data. It is also that 

individual’s responsibility to ensure that the correct values stored in the daily values table also are contained in 

the hydrograph, working primaries, and the publicationready manuscript. The table is checked against the computed primary and the estimated record to ensure that 

the proper daily values have been stored. The individual 

checking or reviewing the records prints a new copy of 

the daily values table if any daily values are updated in 

the computer as a result of the check or review. The 

printed daily values table is filed in the folder for each 

station. The printed table is checked against the final 

manuscript prior to publication of the annual data 

report, and against the daily values stored in the computer prior to marking the values in the computer as 

final.

Water Science Center Checkoff List

The WSC uses a gaging-station record-computation checklist to track the status of record computation 

for each station and to ensure that errors do not occur by 

omitting the necessary procedural steps. Another use 

for the checklist is to let the reviewer know whom to 

contact if questions arise later. A checklist for each station showing the status of record computation is available in each field office and is kept in the record 

computation folder throughout the whole computation 

and review process. Both the person computing the initial record and the person checking the record initial 

each of the specific phases of the records computation 

process completed. When the record is reviewed, the 

completed computation checklist is backfiled along 

with the other computation data in the station folder.

Review of Records

After streamflow records for each station have been 

computed and checked, records for at least 20 percent of 

the WSC’s gaging stations are reviewed by a team of 

experienced individuals from the various field offices 

and WSC Office. The goal of the review is to ensure that 

proper methods were applied throughout the process of 

obtaining the surface-water data and computing the 
30 Surface-Water Quality-Assurance Plan for the USGS Wisconsin Water Science Center

record. To promote consistency and reduce the potential 

for systematic errors, records will be exchanged among 

field offices and a different individual that computed 

and checked the record will conduct the review. It is the 

responsibility of the Assistant Director to ensure that 

any deficiencies identified in the review are corrected 

and that actions are taken to prevent the recurrence of 

those deficiencies.

If procedural errors are noted, the appropriate Field 

Office personnel are contacted and the record is discussed. This first communication usually results in resolution. Occasionally, a record is returned to the 

originating Field Office for rework, with deficiencies 

noted in writing. After the deficiencies are corrected, 

the record is returned to the WSC for processing. Disputes are officially resolved by, in order, the Field Office 

Chief, Project Chief, or Assistant Director.

Crest-Stage Gage Data

Records for CSGs are computed with goals and 

procedures similar to those for other gaging stations. 

The field notes are examined for correctness and accuracy. Peak stages recorded by CSGs are cross referenced 

with other available information; the dates of the peaks 

are determined by analyzing available precipitation data 

and peak data from recording gages within the same 

basin or from nearby basins.

A discussion of the policies and procedures used 

for field aspects of collecting data at CSGs is included 

in this report in the section “Collection of Stage and 

Streamflow Data.” The discussion in this section 

describes the analysis and office documentation of 

crest-stage data. This section does not pertain to data 

collected at CSGs installed solely for the purpose of 

confirming peak stages at sites where pressure-transducer gages are used.

At sites where CSGs are used to compute peak discharges, an initial stage-discharge relation, or rating, is 

developed for the site by direct or indirect high-water 

measurements. The rating is verified or adjusted on the 

basis of subsequent direct or indirect high-water measurements.

For each station, a list of all measurements is maintained and each measurement is assigned a chronological number. Ratings, consisting of a graph and digital 

table, are maintained and updated in a manner similar to 

that used for a daily discharge station. A list of peak 

gage heights is maintained for each station and verified 

by checking against field notes when the record is 

worked. Current station descriptions and a summary of 

levels are maintained in the office station folder as well 

as in electronic format. A brief station analysis is written each year describing how the annual peak was computed, identifying which rating was used, the type of 

flow condition, how the dates of the peaks were determined, and explaining any shift that may have been 

applied. Computing peak discharges and updating the 

manuscript for each crest-stage gaging station is the 

responsibility of the hydrographer assigned to the station. Computations are checked by another experienced 

individual and reviewed by the project chief.

The Field Office Chief assigns stations to field personnel for the collection of data and ensures that annual 

peaks at CSGs are computed correctly. When incorrect 

actions or procedures are identified during review, he 

discusses those changes with the person who computed 

the record and problems are remedied by providing oneon-one training. A current list of annual peaks is maintained in the station folder for review purposes (OSW 

Memorandum 88.07). The hydrologist preparing the 

data report is responsible for updating the NWIS PeakFlow File promptly after the peak data have been finalized, which is reviewed by the project chief.

COLLECTION OF SEDIMENT DATA

As part of the Collection of Basic Records (CBR) 

Program, surface-water activities in the WSC include 

the collection, analysis, and publication of sediment 

data. WSC operations adhere to policies related to sediment data collection set forth by the OSW. Responsibility for the sediment discipline was transferred from the 

Office of Water Quality (OWQ) to the OSW in 1985 

(OSW Memorandum 92.08). The policies and procedures related to sediment followed by the WSC are 

described in selected WRD publications and in memorandums issued by OSW, OWQ, and WRD. Techniques 

adopted by the USGS and followed by this WSC are 

presented in three publications of the series “Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations of the U.S. 

Geological Survey” (TWRI):

Book 3, Chapter C1—“Fluvial Sediment Concepts” by H.P. Guy (1970),

Book 3, Chapter C2—“Field Methods “for Measurement of Fluvial Sediment” by T.K. Edwards and 

G.D. Glysson (1999),
COLLECTION OF SEDIMENT DATA 31

Book 3, Chapter C3—“Computation of FluvialSediment Discharge” by George Porterfield (1972).

A summary of memorandums issued since 1971 

related to sediment and sediment transport is provided 

in OSW Memorandum 92.08. A summary of documentation that describes instrumentation and field methods 

for collecting sediment data is provided in OSW Memorandum 93.01.

Sampling Procedures

Field methods for sediment sampling are documented in Edwards and Glysson (1999). WSC personnel collect depth-integrated suspended-sediment 

samples using the single vertical method, and the Equal 

Width Increment (EWI) method. Automatic pumpingtype samplers are commonly used at gaging stations. 

For installation and use of automatic pumping-type 

samplers, the WSC follows the criteria described in 

Edwards and Glysson (1999). 

Occasionally, observers are contracted to collect 

sediment samples at sediment stations. Normally, these 

samples are depth-integrated single-vertical samples 

collected near midstream. Training in sampling techniques and safety is provided to the observers by USGS 

personnel prior to sample collection. USGS personnel 

concurrently collect single-vertical samples and crosssection samples to verify accuracy of single-vertical 

samples. The WSC Sediment Specialist or a designated 

technician is responsible for scheduling and providing 

training for sediment-collection activities in the WSC. 

This individual establishes whether or not correct procedures are being used by periodically accompanying 

personnel on sampling trips to review procedures and 

by reviewing results of QA replicate samples. 

Field methods for sediment sampling are documented in Edwards and Glysson (1999) and OSW 

Memorandum 93.01. Water samples obtained for the 

analysis of sediment concentration and particle size are 

not composited (OSW Memorandum 93.01 and OWQ 

Memorandum 76.17). The cone splitter is used for sample splitting (OWQ Memorandum 80.17).

Policy for the collection and publication of bedload 

data is provided in OSW Memorandum 90.08. It is the 

responsibility of the field personnel to select the procedure that is optimal for the local condition. Bedload 

samples are analyzed individually in some situations 

and as a composite in others. Until sampling variability 

for a particular site is understood by those analyzing the 

data, all samples are required to be analyzed individually.

