General Data Import from NWIS

Returns data from the NWIS web service. Arguments to the function should be based on https://waterservices.usgs.gov service calls. See examples below for ideas of constructing queries.

Usage

readNWISdata(..., asDateTime = TRUE, convertType = TRUE, tz = "UTC")

Arguments

...

see https://waterservices.usgs.gov/docs/site-service/ for a complete list of options. A list of arguments can also be supplied. One important argument to include is "service". Possible values are "iv" (for instantaneous), "dv" (for daily values), "gwlevels" (for groundwater levels), "site" (for site service), "measurement", and "stat" (for statistics service). Note: "measurement" calls go to: https://nwis.waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis for data requests, and use different call requests schemes. The statistics service has a limited selection of arguments (see https://waterservices.usgs.gov/docs/site-service/).

asDateTime

logical, if TRUE returns date and time as POSIXct, if FALSE, Date

convertType

logical, defaults to TRUE. If TRUE, the function will convert the data to dates, datetimes, numerics based on a standard algorithm. If false, everything is returned as a character

tz

character to set timezone attribute of dateTime. Default is "UTC", and converts the date times to UTC, properly accounting for daylight savings times based on the data's provided tz_cd column. Possible values to provide are "America/New_York", "America/Chicago", "America/Denver", "America/Los_Angeles", "America/Anchorage", as well as the following which do not use daylight savings time: "America/Honolulu", "America/Jamaica", "America/Managua", "America/Phoenix", and "America/Metlakatla". See also OlsonNames() for more information on time zones.

Value

A data frame with the following columns:

Name	Type	Description
agency	character	The NWIS code for the agency reporting the data
site	character	The USGS site number
dateTime	POSIXct	The date and time (if applicable) of the measurement, converted to UTC for unit value data. R only allows one time zone attribute per column. For unit data spanning a time zone change, converting the data to UTC solves this problem. For daily data, the time zone attribute is the time zone of the first returned measurement.
tz_cd	character	The time zone code for dateTime column
code	character	Any codes that qualify the corresponding value
value	numeric	The numeric value for the parameter

Note that code and value are repeated for the parameters requested. The names are of the form X_D_P_S, where X is literal, D is an option description of the parameter, P is the parameter code, and S is the statistic code (if applicable).

There are also several useful attributes attached to the data frame:

Name	Type	Description
url	character	The url used to generate the data
siteInfo	data.frame	A data frame containing information on the requested sites
variableInfo	data.frame	A data frame containing information on the requested parameters
statisticInfo	data.frame	A data frame containing information on the requested statistics on the data
queryTime	POSIXct	The time the data was returned

Details

This function requires users to create their own arguments based on the NWIS web services. It is a more complicated function to use compared to other NWIS functions such as readNWISdv(), readNWISuv(), readNWISgwl(), etc. However, this function adds a lot of flexibility to the possible queries. This function will also behave exactly as NWIS when it comes to date queries. NWIS by default will only return the latest value for the daily and instantaneous services. So if you do not provide a starting date, you will only get back the latest value. If you want the full period of record, you can use "startDate = '1900-01-01'". Other options for dates are periods, such as "period = 'P7D'" which translates to a period of 7 days. For period, use only a positive ISO-8601 duration format, which should not be expressed in periods of less than a day, or in increments of months M or years Y. period returns data for a site generally from now to a time in the past. Note that when period is used all data up to the most recent value are returned.

