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OVERVIEW
The Department collects and reports flow data for streams, canal and pump diversions and storage in reservoirs. The data is gathered through the Department's Field Offices and the program is coordinated through the Department's Planning and Assistance Division. The data is published annually in the Departments's "Hydrologic Report" and entered into the Department's Data Bank.
Statutes 46-212, 46-213 and 46-227, authorize and require DWR to measure the quantity of water in the states streams.
The Department:
- Operates 70 continuous stream and reservoir gages, eight partial year gages, 94 canal and canal return flow gages, and makes spot measurements or observations of stage at 42 sites operated by other agencies or districts. Twelve other gages are operated in cooperation with the U.S. Geological Survey.
- Computes, reviews and publishes final gage records and furnishes the data to Natural Resources Commission’s data bank.
STREAM FLOW DATA ARE USED FOR
- Administration of water rights.
- Compliance with interstate compacts and decrees.
- Real time flood forecasting and emergency management.
- Determination of long term quantity and quality of water supply and availability.
- Determination of long term project effects on basin water supply.
- Determination of annual peak flow for long term floodplain management planning.
- General hydrologic evaluation of various drainage basin characteristics.
 
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