The individual in the WSC responsible for scheduling sediment-collection activities at specific sites is the 

Sediment Specialist or project chiefs of other sedimentdata-collection projects. The WSC Sediment Specialist 

is responsible for ensuring that WSC personnel use correct procedures to collect sediment data. This individual 

establishes whether or not correct procedures are being 

used by performing a site trip with each person and 

observing techniques used, by discussing procedures 

and problems at meetings held each year, and by 

reviewing sediment records. Answers to questions from 

WSC personnel concerning sediment-sampling techniques are provided by the Sediment Specialist or 004 

Project Chief.

Field Notes

WSC personnel are required to fill out note sheets 

each time a site is visited for the purpose of sediment 

sampling. The employee completes the note sheet in its 

entirety before leaving the site. Original observations 

written on the note sheets are not to be erased; data are 

corrected by drawing a line through the original observations and writing the correct information near the 

original value. The goal of placing information on the 

field note sheet is to describe the equipment and methods used during the site visit as well as to describe relevant conditions or changes (OSW Memorandum 

91.15). For each site visit, information included on the 

field note sheet includes, at a minimum: site identification, field personnel name(s), date, time, sampling 

equipment, method, type of sample collected (concentration/sand-fine break), description of sampling points, 

and project account number. Additional documentation 

may include flow, weather, and relevant hydrologic conditions or changes. Upon completion of each field trip, 

field notes are placed in the site folder and are reviewed 

during record processing by the Sediment Specialist. 

Equipment

Care and maintenance of the sediment-data-collection equipment are the responsibility of the field personnel who use the specific equipment. Parts replacement 

and repair of damaged equipment are accomplished by 

returning the equipment to the WSC Sediment Specialist or the designated technician. Field personnel or the 

project chief are responsible for ensuring that appropri-
32 Surface-Water Quality-Assurance Plan for the USGS Wisconsin Water Science Center

ate equipment is used at all sampling sites. Sampling 

equipment is selected on the basis of constituents that 

are being investigated, the type of analyses to be performed, and on the site conditions, such as velocity and 

maximum depth of water, to ensure that design limitations of the equipment are not exceeded. The WSC follows equipment-design criteria and guidelines 

referenced in OSW Memorandum 93.01 and Edwards 

and Glysson (1999).

Sample Handling and Storage

The quality of sediment data provided by a sediment laboratory is affected by the quality of the samples 

received from the field (Knott and others, 1992, p. 2). 

WSC personnel are required to prepare sample labels, 

analysis instructions, and sample documentation 

according to guidelines presented in Knott and others 

(1993). Samples are stored temporarily in a refrigerator 

until they are sent to a laboratory for analysis. 

Special Hydrologic Conditions

High Flow

High-flow conditions at most streams, unless the 

streams are subject to the effects of backwater, are associated with high-energy conditions. The sediment load 

and particle sizes associated with high flows are significant factors in sediment studies performed by the 

WSC. To ensure that field personnel are aware of their 

responsibilities in obtaining sediment samples at appropriate sites during high-flow conditions, required samples are scheduled to be collected during typical highflow periods. The project chief, project field coordinator, or designated technician is responsible for ensuring 

that sediment samples are obtained during opportunities 

provided by high-flow conditions. The field person is 

responsible for ensuring that the proper sampling equipment and methods are used during high-flow conditions. High-flow conditions can create dangerous 

sampling conditions and all field personnel must ensure 

their personal safety (refer to section titled “Safety”). 

The WSC Sediment Specialist is responsible for providing answers to WSC personnel who have questions concerning high-flow sampling equipment or sampling 

procedures.

Cold Weather

Sediment-sampling activities in the Wisconsin 

WSC include obtaining samples during periods of subfreezing temperatures. During cold-weather conditions, 

field personnel should take every precaution to ensure 

their personal safety. Additionally, field personnel 

should attempt to ensure that equipment is not damaged 

by floating slabs of ice and that nozzles are not clogged 

with ice crystals. 

When floating slabs of ice pose the danger of damaging sampling equipment, such as during spring 

breakup, field personnel may manage only to obtain 

surface samples between the floating slabs of ice 

(Edwards and Glysson, 1999). The procedure is noted 

on the field note sheet and sample label. When anchor 

ice and frazzle ice are present, it may be necessary to 

move the sampling equipment quickly through ice crystals to avoid clogging the nozzle. This procedure is also 

noted on the field note sheets and sample label.

Site Documentation

A station description is prepared for each new sediment-sampling site. At sampling sites where streamflow-gaging activities occur, the description of 

sediment activities is included in the streamflow-gaging-station description. A list of elements included in 

each station description, along with an explanation of 

the items included with each element, is presented in the 

attachment to OSW Memorandum 91.15. At sites where 

sediment samples are collected but other streamflow 

data are not, the station descriptions are structured similarly to those for streamflow-gaging stations, and contain similar information (Kennedy, 1983, p. 2). Station 

descriptions are included in the field folder and are 

maintained in the office files. Each description includes 

specific information explaining where the sediment 

samples are to be collected and what method is to be 

used.

Field personnel are responsible for ensuring that 

field copies of station descriptions are kept current. 

Instructions for sediment sampling include a description of observer and field personnel responsibilities, 

sampling frequency, sampling location, and other pertinent information required to ensure proper sample collection and processing. At sites where sediment samples 

are collected periodically but the site is not a gaging station and a daily sediment record is not computed, sta-
PROCESSING AND ANALYSIS OF SEDIMENT DATA 33

tion location and pertinent geographic information are 

recorded on the standard station header form. At the 

periodic sediment sites, sampling instructions are prepared in the same manner as that for water-quality sampling instructions. Sampling instructions are included in 

the field folder and are maintained in the office files. For 

all sampling sites, a log of sampling activities and laboratory submittals is kept as part of the station’s folder. 

PROCESSING AND ANALYSIS OF 

SEDIMENT DATA

Sediment and associated streamflow data are compiled to produce sediment records for specific sites. 

Data processing of periodic measurements consists of 

four steps: tabulation, evaluation, editing, and verification (OSW Memorandum 91.15). The WSC follows the 

considerations and guidelines presented in Porterfield 

(1972), Guy (1969), and OSW Memorandum 91.15 in 

carrying out these four steps.

Sediment data from automatic or manually-collected samples are used at selected gaging stations to 

construct a record of daily sediment discharge by using 

the daily streamflow record. A checklist outlining procedures is used to track progress in data compilation. 

All records are completed and checked by personnel 

who have sediment-record experience and who have 

attended formal training. Deficiencies are discussed 

with the WSC Sediment Specialist. Sediment data in 

computer storage are reviewed during preparation of the 

annual data report and errors are detected by means of 

verification reviews. The Sediment Specialist approves 

all updates after they have been reviewed by the designated technician.

The WSC Sediment Specialist is responsible for 

ensuring that appropriate procedures for processing 

sediment data are applied correctly. When the sediment 

data are being processed for the year, sediment field 

notes and work sheets for each site are maintained in the 

WSC sediment computation folder with the station. 

After the record has been completed, sediment field 

notes and work sheets are maintained in the station file.

Sediment Laboratory

The Wisconsin WSC does not operate a sediment 

laboratory. Sediment samples are sent to other selected 

WSC sediment laboratories, primarily Kentucky, for 

concentration and size analyses.

Sediment Station Analysis

A sediment station analysis is written for each sediment station operated by the WSC each water year. The 

sediment station analysis is a summary of the sediment 

activities at the station for a given year. The analysis 

describes the coverage of sampling, the types of samples and sampling, changes that might affect sediment 

transport or the record, and the methods and reasoning 

used to compute the record. Information included in the 

sediment station analysis is presented in a thorough 

manner, such that the checker and the reviewer can 

determine from the analysis the adequacy of the activities in defining the record and in accomplishing the 

objectives defined for the station (OSW Memorandum 

91.15).

Current daily sediment records are maintained by 

personnel computing the station’s streamflow record. 