See also

read_waterdata()

Examples

# \donttest{
# Examples not run for time considerations

instFlow <- readNWISdata(
  sites = "05114000", service = "iv",
  parameterCd = "00060",
  startDate = "2014-05-01T00:00Z", endDate = "2014-05-01T12:00Z"
)
#> ALERT: All NWIS services are slated for decommission
#> and new dataRetrieval functions will be added.
#> For up-to-date information, see: 
#> https://doi-usgs.github.io/dataRetrieval/articles/Status.html
#> GET: https://nwis.waterservices.usgs.gov/nwis/iv/?sites=05114000&parameterCd=00060&startDT=2014-05-01T00%3A00Z&endDT=2014-05-01T12%3A00Z&format=waterml%2C1.1

instFlowCDT <- readNWISdata(
  sites = "05114000", service = "iv",
  parameterCd = "00060",
  startDate = "2014-05-01T00:00", endDate = "2014-05-01T12:00",
  tz = "America/Chicago"
)
#> ALERT: All NWIS services are slated for decommission
#> and new dataRetrieval functions will be added.
#> For up-to-date information, see: 
#> https://doi-usgs.github.io/dataRetrieval/articles/Status.html
#> GET: https://nwis.waterservices.usgs.gov/nwis/iv/?sites=05114000&parameterCd=00060&startDT=2014-05-01T00%3A00&endDT=2014-05-01T12%3A00&format=waterml%2C1.1

multiSite <- readNWISdata(
  sites = c("04025500", "040263491"),
  service = "iv", parameterCd = "00060"
)
#> ALERT: All NWIS services are slated for decommission
#> and new dataRetrieval functions will be added.
#> For up-to-date information, see: 
#> https://doi-usgs.github.io/dataRetrieval/articles/Status.html
#> GET: https://nwis.waterservices.usgs.gov/nwis/iv/?sites=04025500%2C040263491&parameterCd=00060&format=waterml%2C1.1


