C.L. Lawrence | Search USGS

USGS1987

Streamflow characteristics at hydrologic bench-mark stations

The Hydrologic Bench-Mark Network was established in the 1960's. Its objectives were to document the hydrologic characteristics of representative undeveloped watersheds nationwide and to provide a comparative base for studying the effects of man on the hydrologic environment. The network, which consists of 57 streamflow gaging stations and one lake-stage station in 39 States, is planned for permanent operation. This interim report describes streamflow characteristics at each bench-mark site and identifies time trends in annual streamflow that have occurred during the data-collection period. The streamflow characteristics presented for each streamflow station are (1) flood and low-flow frequencies, (2) flow duration, (3) annual mean flow, and (4) the serial correlation coefficient for annual mean discharge. In addition, Kendall's tau is computed as an indicator of time trend in annual discharges. The period of record for most stations was 13 to 17 years, although several stations had longer periods of record. The longest period was 65 years for Merced River near Yosemite, Calif. Records of flow at 6 of 57 streamflow sites in the network showed a statistically significant change in annual mean discharge over the period of record, based on computations of Kendall's tau. The values of Kendall's tau ranged from -0.533 to 0.648. An examination of climatological records showed that changes in precipitation were most likely the cause for the change in annual mean discharge.

Circular↗

USGS1983

Public-supply pumpage in Wisconsin

This report summarizes the amounts and distribution of the pumpage of ground water for public supplies from four aquifers in Wisconsin. The data are for 1979 and reflect the pumpage from about 1,100 wells in 485 communities. The distribution and amount of pumpage is estimated to be similar for subsequent years. Of the water pumped for public supplies, 95 percent comes from two major aquifers--the sand-and-gravel and the sandstone aquifers. Lesser amounts of water come from the Silurian dolomite, which is present onlyl in a narrow band in eastern Wisconsin, and from the generally low-yielding Precambrian basement rock that underlies the entire state.

Wisconsin↗

USGS1982

Water use in Wisconsin, 1979

This report summarizes the uses of water in Wisconsin for 1979, except aesthetics, navigation, and recreational use. The greatest single use of water, an instream use, was for hydroelectric power production. About 26 trillion gallons, or 93 percent, was used for this purpose. Of the other 7 percent where water is pumped to a different location, 81 percent (6 percent of all water use) was cooling water for thermoelectric powerplants. Withdrawals of surface water and ground water by public and private systems are for residential, industrial, commercial, irrigation, and stock uses.

Wisconsin↗