When the computations have been completed, the 

record and station analysis in SIMS are reviewed by 

either the WSC Sediment Specialist or a designated 

technician. After it has been reviewed and approved, the 

record is backfiled with the station files, which are 

maintained by the appropriate office. 

Sediment Analysis Results

Concentration and sand-silt size break results from 

all periodic cross-section suspended-sediment samples 

and calculated daily mean concentrations for daily sediment stations are published in the WSC’s annual data 

report. The quality of analytical results is assured by 

procedures described in quality assurance plans of the 

laboratories used. 

Sediment Data Storage

Short-term storage of sediment data is maintained 

by the person analyzing the record. Long-term storage 

is in the WSC’s or field office files. Copies of graphs, 

laboratory analyses, and computational sheets are kept 

with the station files. The field person assigned the station ensures that the files are complete. The person computing the record or the water-quality database manager 

enters sediment data into the computer database. The 

Assistant Director is responsible for ensuring that 

appropriate data are included in long-term computer 

storage. Backfiles are sent to the Federal Records Cen-
34 Surface-Water Quality-Assurance Plan for the USGS Wisconsin Water Science Center

ter (FRC) of the National Archives and Records Administration in Chicago, Ill., approximately every 10 years 

for long-term storage. 

OFFICE SETTING

Maintaining surface-water data and related information in a systematic and organized manner increases 

the efficiency and effectiveness of data-analysis and 

data-dissemination efforts. Good organization of files 

reduces the likelihood of misplaced information. Misplaced data or field notes can lead to analyses based on 

inadequate information, and may compromise the quality of analytical results.

This section of the QA Plan describes how station 

folders, reference maps, level documentation, and other 

information related to surface-water data are organized 

and maintained. Additionally, this section provides an 

overview of how work activities are designed to be carried out within the office setting.

Work Plan

The structure of the Wisconsin WSC is such that 

few individuals work consistently on any one task; most 

employees involved with the collection, computation, or 

publication of surface-water data in the WSC also have 

other significant duties to perform throughout the year 

as part of other projects. Each employee has a performance work plan which outlines the areas of work for 

which the employee is responsible, and criteria that are 

used to rate the employee’s performance each year. Specific workloads are established and adjusted as needed 

by the Assistant Director in consultation with the WSC 

Director. Scheduling conflicts between work on surface-water stations and other work which is part of an 

employee’s work plan are referred first to the Assistant 

Director, or if needed, to the WSC Director.

Stations are assigned by the porject chief to field 

offices or individuals and grouped into field trips which 

cover a specific portion of the WSC. Field trips are 

assigned to individual field personnel who are responsible for all site visits to the stations, as well as periodic 

review of real-time data to ensure proper instrument 

operation between site visits. All field personnel are 

expected to perform all required measurements, maintenance, levels, and minor construction at stations 

assigned to them. Priority is also given to processing 

collected data soon after field trips are completed to 

compute reasonably up-to-date provisional record. It is 

the responsibility of the Field Office Chief and Assistant Director to insure that field personnel have the 

required office time to do this. Scheduling of site visits 

is done independently by the individual hydrographer 

with guidance from the Project Chief. During periods of 

hydrologic extremes (floods or droughts), or when 

schedules conflict, site visits may be scheduled by the 

Field Office Chief or Flood Coordinators. Each hydrographer is expected to compute completely the records 

for the stations in his or her field area for the annual data 

report, and to check the records of other hydrographers 

as assigned.

File Folders for Surface-Water Stations

This section of the QA Plan describes the location 

and makeup of electronic or hard-copy files associated 

with surface-water data. Information pertaining to files 

maintained in computer storage can be found in the section titled “Database Management.”

For each gaging station, a separate set of file folders is maintained that includes folders for station 

descriptions, station analyses, shift analysis and stageshift diagrams, ratings (tables and original graphs), 

measurement summary (Form 9-207), level summary 

sheet, primary computation sheets, and hydrographs. 

Backfile folders for previous water years generally are 

stored alphabetically and separate from the current 

water-year files. Current file folders are usually 

arranged in file drawers by downstream order number 

depending on office preference. Current file folders also 

contain a checklist for tracking work progress and 

ensuring that all steps are completed, as well as measurements, shift analysis and stage-shift diagrams, correspondence, newspaper clippings, photographs and 

any other information needed on a continuing basis for 

computing the record. Each field office is responsible 

for storing the data for its stations. Measurements are 

stored in file drawers by station in downstream order, 

and filed chronologically. Measurements are maintained in the WSC office indefinitely. 

The SW CBR Project Chief maintains a complete 

set of current station history and backfile folders. Questions about the content and maintenance of current and 

backfile folders should be directed to the SW CBR 

Project Chief or Assistant Director.
OFFICE SETTING 35

Field-Trip Folders

Each hydrographer is responsible for maintaining 

field folders for his or her assigned field-trip area or 

selected surface-water project study area. The folders 

contain station descriptions, safety information, station 

lists, rating and discharge measurement data, sampling 

instructions, level summary, and other pertinent information for each site. Each group of stations in a field 

trip is kept in a field file along with a current flood plan, 

the station pages from the most recent data report, and 

detailed road maps. 

Levels

Recent level notes are included in the current computation folders for each gaging station and are 

reviewed as part of the record. A summary of levels for 

each station is also kept in the current station and field 

folders. A completed front cover sheet that summarizes 

the results of the level survey and the action taken 

should be included. After the level notes have been 

reviewed by a surface-water record reviewer, the notes 

are backfiled. Historical level notes are located in the 

WSC Office but may also be stored in each Field Office 

where they are retained indefinitely.

Station Descriptions

Copies of surface-water station descriptions are 

maintained in SIMS and the current station folders 

located in each field office and the WSC Office. The 

original descriptions are located in folders and updated 

electronically. When updates are needed, the station 

description is changed in the computer and a new date 

is written on the description. All changes are made to 

the computer copy and maintained by the technician in 

charge of the site in SIMS and then archived in a centralized computer directory that is available to USGS 

and WSC personnel. Discontinued station descriptions 

are located in the WSC Office and in each Field Office. 

Discontinued Stations

A discontinued station file is maintained in the 

WSC Office. Folders for station descriptions, station 

analyses, ratings (tables and original graphs), list of 

measurements (Form 9-207), correspondence, and other 

important documentation for a station are retained in 

this discontinued-station file when a station is discontinued. The water-year folders are transferred to the 

Federal Records Center periodically, as needed.

Map Files

The WSC Office maintains the official drainagearea map file consisting of a set of 7.5- and 15-minute 

USGS quadrangle maps for the state on which the drainage areas for all gaging stations and other data-collection sites have been delineated and a station number 

assigned. These maps are used in conjunction with the 

completed site record sheets that are stored in the same 

location. The file is maintained permanently within the 

WSC Office and is not to be removed from the office. 

Almost all of the maps have been digitized and are also 

available in the GIS data base. A separate file of maps is 

maintained for field use and work copies. The Streamflow Network Team is responsible for maintaining the 

files. 

Archiving

All WRD personnel are directed to safeguard all 

original field records containing geologic and hydrogeologic measurements and observations. Selected 

material not maintained in field offices are placed in 

archival storage. Detailed information on what records 

have been submitted to archival centers should be 

retained in the WSC or project office (WRD Memorandum 77.83). The types of original data that should be 

archived include, but are not limited to, recorder charts 

and tapes, original data and edited data, observer’s notes 

and readings, station descriptions, analyses, and other 

supporting information (WRD Memorandum 99.33 and 

92.59; Hubbard, 1992, p. 12). An agreement exists 

between WRD and the FRC to archive original-data 

records (memorandum from the Chief, Branch of Operational Support, WRD, May 7, 1993). 