GWL <- readNWISdata(site_no = c("392725077582401", 
                                "375907091432201"),
                    parameterCd = "62610",
                    service = "gwlevels")
#> ALERT: All NWIS services are slated for decommission
#> and new dataRetrieval functions will be added.
#> For up-to-date information, see: 
#> https://doi-usgs.github.io/dataRetrieval/articles/Status.html
#> GET: https://nwis.waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/gwlevels?site_no=392725077582401%2C375907091432201&parameterCd=62610&date_format=YYYY-MM-DD&rdb_inventory_output=file&TZoutput=0&format=rdb
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#> <img src=/blog/wdfn-viz/img/usa-icons-bg/search--white.svg class=usa-search__submit-icon alt=Search></button></form></div></div></nav></header><div class=grid-col-fill><main id=main-content role=main class=main-content><article class="single grid-container-desktop"><h1 class="text-ls-neg-2 padding-bottom-0 margin-bottom-0">New Feature - Field Measurements</h1><h3 class=text-normal>Where to find and download field measurements in Water Data for the Nation</h3><div class="grid-row display-flex flex-justify border-y padding-y-1"><div><span class="display-block text-uppercase">Date Posted</span>
#> <span class=text-bold>September 23, 2025</span>
#> <span class="display-block text-uppercase margin-top-1">Last Updated</span>
#> <span class=text-bold>February 18, 2026</span></div><div><span class="display-block text-uppercase">Author</span>
#> <span class=text-bold>Leah Lenoch</span><br><a href=mailto:%3cllenoch@usgs.gov%3e class=text-no-underline target=blank><i class="fas fa-envelope-square text-primary-darker social-icon"></i></a></div><div><span class="display-block text-uppercase">Reading Time</span>
#> <span class=text-bold>7 minutes</span>
#> <span class="display-block text-uppercase margin-top-1">Share</span>
#> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?src=bm&u=https%3a%2f%2fwaterdata.usgs.gov%2fblog%2fwdfn-field-measurements%2f&t=New%20Feature%20-%20Field%20Measurements" class="text-no-underline margin-right-1" onclick='return window.open(this.href,"PCwindow","width=550, height=350, menubar=no, toolbar=no, scrollbars=yes"),!1'><i class="fab fa-facebook text-primary-darker social-icon" aria-hidden=true></i>
#> </a><a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3a%2f%2fwaterdata.usgs.gov%2fblog%2fwdfn-field-measurements%2f&text=New%20Feature%20-%20Field%20Measurements&tw_p=tweetbutton" class="text-no-underline margin-right-1" rel=nofollow target=_blank><i class="fab fa-twitter text-primary-darker social-icon" aria-hidden=true></i>
#> </a><a href="https://www.reddit.com/submit?url=https%3a%2f%2fwaterdata.usgs.gov%2fblog%2fwdfn-field-measurements%2f&title=New%20Feature%20-%20Field%20Measurements" class=text-no-underline onclick='return window.open(this.href,"PCwindow","width=550, height=350, menubar=no, toolbar=no, scrollbars=yes"),!1'><i class="fab fa-reddit-alien text-primary-darker social-icon" aria-hidden=true></i></a></div></div><div class="td-toc padding-x-1"><p>What's on this page</p><nav id=TableOfContents><ul><li><a href=#field-measurements-in-wdfn>Field measurements in WDFN</a><ul><li><a href=#where-can-i-graph-field-measurements>Where can I graph field measurements?</a></li><li><a href=#where-can-i-see-a-table-of-field-measurements>Where can I see a table of field measurements?</a></li><li><a href=#where-can-i-download-field-measurements>Where can I download field measurements?</a></li><li><a href=#how-can-i-access-field-measurements-via-an-api>How can I access field measurements via an API?</a></li></ul></li><li><a href=#decommission-of-nwisweb>Decommission of NWISWeb</a></li><li><a href=#were-here-to-help>We&rsquo;re here to help</a></li></ul></nav></div><p>We are excited to announce a new feature on Monitoring Location pages that provide <strong>field measurements</strong>, which are physically measured values collected during a field visit to a monitoring location.</p><p>There has been <a href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/wdfn-updates-2025/ target=_blank>a lot of change</a>
#> to how you access USGS water data as we work to modernize data delivery in USGS Water Data for the Nation (WDFN) and decommission NWISWeb. As we centralize and re-organize data delivery in WDFN, we have recently set out to describe different types of water data according to <a href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/data-collection-categories/ target=_blank>data collection categories</a>
#> . We started with re-organizing and expanding the data collection categories that are delivered on the <a href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/intro-data-collection-categories/ target=_blank>Monitoring Location Page</a>
