A multiscale approach for monitoring groundwater discharge to headwater streams by the U.S. Geological Survey Next Generation Water Observing System Program—An example from the Neversink Reservoir watershed, New York

Abstract

Groundwater-stream connectivity across mountain watersheds is critical for supporting streamflow during dry times and keeping streams cool during warm times, yet U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) stream measurements are often sparse in headwaters. Starting in 2019, the USGS Next Generation Water Observing System Program developed a multiscale methods and technology testbed approach to monitoring groundwater discharge to streams in the Neversink Reservoir watershed in the Catskill Mountains of New York. Groundwater discharge dynamics are complex across space and time because of geographic variability, topography, and preferential groundwater flow patterns, and the monitoring of discharge processes necessitates an innovative approach that includes emerging water tracing methods and enhanced local geologic mapping. This fact sheet describes the multiscale monitoring approach applied in the Neversink Reservoir watershed and specifically how the varied data types are complimentary in understanding groundwater-stream connectivity, with elements transferable to other mountain watersheds.