Surface-water information is sent to the FRC from 

the Wisconsin WSC as needed and according to schedules outlined in the WSC’s File Maintenance and Disposition Plan, and the Plan and Guidance for the 

Management and Archiving of Hydrologic Data in the 

Wisconsin WSC (2000), unpublished document available to WSC employees in the directory “ftp 
36 Surface-Water Quality-Assurance Plan for the USGS Wisconsin Water Science Center

depot\Archiving”. The WSC Records Officer is responsible for assisting project chiefs in deciding what information is sent to the FRC, for ensuring that the 

information is properly packed and logged, for ascertaining that the information is received by the FRC, and 

for retrieving records from the FRC. Records of 

archived documents are maintained in a central computerized database. Questions concerning archiving procedures should be addressed to the WSC Records Officer. 

Personnel who receive a request for information that 

requires accessing archived records should refer the 

request to the Records Officer. Project chiefs are 

responsible for ensuring that appropriate project data 

and information are archived according to the WSC’s 

Plan and Guidance for the Management and Archiving 

of Hydrologic Data. 

Communication of New Methods and Current 

Procedures

The Field Office Chief will hold in-house on-thejob training sessions as needed to communicate any 

new methods or procedures related to data-collection 

activities. Copies of all memorandums from WRD, 

OSW, and OWQ are given to each office and responsible employee. Monthly staff meetings and annual team 

meetings are held to pass on new information, provide 

timely training, resolve questions, and discuss procedures. It is the responsibility of the Assistant Director, 

project chiefs, and Field Office Chiefs to inform others 

of correct procedures, and the responsibility of all personnel to ask questions if procedures are not clear.

DATABASE MANAGEMENT

Surface-water data are collected by personnel of 

the WRD and stored in computer databases. Proper storage and maintenance of surface-water data are critical 

components in the effective utilization of those data. 

Because computer hardware and software used to process and store surface-water data are changing continually, descriptions of policies and procedures associated 

with these functions are quickly outdated. Dealing with 

recurring periods of transition, in effect, emphasizes the 

importance of having clearly assigned authority and 

clearly stated procedures for correctly populating, 

updating, reviewing, and maintaining a database.

Database management in the WSC is conducted by 

a team of individuals for each of the types of data constituting the National Water Information System 

(NWIS): surface water (ADAPS), ground water 

(GWSI), and water quality (QWDATA). The Assistant 

Director has the final responsibility for ensuring that the 

surface-water database is current and correct. The 

Assistant Director and computer System Administrator 

are responsible for ensuring that the latest updates to the 

NWIS computer programs are loaded and operational 

on a timely basis and that training in new programs or 

updates is provided to WSC personnel. The NWIS 

Database Manager is responsible for updating the 

National database in a timely manner and flagging daily 

values as final after the data have been reviewed and 

approved for publication.

PUBLICATION OF SURFACE-WATER DATA

The act of Congress (Organic Act) that created the 

USGS in 1879 established the agency’s obligation to 

make public the results of its investigations and research 

and to perform, on a continuing, systematic, and scientific basis, the investigation of the geologic structure, 

mineral resources, and products of the National domain 

(Alt and Iseri, 1986, p. 4). Fulfilling this obligation 

includes the publication of surface-water data and the 

interpretive information derived from the analyses of 

surface-water data.

Publication Policy

The USGS and WRD have created specific policies 

pertaining to publication of data and interpretation of 

those data. All WRD personnel, including those of the 

Wisconsin WSC, are required to abide by those policies. 

A brief summary of goals, procedures, and policies are 

presented in Alt and Iseri (1986, p. 4–37).

All information obtained through investigations 

and observations by the staff of the USGS or by its contractors must be held confidential and not be disclosed 

to others until the information is made available to all, 

impartially and simultaneously, through Directorapproved formal publication or other means of public 

release, except to the extent that such release is mandated by law (Alt and Iseri, 1986, p. 14). With the 

approval of the Director, hydrologic measurements 

resulting from observations and laboratory analyses, 

after they have been reviewed for accuracy by designated WRD personnel, have been excluded from the 
PUBLICATION OF SURFACE-WATER DATA 37

requirements to hold unpublished information confidential (Alt and Iseri, 1986, p. 15).

All interpretive writings in which the USGS has a 

proprietary interest, including abstracts, letters to the 

editor, and all writings that show the author’s title and 

USGS affiliation, must be approved by the Director 

before release for publication. The objectives of the 

Director’s review are to provide a final check of the 

technical quality of the writing and to make certain that 

it meets USGS publication standards and is consistent 

with policies of the USGS and U.S. Department of the 

Interior. Director’s approval ensures that each publication or writing is (1) impartial and objective, (2) has 

conclusions that do not compromise the USGS’s official 

position, (3) does not take an unwarranted advocacy 

position, and (4) does not criticize or compete with 

other governmental agencies or the private sector 

(Hansen, 1991, p. 10).

Types of Publications

Surface-water data and data analyses are presented 

in various types of publications released by the USGS. 

Publications of the formal series include Water-Supply 

Papers, Professional Papers, Bulletins, Circulars, Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, Special 

Reports, and Selected Papers in the Hydrologic Sciences (Alt and Iseri, 1986, p. 42). Publications in the 

informal series include Scientific Investigations 

Reports, Open-File Reports, and Administrative 

Reports (Alt and Iseri, 1986, p. 52). The USGS also 

publishes short Fact Sheets on various subjects. Factors 

considered by Wisconsin WSC personnel when determining which form of publication is to be used in presenting various types of information are given in Green 

(1991, p. 14). Data reports are included in the Open-File 

Report series. Surface-water data collected by this WSC 

are published each year in a hydrologic data report that 

is issued as part of an annual series entitled “U.S. Geological Survey Water-Data Reports.” 

In December 2003, the U.S. Geological Survey 

(USGS Manual 1100.3) instituted the following revised 

publications series: 

• Administrative Report

• Circular

• Data Series

• Fact Sheet

• General Information Product

• Open-File Report

• Professional Paper

• Scientific Investigations Map

• Scientific Investigations Report

• Techniques and Methods 

Preparation of Annual Water-Data Report

When records computation for the water year has 

been completed and the data collected and analyzed by 

WSC personnel have been determined to be correct and 

finalized, the surface-water data for that water year are 

published along with other data in the WSC’s annual 

data report. The annual data report is part of the series 

titled “U.S. Geological Survey Water-Data Reports.” 

Information presented in the annual data report includes 

daily discharge values for the year, extremes for the year 

and period of record, and various statistics as well as the 

manuscript station descriptions. Information contained 

in the manuscript description includes physical descriptions of the station and basin, history of the station and 

data, and statements of cooperation. In preparing the 

annual data report for publication, the WSC follows the 

guidelines presented in the report, “WRD Data Reports 

Preparation Guide,” (Novak, 1985).

The Data Report Team (Project Chiefs of basic data 

projects, report staff, Surface-Water Specialist, and 

Assistant Director) is responsible for preparing the 

annual data report. The Project Chiefs and Senior Technicians oversee all detailed facets of the data-collection, 

data-analysis, and report-production process. Final 

records are received from the field office and a WSC 

pre-publication review by the senior hydrologic technicians, Project Chief, and Assistant Director is conducted prior to approval. A copy of the final report is 

reviewed by the Project Chief and the Assistant Director. The Assistant Director is responsible for the accuracy of and for overseeing the preparation, review, and 

publication of the annual data report. The ultimate 

responsibility for approving the annual data report, 

however, belongs to the WSC Center Director. The 

WSC’s goal is to publish all approved records within 6 

months after the end of the water year.

