The Rhode Island Stream Gage Network is comprised of 35 gages and provides continuous river and stream flow data from Rhode Island’s largest rivers as well as the brooks and streams with some flow records dating back to 1909. These stream gages operate by measuring water pressure, from which the elevation of the water can be calculated and then the water elevation can be used to determine stream flow or the volume of water flowing through in a certain period of time. The Rhode Island Stream Gage Network measurements are taken every 15 minutes and the data are then transmitted via satellite to the US Geological Survey (USGS).
USGS operates and maintains stream gages under contracts with the RI Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) and other entities, including the Providence Water Supply Board that supports gages in the Scituate Reservoir watershed. Two gages are part of the USGS National Streamflow Information Program, which, along with twenty other gages, are operated pursuant to a joint work plan between USGS, RIDEM, and the RI Water Resources Board. Data include long-term statistical analyses specific to each gage in the network, and are among the most widely used data in Rhode Island’s water monitoring programs.
Implemented By
- United States Geological Survey
- Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Contact: Sue Kiernan, sue.kiernan@dem.ri.gov, 401-222-4700 ex 7600
- Rhode Island Water Resources Board
- Providence Water Supply Board and other local partners