#> and are now working to deliver additional data collection categories on other WDFN pages as well. This blog is part of a series to help orient you to where you can find different types of data in WDFN pages and services. <strong>In this post, we want to focus on how you can access field measurements in WDFN.</strong></p><h2 id=field-measurements-in-wdfn>Field measurements in WDFN</h2><p>Field measurements are physically measured values collected during a visit to the monitoring location. Field measurements consist of measurements of streamgage height, discharge, and groundwater levels, and are primarily used as calibration readings for the automated sensors collecting continuous data.</p><p>We’re still delivering the same data, but how you access and look at it is going to be a little different. In the <a href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/nwisweb-decommission-summary/ target=_blank>soon-to-be-decommissioned</a>
#> NWISWeb, field measurements of groundwater and surface water were delivered with slightly different information and on different webpages. Now, all readings of groundwater level, gage height, and discharge are delivered in the same manner on WDFN pages and from the same water data API endpoint. Read more about where to find field measurements on graphs, in a table, via a download, or through our APIs below.</p><h3 id=where-can-i-graph-field-measurements>Where can I graph field measurements?</h3><p>The primary place to graph field measurements is on the Monitoring Location Page, or MLP, which serves as the hub for all USGS water data collected at a location. In the <strong>“Available data”</strong> section of the MLP, you will see all the available data types at the location, organized into the data collection categories. You can plot field measurements independently by clicking the <strong>“Graph it”</strong> button next to a field measurement data type.</p><p>Additionally, when you graph continuous data or daily data for gage height, discharge, or groundwater level, field measurements within the current time span of your graph will be automatically shown. This is a very exciting feature that many users depend on from the legacy NWISWeb graphs, and we can now display on WDFN graphs!</p><div class=grid-row><figure><img src=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/static/wdfn-field-measurements/fig1.png alt="Screenshot of the Available Data section of the MLP for Eau Galle River at Spring Valley WI (USGS-05370000) showing the number of data types available within each data collection category, and an expansion section open to show two field measurement data types that can graphed on the page."><figcaption><p>Example of the Available data section of the MLP for <a href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/USGS-05370000 target=_blank>Eau Galle River at Spring Valley WI (USGS-05370000)</a>
#> showing the number of data types available within each data collection category.</p></figcaption></figure></div><p>There are two other WDFN pages where field measurements are graphed along with the continuous data types: <strong>MLP: All Graphs</strong> and <strong>My Favorites: Graphed</strong>. On these pages, you can see all the continuous data graphs on a single page without any clicking—just like the functionality on the legacy Current Conditions page, but with exciting new features and improved usability on mobile devices.</p><div class=grid-row><figure><img src=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/static/wdfn-field-measurements/fig2.png alt="Screenshot of the MLP for Eau Galle River at Spring Valley WI (USGS-05370000) showing a graph with one year of daily discharge data and the field measurements of discharge that were collected over the time period."><figcaption><p>Daily discharge data from the Eau Galle River at Spring Valley WI (USGS- 05370000) with field measurements shown as circles on the graph.</p></figcaption></figure></div><h4 id=monitoring-location-pages-mlp-all-graphs>Monitoring Location Pages (MLP): All Graphs</h4><p><strong>MLP: All Graphs</strong> shows graphs for all continuous data types at a single location. You can choose between several available time spans ranging from 2 days to 120 days, and when there are field measurements available in the selected time span, they will be shown on the graphs automatically. You can find the MLP: All Graphs page by adding <code>/all-graphs</code> after the monitoring location identifier in the MLP URL (example: <a href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/USGS-05370000/all-graphs target=_blank>waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/USGS-05370000/all-graphs</a>
#> ) or under the “View related graphs” action button on the MLP when graphing a continuous data type. Read our <a href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/intro-all-graphs/ target=_blank>blog post on the MLP: All Graphs page</a>