In October 2006, the USGS Office of Water Information announced the transition of Annual Data 

Reports (ADR) from individual state publications to a 

consistent single national product with electronic distribution. The Site Information Management System 

(SIMS) is an essential component of the ADR system. 

Other components have also been updated for producing the 2006 and subsequent water year reports, includ-
38 Surface-Water Quality-Assurance Plan for the USGS Wisconsin Water Science Center

ing automated data report processing scripts, the ADR 

Mapper, and the national search page.

• Data records will be produced and distributed 

as individual Site Data Sheets (SDS) as records 

are approved for individual data-collection 

sites instead of data report volumes.

• Records can be approved and posted for public 

access as they are completed and do not have to 

wait for compilation as a data report volume.

• Site Data Sheets will be generated automatically for any water data type using the SIMS 

data base, the NWIS Site File, ADAPS, GWSI, 

QWDATA, and Unix scripts. Automated Data 

Report Processing will provide a consistent 

annual water data product for the Nation.

• All Site Data Sheets and their distribution 

together will constitute a single national USGS 

Water Data Report.

• Official distribution of the ADR will be 100-

percent electronic using the World-Wide Web. 

National distribution will be supported by a 

map interface (ADR Mapper) and by a textbased search page.

• Citable reference for the ADR will be the persistent web address, and individual Site Data 

Sheets can be referenced. 

• A CD-ROM compilation of all its sites will be 

provided by the Wisconsin WSC for local use.

The most important activity for preparing the ADR 

still is the working of records and finalizing data. 

Guidelines and quality assurance expectations have not 

changed, although the Wisconsin WSC and others are 

now working and approving records on a continuous 

basis throughout the year. The SIMS, Records Management System (RMS), and other tools help to enable the 

process. Approval of records and data reports for release 

will follow existing procedures, which continues to be 

delegated to the Water Science Center Directors. 

Approval will apply to each Site Data Sheet instead of 

the previous model of a completed report volume. 

Review Process

Procedures for publication and requirements for 

manuscript review by WRD are summarized in Hansen 

(1991, p.36-41) and Alt and Iseri (1986). The Wisconsin 

WSC fulfills those requirements for review and 

approval of reports prior to printing and distribution. All 

reports written by USGS scientists in connection with 

their official duties must be approved by the originating 

Discipline and the Director or designated representative. At least two technical reviews of each report are 

required by WRD (Hansen, 1991, p. 36). Competent 

and thorough editorial and technical review is the most 

certain way to improve and assure the high quality of 

the final report (Moore and others, 1990, p. 24-29). 

Principles of editorial review and responsibilities of 

reviewers and authors are presented in Moore and others (1990). The annual data reports are not required to 

receive editorial review. The reports are reviewed for 

policy and reproducibility (Hansen, 1991, p. 36). In 

addition to the standard checking and reviewing of the 

data included in the records-computation process, 

project chiefs and the Assistant Director are responsible 

for reviewing the final manuscript and reviewing the 

proof copy before it is printed. The WSC Center Director or designated representative has been given the 

authority to approve the annual data report for publication (Alt and Iseri, 1986, p. 129).

SAFETY

Surface-water activities in the WSC include making streamflow-discharge measurements during adverse 

weather and flood conditions. Heavy rain, wind, ice, 

snow, cold temperatures, and extreme heat can create 

difficulties in collecting hydrologic data and can expose 

field personnel to various dangers. Additional attention 

must be given to safety when working on cableways, 

from boats, and from highway bridges. Field vehicles 

must be maintained in a safe condition. Site-specific Job 

Hazard Analyses and traffic control plans for working 

on bridges are prepared to address these activities. 

Reporting procedures and completion of a field trip 

information form are required for communication when 

personnel do field work.

A Safety Officer has been designated by the WSC; 

his duties include being knowledgeable about the latest 

safety information, making appropriate employees 

aware of that information, providing a list of available 

training courses, tracking training needs and suggesting 

training for individuals, in some cases conducting training classes, assuring that safety plans are prepared, performing safety inspections, and advising and serving on 

the WSC Safety Committee. Each field office is responsible for the annual safety inspections of gaging stations 

and field vehicles; cableways are inspected by trained 
TRAINING 39

WSC inspectors. Questions, concerns, or suggestions 

for improving safety should be directed to the WSC 

Safety Officer or Safety Committee. 

Performing work activities in a manner that ensures 

the safety of personnel and others is the highest priority 

of the USGS and the Wisconsin WSC. Beyond the obvious adverse effects, such as accidents and personal injuries, that unsafe conditions can have on personnel, they 

also can have a direct effect on the quality of surfacewater data and data analysis. For example, errors may 

be made when an individual’s attention to detail is compromised when dangerous conditions create distractions. So that employees are aware of and follow 

established procedures and policies that promote all 

aspects of safety, the WSC Safety Officer communicates information and directives related to safety to all 

personnel by in-house training classes, memorandums, 

videotapes, and safety literature. Specific policies and 

procedures related to safety can be found in the USGS 

Occupational Hazard and Safety Handbook and Internet 

Safety web site (links from the WSC home page). All 

employees must attend scheduled safety training, read 

safety memorandums, and follow all safety procedures.

TRAINING

Ensuring that personnel obtain knowledge of correct methods and procedures is a vital aspect of maintaining the quality of surface-water data and data 

analysis. The WSC improves the quality of work and 

eliminates the source of many potential errors by providing appropriate training to personnel. The Wisconsin 

WSC has a Training Officer who ensures that all 

employees are aware of available training opportunities 

and who prepares an annual WSC training plan. The 

WSC also has prepared a new-employee Orientation 

Guide and a Training Guide that are given to each 

employee for his or her use. The training guide 

describes ways to obtain training, training procedures, 

and management alternatives to training. Employees 

and their supervisors are required to design an Individual Development Plan annually during the performance 

appraisal interview. Employees and supervisors discuss 

both short-term and long-term training needs and document these needs. Supervisors furnish copies of the 

training-needs documentation to the Training Officer, 

who compiles the information in the WSC training plan. 

The USGS provides a variety of training opportunities 

including on-the-job training, courses offered at the 

USGS National Training Center, courses at local colleges and universities, training provided by other agencies and organizations, videos, and on-line courses. 

Other training materials for employee reference include 

the TWRI report series and technical memorandums.

SUMMARY

Surface-water activities in the Wisconsin WSC are 

part of the Water Resources Discipline’s overall mission 

of appraising the quantity and quality of the Nation’s 

water resources. Streamflow data are part of the waterresources information used for hydroelectric power 

generation, reservoir management, floodplain management, wastewater treatment, water supply, and a host of 

other water-management and water-resources planning 

activities. 

This Surface-Water Quality-Assurance Plan documents the policies and procedures followed by the Wisconsin WSC of the USGS, WRD, in the collection, 

processing, storage, analysis, and publication of surface-water data. Specific types of surface-water data 

discussed in this report include stage, streamflow, and 

sediment. Office procedures include descriptions of the 

organization, maintenance, and archiving of information related to surface-water data. Procedures for management of the computer database emphasize the proper 

storage and maintenance of surface-water data to maximize the accuracy and effective use of those data. Publication of surface-water data is described in terms of 

policy, types of publications, manuscript preparation, 

and the manuscript-review process. The responsibilities 

of WSC personnel for implementation of quality assurance are described throughout so that each employee is 

aware of his or her role. The plan describes the system 

of quality control used by the Water Resources Discipline and highlights the importance of providing highquality products to the users of USGS data. 

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Arcement, G.J., and Schneider, V.R., 1989, Guide for selecting Manning's roughness coefficients for natural channels and flood plains: U.S. Geological Survey WaterSupply Paper 2339, 38 p.

Barnes, H.B, 1967, Roughness characteristics of natural 

channels: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Supply Paper 

1849, 213 p.
40 Surface-Water Quality-Assurance Plan for the USGS Wisconsin Water Science Center

Benson, M.A., and Dalrymple, Tate, 1967, General field and 

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guide: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 

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Kennedy, E.J., 1983, Computation of continuous records of 

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53 p.

____1984, Discharge ratings at gaging stations: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, book 3, chap. A10, 59 p.

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Kilpatrick, F.A., and Schneider, V.R., 1983, Use of flumes in 

measuring discharge: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, book 3, 

chap. A14, 46 p.

Knott, J.M., Glysson, G.D., Malo, B.A., and Schroder, L.J., 

1993, Quality assurance plan for the collection and processing of sediment data by the U.S. Geological Survey, 

Water Resources Division: U.S. Geological Survey 

Open-File Report 92–499, 18 p.

Knott, J.M., Sholar, C.J., and Matthes, W.J., 1992, Quality 

assurance guidelines for the analysis of sediment concentration by the U.S. Geological Survey sediment laboratories: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 

92–33, 22 p.

Matthai, H.F., 1967, Measurement of peak discharge at width 

contractions by indirect methods: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, 

book 3, chap. A4, 44 p.

Moore, J.E, Aronson, D.A., Green, J.H., and Puente, Celso, 

1990, Report planning, preparation, and review guide: 

U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 89–275, 81 p.

Novak, C.E., 1985, WRD data reports preparation guide, U.S. 

Geological Survey, Water-Resources Division, 199 p.

Oberg, K.A., Morlock, S.E., and Caldwell, W.S., 2005, Quality-assurance plan for discharge measurements using 

acoustic Doppler current profilers: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2005–5183, 35 p.

Porterfield, George, 1972, Computation of fluvial-sediment 

discharge: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of WaterResources Investigations, book 3, chap. C3, 66 p.
REFERENCES CITED 41

Rantz, S.E., and others, 1982, Measurements and computation of streamflow, volumes 1 and 2: U.S. Geological 

Survey Water-Supply Paper 2175, 631 p.

Sauer, V.B., 2002, Standards for the analysis and processing 

of surface-water data and information using electronic 

methods: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources 

Investigations Report 01–4044, 91 p.

Sauer, V.B., and Meyer, R.W., 1992, Determination of errors 

in individual discharge measurements: U.S. Geological 

Survey Open-File Report 92–144, 21 p.

Schroder, L.J., and Shampine, W.J., 1992, Guidelines for preparing a quality assurance plan for the district offices of 

the U.S. Geological Survey: U.S. Geological Survey 

Open-File Report 92–136, 14 p.

Shearman, J.O., 1990, User's manual for WSPRO—A computer model for water surface profile computations: U.S. 

Federal Highway Administration Report, FHWA–IP–

89–027, 187 p.

Simpson, M.R., 2001, Discharge measurements using a 

broad-band Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler: U.S. 

Geological Survey Open-File Report 01–1, 123 p.

Smoot, G.F., and Novak, C.E., 1968, Calibration and maintenance of vertical-axis type current meters: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources 

Investigations, book 8, chap. B2, 15 p.

Thomas, N.O. and Jackson, N.M. Jr., 1981, Manual for leveling at gaging stations in North Carolina: U.S. Geological 

Survey Open-File Report 81–1104, 37 p.
42 Surface-Water Quality-Assurance Plan for the USGS Wisconsin Water Science Center
REFERENCES CITED 43

APPENDIXES
44 Surface-Water Quality-Assurance Plan for the USGS Wisconsin Water Science Center

Appendix 1. Water Resources Discipline, Office of Surface Water, and Office of Water Quality 

Memorandums

The following memorandums are available in the Wisconsin Water Science Center and also are available on the 

USGS Internet Web site (http://water.usgs.gov/admin/memo).

Water Resources Discipline

(http://water.usgs.gov/admin/memo/policy/policy.html)

Memorandum

number Subject

01.06 Safety—Bridge measurement accident

00.12 Policy and guidelines for documentation and reporting of flood events.

99.34 Quality assurance measures for serving real-time water data on the World Wide Web.

99.33 Preservation of original digital field-recorded time-series data.

99.32 Safety—Policy for safety associated with measurements, sampling, and related streamgaging

95.19 Policy for Making Provisional Water-Resource Data Available on the Internet.

92.59 Policy for management and retention of hydrologic data of the U.S. Geological Survey.

85.129 Publication of furnished streamflow data.

77.83 Retention of original water records.

Office of Surface Water

(http://water.usgs.gov/osw/pubs/memo.summaries.html)

Memorandum

number Subject

2007.01 SonTek/YSI FlowTracker firmware version 3.10...and additional policy on use for discharge

measurement

2006.01 Collection quality assurance, and presentation of precipitation data

2005.09 Classifying measurement type in the Automated Data Processing System (ADAPS)

2005.08 Policy and guidance for archiving electronic discharge measurement data

2005.05 Guidance on the use of RDI StreamPro Acoustic Doppler Profiler

2005.04 Release of WinRiver Software (version 10.06) for computing streamflow

2002.03 Release of WinRiver Software for computing streamflow from acoustic profiler data.

2002.02 Policy and technical guidance on discharge measurements using acoustic doppler current 

profilers.

2002.01 Configuration of acoustic profilers (RD instruments) for measurement of streamflow.

99.06 Care and maintenance of vertical-axis current meters.

99.05 Development of new standard rating tables for the Price Type AA and pygmy current meters.

96.05 Policy concerning accuracy of stage data.
Appendix 2 45

93.12 TWRI Book 3, Chap. A19—Clarification of leveling procedure (See Kennedy, 1990).

93.07 Policy statement on stage accuracy.

93.01 Summary of documentation that describes instrumentation and field methods for collecting 

sediment data.

92.10 Guidelines for identifying and evaluating peak-discharge errors.

92.09 Adjustment of discharge measurements made at a distance from the gaging station during periods

of changing stage and discharge.

92.08 Compilation of memorandums related to sediment.

92.04 In reply refer to: November 20, 1991.

91.15 PROGRAMS AND PLANS—Guidelines for the analyses of sediment data.

90.08 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND.

90.01 EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES—Polymer current-meter rotors.

89.07 Policy to ensure the accurate performance of current meters.

88.18 EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES—Winter equipment.

88.07 Guidelines for the operation of a crest-stage program.

87.05 PUBLICATIONS—Bridge waterways analysis: Research report (see Shearman and others, 

1986).

85.17 PROGRAMS AND PLANS—Policy providing low-flow information.

85.07 EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES—Current meters.

84.05 Equipment for the measurement of flow under ice.

Office of Water Quality

Memorandum

number Subject

80.17 New sample splitter for water-quality samples.

76.17 Sampling mixtures of water and suspended sediment in streams.

Branch of Operational Support

Unnumbered, Disposition of original hydrologic records.

dated 5/7/93
46 Surface-Water Quality-Assurance Plan for the USGS Wisconsin Water Science Center

Appendix 2. Computer Procedures for Processing Real-Time Data

By W.R. Krug

The following is the “READ.ME” file from /archive21/ directory on the SUN computer which outlines the procedures used to process the REALTIME data. Note the section about e-mail sent to report potential errors. There is 

also a file, generated three times each day, that summarizes the errors encountered by DECODES in processing the 

data; these are normally unexpected gaps in the data. The database manager keeps a close watch on these files, finds 

reasons for the errors, and corrects them, if possible. Error files may be see in, for example, 

/archive21/sum.err.010806 (new ones are created for each day, and about 1 week’s worth remain in the directory).