#> to learn more.</p><h4 id=my-favorites-graphed>My Favorites: Graphed</h4><p><strong>My Favorites: Graphed</strong> shows continuous data graphs for a customizable list of locations and data types that you choose. It all starts with a list on My Favorites, a centralized place to keep track of monitoring locations you are interested in. You can create a My Favorites list by starting on a State Page or from a list of monitoring location identifiers. Once you have a list of My Favorites, you can select exactly the locations and continuous data types that you want to include in a list of graphs, and the field measurements available in the current selected time span will be displayed automatically on the graphs. Read our <a href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/intro-custom-list/ target=_blank>blog post about My Favorites and My Favorites: Graphed</a>
#> to learn more.</p><div style=padding:5px;background-color:#deebf7;margin-top:20px><h4 style=margin:10px>Reminder!</h4><p style=margin:10px>The URLs for the graphing pages can keep track of the choices for monitoring location, data type, and time period you’ve made on the page, so be sure to bookmark the page after you’ve set it up the way you like to return to the same view.</p></div><h3 id=where-can-i-see-a-table-of-field-measurements>Where can I see a table of field measurements?</h3><p>On the MLP you can find a table view of field measurements by clicking the “View data records” action button. There you will find tables for the data types and time span that are currently graphed on the page. The table for field measurements contains the data values, date and time of collection, data approval status, and any qualifiers. This is a subset of metadata about the field measurements, and you can access full metadata for field measurements from the <a href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/wdfn-field-measurements/#how-can-i-access-field-measurements-via-api target=_blank><code>/field-measurements</code> API</a>
#> endpoint.</p><div class=grid-row><figure><img src=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/static/wdfn-field-measurements/fig3.png alt="Screenshot of the MLP for Eau Galle River at Spring Valley WI (USGS-05370000) showing a graph with one year of field measurements of gage height and a table view of the same data."><figcaption><p>Inside the “View data records” action button on the MLP, find a table view of field measurements that are currently shown on the graph. This example from the Eau Galle River at Spring Valley WI (USGS-05370000) shows a table of the seven field measurements that were collected in the past year.</p></figcaption></figure></div><h3 id=where-can-i-download-field-measurements>Where can I download field measurements?</h3><p>On the MLP, you can download field measurements by first graphing either a field measurement data type, or a continuous or daily data type with field measurements. Click the “Download data” action button, select the “Field measurements” data type, and click “Retrieve” to download the field measurements that are currently shown on the graph. Field measurements will download as a <code>.csv</code> file. When graphing discharge or gage height field measurements, you can also download the channel measurement metadata, which contains information about the channel collected during the measurement, including width, velocity, measurement type, and channel material. If you would like to download field measurements for multiple locations or data types from a browser, try out the new <a href=https://api.waterdata.usgs.gov/download/ target=_blank>Download data form</a>
#> . In 2026, we will continue working to support more complex downloads from WDFN pages.</p><div class=grid-row><figure><img src=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/static/wdfn-field-measurements/fig4.png alt="Screenshot of the MLP for Eau Galle River at Spring Valley WI (USGS-05370000) showing a graph with one year of continuous gage height and field measurements of gage height, along with the “Download data” action button expanded to show where to select and download the field measurements that are shown on the graph. "><figcaption><p>Inside the “Download data” action button on the MLP, you can download data that is currently shown on the graph. This example from the Eau Galle River at Spring Valley WI (USGS-05370000) shows how to download the field measurements of gage height that were collected in the last year.</p></figcaption></figure></div><h3 id=how-can-i-access-field-measurements-via-an-api>How can I access field measurements via an API?</h3><p>You can access field measurements and their metadata from the <a href=https://api.waterdata.usgs.gov/ogcapi/v0/collections/field-measurements target=_blank>field-measurements API</a>