 DATA PATH AND PROGRAMS FOR DATALOGGER RETRIEVALS

file: /archive21/READ.ME

FOR DATA FILES FROM LAPTOPS/FLOPPYS:

For all of the files ending with .DUMP in /var/ftp/incoming/.cr21 on sundwimdn, there is a job run by sundwimdn 

“NWIS” every hour (on the hour). This job performs two functions. First, it copies the dump file to /archive21 (if a 

file with the same name already exists, it will rename the file to SITENAME.YYMMDD.1.DUMP (or .2.DUMP, or 

.3.DUMP, etc.) to keep from overwriting files.) The second function is to “mv” the files to 

/usr/opt/nwis/decodes/satin/wiedl/. From there SATIN and SENTRY take care of running DECODES, loading the 

files into ADAPS, and running primaries. 

A running log is kept in /tmp/mv.dump.log for each successful operation.

FOR FILES RETRIEVED AUTOMATICALLY

4:35 7:05 9:35 AM 12:05 PM 2:35 PM 5:05 PM & 7:35 PM Each day a program is run by “NWIS” from 

sundwimdn, to process the data files put into /archive21/INCOMING/ by the pc208 program. It runs continuously 

over a 2-hour period. This script is /archive21/scripts/dump.to.satin.ksh. At 12:05 AM a slight variation 

(/archive21/scripts/dump.to.satin.short.ksh) is run. It runs for only 1 hour. Both of these programs add the header 

and trailer lines required by DECODES, and copy the results to files named like: SITENAME.yymmdd.DUMP. 
Appendix 2 47

They then rename the original files, with names like: SITENAME.DAT to SITENAME.DAT.1. The information for 

the header lines is extracted from /archive21/devices.rdb.

See the “FILE PATH” section below for more details.

The program takes the /archive/INCOMING/station.dat files that are available and processes them. If it finds no 

such files, it will wait 10 minutes and try again. If it finds only 1, 2, 3, or 4 it will wait 5 minutes to make sure the 

retrievals are finished, then process them. If it finds more than four, it will process all but the last four (which might 

still be being retrieved).

This program also includes running /archive21/scripts/no.dupes to eliminate duplicate time lines, or time that 

regresses. It will also change 0.000 midnights to 0000. Processed files will be stored in /archive21/INCOMING/good, and any changes made will be stored in /archive21/INCOMING/junk. A summary of odd time gaps will 

be in

/archive21/INCOMING/gap.summary.yymmdd.

As the processing of each station is finished, the raw data (plus header and //END) in STATION.yymmdd.DUMP are moved to the /archive21 directory. From there they will be archived to individual station directories 

about midnight. The “good” data file is copied from the /archive21/INCOMING/good/ directory to 

/usr/opt/nwis/decodes/satin/wiedl/directory. SATIN will pick it up from there. 

 DATA TO NWISWEB:

New data are relayed from ADAPS to NWISWEB every 15 minutes as they are put into ADAPS.

Whenever data arrive from ADAPS, the Web page is updated.

 MISCELLANEOUS CLEANUP AND CHECKING

4:15 AM & PM: /archive21/scripts/get.dcp is run by NWIS on sundwimdn, to get data for several DCP sites from 

the Corps of Engineers web site. Afton is sent through SATIN/SENTRY as backup data.

5:05 AM: /archive21/scripts/sendbadval.ksh is run by NWIS on sundwimdn, to send notice to dwowens and wrkrug 

whenever Badger Mill at Verona has a bad value (-6999) in the output.
48 Surface-Water Quality-Assurance Plan for the USGS Wisconsin Water Science Center

5:55 AM (Monday): /archive21/scripts/sendtime.ksh is run by NWIS on sundwimdn, to check the time of the last 

values in the STATION.dat.1 files against the time of the file. It e-mails a summary of possible problems to

Bill Krug.

6:25 AM: /archive21/scripts/sendbat.all.ksh is run by NWIS on sundwimdn, to check the battery voltage and tank 

pressure returned on the “midnight” lines of data retrievals. It searches the /archive21/incoming/STATION.dat.1 

files. If low voltage is found, e-mail is sent to the person responsible. (e-mail names are embedded in the ksh script). 

6:25 AM Each day, sundwimdn “NWIS” runs a job to produce the “daily.retrievals” files in the directory/archive21/daily.retrieval. A slightly different version is run on weekends so that the output includes the whole 

weekend until Monday.

6:30 AM: A program is run by NWIS from sundwimdn, to send the daily retrievals for Appleton and Oshkosh to 

the Detroit U.S. Army Corps of Engineers office, using /archive21/scripts/sendcorps.ksh.

6:37 AM: A program is run by NWISWEB from webdwimdn, to send e-mail to staff interested in current rainfall, 

summarizing the rain reported by dataloggers in the past 24 hours. /log/sutil/check.rain.ksh

6:45 AM: A program is run by NWISWEB on webdwimdn to send e-mail to field people listing warning flags about 

rapid stage changes, and other warning flags. /log/sutil/check.errcode.ksh 

6:55 AM & PM NWISWEB on webdwimdn runs /log/sutil/check.flood.ksh to send e-mail to rjwaschb, wrkrug, and 

field people if there are any NWISWEB stations at or near flood stage.

7:00 AM: A program is run by NWISWEB on webdwimdn to send e-mail to Jeff Steven at MMSD with the mean 

and range of all data collected the previous day at the Badger Mill Creek site near Verona. /log/sutil/badger.temp.ksh

7:05 AM: A program is run by NWISWEB on webdwimdn to send e-mail to field people about samples taken. 

/log/sutil/check.sample.ksh

8:50, 13:50, and 21:50: /archive21/scripts/check.cr21 is run by NWIS from sundwimdn. This job remotely checks 

NWISWEB, and creates a summary list of all sites in NWISWEB page that have not been updated today. This is 

stored as /archive21/check.cr21.log.

8:59, 13:59, and 21:59: (Nine minutes later.) /archive21/scripts/check.sum.ksh is run the same way. This runs 

DECODES on all of the sites, using the data in /archive21/INCOMING/good/SITENAME.yymmdd.DUMP files to 
Appendix 2 49

produce “sum” files (the std files are discarded). The full sum files are in /archive21/INCOMING/good/sum.all, and 

a more useful summary is stored in /archive21/check.cr21.log. The script writes the summary to 

/archive21/sum.err.yymmdd.

8:30 AM 10:30 AM 12:30 PM 2:30 PM 4:30 PM Each day a program is run by NWIS from sundwimdn, 

/archive21/scripts/sum.log.ksh, extracts useful data from /archive21/pc208w/working/swf$.log and swf$2.log, and 

appends it to a file named err.log located in the directory for each site: /archive21/ACTIVE/sitename. The old 

swf$.log is renamed swf.log.yymmdd, to preserve it. An e-mail summary is sent to alert people of failures.

8:38 AM: (Monday) /archive21/scripts/clock.check.ksh is run by NWIS from sundwimdn, to scan the err.log files 

for each site, looking for the last clock check, and e-mailing about any sites more than a minute or so off. 

0:08 AM: a clean-up job is run by NWIS from sundwimdn. This is /archive21/scripts/subdirall.ksh, which converts 

all the files named SITEFILE.yymmdd.DUMP to lower case, and copies them down to the directories: 

/archive21/ACTIVE/sitename/. In the process, the “sitename” is removed from the filename. A log of this action is 

kept in: /archive21/subdir.log. The program also removes /archive21/sum.err.yymmdd files more than 7 days old 

(moving them to /gary/reston/decodes for archiving). [The move is temporarily suspended, until /gary is mounted 

on sundwimdn 10/13/99.]

0:18 AM (Tuesday & Friday): /archive21/scripts/subdir-a.ksh is run by nwis on sundwimdn, to take care of any “old” 

SITEFILE.yymmdd.DUMP files that might have appeared in /archive21. It is similar to subdirall.ksh, but has a different date function.