#> on USGS water data APIs. The field-measurements API replaces the legacy groundwater levels service and provides field measurements for gage height and discharge. Additional data about the measurements and channel morphology metadata are available in the new <a href=https://api.waterdata.usgs.gov/ogcapi/v0/collections/channel-measurements target=_blank>channel-measurements API</a>
#> . Data from the APIs can be returned in several formats, including json, csv, and html.</p><p>You can learn more about the new APIs at <a href=https://api.waterdata.usgs.gov target=_blank>https://api.waterdata.usgs.gov</a>
#> , which is the new central hub for all modernized USGS water data APIs. There you will see links to a number of different endpoints, including for other USGS data like the National Imagery Management Service. You’ll also find a <a href=https://api.waterdata.usgs.gov/docs/ target=_blank>Documentation</a>
#> tab that provides a central place for long-form API documentation. From the API homepage, you can also find a signup form for API keys.</p><h2 id=decommission-of-nwisweb>Decommission of NWISWeb</h2><p>Now that field measurements are available throughout WDFN on graphs, in tables, to download, and accessible with the new API, we will be <a href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/nwisweb-decommission-summary/ target=_blank>decommissioning the legacy NWISWeb pages</a>
#> that delivered these data. In Decommission Campaign 2, the legacy NWISWeb URLs will be redirected to modernized WDFN webpages when possible, or to relevant resources to help you find the data you were looking for on new WDFN webpages. The legacy URLs will no longer be accessible.</p><p>Want to know if your webpage will be affected? Look at the URL in your browser window (for example, <code>waterdata.usgs.gov/ca/nwis/measurements</code>). For field measurements, the decommission impacts <code>https://waterdata.usgs.gov</code> URLs that include:</p><ul><li><code>/gwlevels</code></li><li><code>/measurements</code></li></ul><p>Learn more about the <a href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/nwisweb-decommission-summary/ target=_blank>decommission of NWISWeb</a>
#> and stay up-to-date with our decommission timing and progress by following along with the <a href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog target=_blank>Water Data Blog</a>
#> .</p><h2 id=were-here-to-help>We&rsquo;re here to help</h2><p>We understand that change is hard, and some of these changes might feel sudden. We’re here to help. We have staff ready to help you make the transition to using WDFN webpages should you need it. Please reach out to us at <a href=gs-w_waterdata_support@usgs.gov>gs-w_waterdata_support@usgs.gov</a>
#> with any questions. You can get regular updates about the modernization and decommission effort sent to your inbox by <a href=https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOIGS/signup/35025 target=_blank>subscribing to the Water Data for the Nation newsletter</a>
#> .</p><p>The WDFN websites and services advance the way we deliver water data, and we are focused on continual improvement. Our team uses user-centered design processes to determine what to prioritize next. Let us know how the WDFN pages are working for you by emailing <a href=gs-w_waterdata_support@usgs.gov>gs-w_waterdata_support@usgs.gov</a>
#> .</p><div class="grid-row border-y display-flex flex-align-center padding-y-1"><div class="display-flex flex-12"><div class=taxo-categories><h3 class=margin-y-0>Categories:</h3><ul class="usa-list usa-list--unstyled margin-right-1"><li class="display-inline-block margin-right-05"><a class="usa-tag text-no-underline" href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/categories/water-data/ data-taxonomy-term=water-data><span>Water Data</span></a></li><li class="display-inline-block margin-right-05"><a class="usa-tag text-no-underline" href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/categories/water-data-for-the-nation/ data-taxonomy-term=water-data-for-the-nation><span>Water Data for the Nation</span></a></li></ul></div><div class=taxo-keywords><h3 class=margin-y-0>Keywords:</h3><ul class="usa-list usa-list--unstyled margin-right-1"><li class="display-inline-block margin-right-05"><a class="usa-tag text-no-underline" href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/keywords/nwis/ data-taxonomy-term=nwis><span>NWIS</span></a></li><li class="display-inline-block margin-right-05"><a class="usa-tag text-no-underline" href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/keywords/nwisweb/ data-taxonomy-term=nwisweb><span>NWISWeb</span></a></li><li class="display-inline-block margin-right-05"><a class="usa-tag text-no-underline" href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/keywords/water-data-for-the-nation/ data-taxonomy-term=water-data-for-the-nation><span>Water Data for the Nation</span></a></li><li class="display-inline-block margin-right-05"><a class="usa-tag text-no-underline" href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/keywords/website-decommission/ data-taxonomy-term=website-decommission><span>Website Decommission</span></a></li><li class="display-inline-block margin-right-05"><a class="usa-tag text-no-underline" href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/keywords/wdfn/ data-taxonomy-term=wdfn><span>WDFN</span></a></li><li class="display-inline-block margin-right-05"><a class="usa-tag text-no-underline" href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/keywords/water-data/ data-taxonomy-term=water-data><span>Water Data</span></a></li><li class="display-inline-block margin-right-05"><a class="usa-tag text-no-underline" href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/keywords/next-generation/ data-taxonomy-term=next-generation><span>Next Generation</span></a></li><li class="display-inline-block margin-right-05"><a class="usa-tag text-no-underline" href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/keywords/api/ data-taxonomy-term=api><span>API</span></a></li></ul></div><div class=taxo-tags><h3 class=margin-y-0>Tags:</h3><ul class="usa-list usa-list--unstyled margin-right-1"><li class="display-inline-block margin-right-05"><a class="usa-tag text-no-underline" href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/tags/water-data-for-the-nation/ data-taxonomy-term=water-data-for-the-nation><span>Water Data for the Nation</span></a></li><li class="display-inline-block margin-right-05"><a class="usa-tag text-no-underline" href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/tags/monitoring-location-pages/ data-taxonomy-term=monitoring-location-pages><span>Monitoring Location Pages</span></a></li><li class="display-inline-block margin-right-05"><a class="usa-tag text-no-underline" href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/tags/nextgen/ data-taxonomy-term=nextgen><span>NextGen</span></a></li><li class="display-inline-block margin-right-05"><a class="usa-tag text-no-underline" href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/tags/streamgage/ data-taxonomy-term=streamgage><span>Streamgage</span></a></li><li class="display-inline-block margin-right-05"><a class="usa-tag text-no-underline" href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/tags/api/ data-taxonomy-term=api><span>API</span></a></li></ul></div></div></div><div class="grid-row flex-justify-end flex-align-center"><h3 class=margin-right-1>Share:</h3><a href="http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?src=bm&u=https%3a%2f%2fwaterdata.usgs.gov%2fblog%2fwdfn-field-measurements%2f&t=New%20Feature%20-%20Field%20Measurements" class="text-no-underline margin-right-1" onclick='return window.open(this.href,"PCwindow","width=550, height=350, menubar=no, toolbar=no, scrollbars=yes"),!1'><i class="fab fa-facebook text-primary-darker social-icon" aria-hidden=true></i>
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#> </a><a href="https://www.reddit.com/submit?url=https%3a%2f%2fwaterdata.usgs.gov%2fblog%2fwdfn-field-measurements%2f&title=New%20Feature%20-%20Field%20Measurements" class=text-no-underline onclick='return window.open(this.href,"PCwindow","width=550, height=350, menubar=no, toolbar=no, scrollbars=yes"),!1'><i class="fab fa-reddit-alien text-primary-darker social-icon" aria-hidden=true></i></a></div><section class=margin-top-2><h2 class=text-uppercase>Related Posts</h2><ul class=usa-card-group><li class="desktop:grid-col-6 usa-card"><div class=usa-card__container><div class=usa-card__header><h2 class=usa-card__heading>Daily data in Water Data for the Nation</h2></div><div class=usa-card__body><p class=margin-y-0>November 21, 2025</p><p><p>There have been <a href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/wdfn-updates-2025/ target=_blank>a lot of changes</a>
#> to how you access USGS water data as we work to modernize data delivery in WDFN and decommission NWISWeb. As we centralize and re-organize data delivery in WDFN, we have recently set out to describe different types of water data according to <a href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/data-collection-categories/ target=_blank>data collection categories</a>
#> . We started with re-organizing and expanding the data collection categories that are delivered on the <a href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/intro-data-collection-categories/ target=_blank>Monitoring Location Page</a>