EMAIL SENT

6:15 AM /archive21/scripts/senderr.ksh 

To dwowens, wrkrug: from /archive21/PC208/swf$.log, all lines with F or W (Failures of calls or Warnings)

5:55 AM /archive21/scripts/sendtime.ksh (Monday only) 

To wrkrug: List of dataloggers where the time of the retrieval does not agree well with last time in file.

6:05 AM /archive21/scripts/sendbat.all.ksh
50 Surface-Water Quality-Assurance Plan for the USGS Wisconsin Water Science Center

To wrkrug, dwowens, rjwaschb [and to appropriate project chiefs or field office]: Voltage from midnight output 

line from datalogger, IF voltage of datalogger battery < 12.3, or minimum voltage of cell phone battery < 12.2 volts 

OR low pressure if below 500 at selected sites.

6:30 AM /archive21/scripts/sendcorps.ksh

To: David.N.Barilovich@usace.army.mil: Appleton & Oshkosh daily.retrieval files for Detroit Corps of Engineers.

7:00 AM /home/wrkrug/sbin/check.dat

To: wrkrug Lists /archive21/INCOMING/*.dat.1 files that have not been updated “today.” Lists 

/archive21/INCOMING/*.dat files that remain unprocessed.

7:00 AM /log/sutil/badger.temp.ksh

To: jeffs@madsewer.org: Min, Max, and Mean of Stage, Discharge and Water Temperature at Badger Mill 

Creek for the previous calendar day. 

7:05 AM /log/sutil/check.sample.ksh

To: Field people responsible for samplers: Data on the time and gage height of recent samples.

FILES TO BE MAINTAINED

 [SEE ALSO file /archive21/CREATING.NEW.SITES]

There are numerous files to be maintained to keep this system functioning.

/archive21/devices.rdb

This is an rdb file (tab delimited). The fields are as follows:

1. Station number

2. Station Name (upper case, as used on SUN directory names)

3. Station Name (lower case, same as #2 otherwise)

4. 8-character station name (as used on PC tcom)

5. Device type, and sequence number (for DECODES)

6. Text labelling data in columns of datalogger output.

e.g. 04=STAGE,05=CUML_RAINFALL
Appendix 2 51

/archive21/scripts/sum.log.ksh

This script now gets its list of station names from 

/archive21/devices.rdb.

This script is a loop that will “do” some actions for all sites in a list. This list has first letters capitalized, and 

contains the names of the sites as found in the /archive21/PC208/swf$.log file. 

/archive21/ACTIVE/sitename”/wy01 (or the last 2 digits of current year)

When a new station is started, the subdirectory under /archive21/ACTIVE/ must be created for it. In addition, a 

subdirectory should be created under it, called wy01. The subdirectory name should be the same as field #3 in 

/archive21/devices.rdb.

FILE PATH

This file is designed to show the data path through the “realtime” data network on the DG.

For filenames, we will use the date of April 15, 1999 (990415) and the imaginary river: 04050607 Middle River near 

Centerville, WI

The naming convention on the DG (carried over from the PRIME) is to use the city name (if possible) in UPPER 

CASE, until the archiving step.

The PC208 program, which makes the phone calls is limited to [8-characters].[3-characters] like old PCs. So the 

name is truncated to the first 8 characters: “centervi”.

PC208 writes the raw data dump to: centervi.dat in the directory: /archive21/incoming/

The program on the DG that processes this file is called /archive21/scripts/dump.to.satin.ksh, and it produces at least 

4, and sometimes 5, output files:

(1) /archive21/incoming/centervi.dat.1

(2) /archive21/incoming/good/CENTERVILLE.990415.DUMP

(3) /usr/opt/decodes/satin/wiedl/EDL.CENTERVILLE.990415.TRANS

(4) /archive21/CENTERVILLE.990415.DUMP and possibly:

(5) /archive21/incoming/junk/CENTERVILLE.990415.removed
52 Surface-Water Quality-Assurance Plan for the USGS Wisconsin Water Science Center

For files (2) through (5), if the file of that name already exists, “990415.1” will be used instead of “990415”. If 

“990415.1” already exists, “990415.2” will be used instead, etc. This keeps the system from overwriting and 

destroying good data.

EXPLANATION OF FILES (1) THROUGH (5)

(1) /archive21/incoming/centervi.dat.1 

This is an exact copy of /archive21/incoming/centervi.dat and is overwritten each time. Its only purpose is for 

checking what is going on with the system.

(2) /archive21/incoming/good/CENTERVILLE.990415.DUMP

This file has the “good” data from /archive21/incoming/centervi.dat. A program called “no.dupes” has eliminated any lines with duplicate times, and any lines with times that do not increase from the time of the previous 

lines. 

Any lines removed are stored in:

(5) /archive21/incoming/junk/CENTERVILLE.990415.removed

BOTH OF THESE FILES ARE DELETED AFTER 7 DAYS!

/archive21/incoming/good/CENTERVILLE.990415.DUMP also has header lines added to identify it to 

DECODES.

//SOURCE DWIMDN EDL 

//STATION 04050607

//DEVICE CR10-1 

//DATA 

04=STAGE,05=CUML_RAINFALL,06=SMP_CODE 

and a line is added to mark the end of the file:

//END

/archive21/incoming/good/CENTERVILLE.990415.DUMP is copied to the next file:

(3) /usr/opt/decodes/satin/wiedl/EDL.CENTERVILLE.990415.TRANS
Appendix 1 53

This file is the one that SATIN reads and uses as input to DECODES. The file is deleted after SATIN is done 

with it, and the data is sent to ADAPS. 

(4) /archive21/CENTERVILLE.990415.DUMP

This file is a copy of the original (1) /archive21/incoming/centervi.dat.1 with the same “header” lines added. It 

is the file used for archiving. It has all of the datalines from the original file: good or bad.

(5) /archive21/incoming/junk/CENTERVILLE.990415.removed

This file contains any “bad” lines removed by “no.dupes.” It will remain for 7 days, to allow checking of data 

with “bad” dates/times, and possible correction. After 7 days, the archived file could still be used to make corrections.

NEXT STEP - ARCHIVING:

 An archiving program called /archive21/scripts/subdirall.ksh runs about midnight each night, and takes the files 

for all stations, like: (4) /archive21/CENTERVILLE.990415.DUMP and archives them to separate subdirectories 

for each station. This particular file will be moved to: /archive21/active/CENTERVILLE/990415.DUMP

After the water year is over, and the annual data report is published, this file will be moved again to: 

/archive21/active/CENTERVILLE/wy99/990415.DUMP

This is a manual operation.

Eventually, if this station has been discontinued for more than a year, it will be moved again to: 

/archive21/inactive/CENTERVILLE/wy99/990415.DUMP

Previous water years of the archived files are compressed with “gzip” to save disk space.
54 Surface-Water Quality-Assurance Plan for the USGS Wisconsin Water Science Center

DATAPATH FOR DATALOGGER DATA IN FLOWCHART FORM

/archive21/incoming/

centervi.dat

[ADD HEADERS]

/archive21/incoming/

centervi.dat.1

/archive21/

CENTERVILLE.990415.DUMP ----------{ARCHIVED]

[NO.DUPES]

/archive21/active/CENTERVILLE/

990415.DUMP

[OVERWRITTEN

WITH EACH RETRIEVAL]

/archive21/incoming/good/

CENTERVILLE.990415.DUMP

/archive21/incoming/junk/

CENTERVILLE.990415.removed

[DELETED IN 7 DAYS]

/usr/opt/decodes/satin/wiedl/

EDL.CENTERVILLE.990415.TRANS

[DELETED IN 7 DAYS]

[SATIN/DECODES]

[ADAPS]