#> and are now working to deliver additional data collection categories on other WDFN pages as well. <strong>This blog is part of a series to help orient you to where you can find different types of data in WDFN pages and services. In this post, we want to focus on how you can access daily data in WDFN.</strong></p></p></div><div class=usa-card__footer><a href=/blog/wdfn-daily-data/ class=usa-button>Read More...</a></div></div></li><li class="desktop:grid-col-6 usa-card"><div class=usa-card__container><div class=usa-card__header><h2 class=usa-card__heading>Modernization of Statistical Delivery and WaterWatch Decommission</h2></div><div class=usa-card__body><p class=margin-y-0>June 10, 2025</p><p><p>USGS is modernizing how statistical information is delivered through a suite of new features and products. These are replacing <a href=https://waterwatch.usgs.gov/ target=_blank>WaterWatch</a>
#> , which offered unique statistics delivery that differentiated it from the core data delivery through legacy NWISWeb. WaterWatch and Water Quality Watch are set to be decommissioned by the end of 2025 as new products become available. This blog details where you can find the statistics previously offered on WaterWatch.</p></p></div><div class=usa-card__footer><a href=/blog/wdfn-stats-delivery/ class=usa-button>Read More...</a></div></div></li><li class="desktop:grid-col-6 usa-card"><div class=usa-card__container><div class=usa-card__header><h2 class=usa-card__heading>Decommissioning Legacy gwlevels and SensorThings APIs – Fall 2025</h2></div><div class=usa-card__body><p class=margin-y-0>September 23, 2025</p><p><h2 id=background>Background</h2><p>For over 15 years, the USGS has provided machine-readable and automated access to water data via the WaterServices family of application programming interfaces (APIs), which are hosted at <a href=https://waterservices.usgs.gov/ target=_blank>https://waterservices.usgs.gov/</a>
#> . These APIs underpin all other USGS web delivery products – including products such as the National Water Dashboard and <a href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/ target=_blank>Water Data for the Nation</a>
#> (WDFN) – and have been incredibly effective at delivering water data to the public. Between October 2024 and March 2025 alone, these legacy APIs have handled more than 1.6 billion requests from almost 3.5 million distinct IP addresses.</p></p></div><div class=usa-card__footer><a href=/blog/api-decom-fall-2025/ class=usa-button>Read More...</a></div></div></li><li class="desktop:grid-col-6 usa-card"><div class=usa-card__container><div class=usa-card__header><h2 class=usa-card__heading>Big changes to USGS Water Data in 2025</h2></div><div class=usa-card__body><p class=margin-y-0>May 28, 2025</p><p><div style=padding:5px;background-color:#c0bdd6><h2 style=margin:10px>Public USGS Webinar: Water Data for the Nation – New Features and NWISWeb Decommissioning</h2><p style=margin:10px>In this webinar, we highlight important changes in how we deliver water data. These changes are part of a long-term effort to modernize our Water Data for the Nation (WDFN) systems, improve performance, and better serve both internal and public users.</p></p></div><div class=usa-card__footer><a href=/blog/wdfn-updates-2025/ class=usa-button>Read More...</a></div></div></li><li class="desktop:grid-col-6 usa-card"><div class=usa-card__container><div class=usa-card__header><h2 class=usa-card__heading>NWISWeb Decommission Campaign 2</h2></div><div class=usa-card__body><p class=margin-y-0>November 21, 2025</p><p><div style=padding:5px;background-color:#c0bdd6><h2 style=margin:10px>Public USGS Webinar: Water Data for the Nation – New Features and NWISWeb Decommissioning</h2><p style=margin:10px>In this webinar, we highlight important changes in how we deliver water data. These changes are part of a long-term effort to modernize our Water Data for the Nation (WDFN) systems, improve performance, and better serve both internal and public users.</p></p></div><div class=usa-card__footer><a href=/blog/nwisweb-decommission-campaign2/ class=usa-button>Read More...</a></div></div></li></ul></section></div></main></div><footer class="usa-footer usa-footer--slim" role=contentinfo><nav class=usgs-footer-container aria-label="Footer Navigation"><div class=usgs-footer-nav><a class=usgs-footer-link href=https://www.doi.gov/privacy>DOI Privacy Policy</a> |
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levels <- readNWISdata(stateCd = "WI", 
                       service = "gwlevels",
                       startDate = "2024-05-01",
                       endDate = "2024-05-30") 
#> GET: https://api.waterdata.usgs.gov/samples-data/codeservice/states?mimeType=application%2Fjson
#> Error in httr2::req_perform(check_group_req): HTTP 429 Too Many Requests.
                    
meas <- readNWISdata(
  state_cd = "WI", service = "measurements",
  format = "rdb_expanded"
)
#> ALERT: All NWIS services are slated for decommission
#> and new dataRetrieval functions will be added.
#> For up-to-date information, see: 
#> https://doi-usgs.github.io/dataRetrieval/articles/Status.html
#> GET: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/measurements/?state_cd=WI&date_format=YYYY-MM-DD&rdb_inventory_output=file&TZoutput=0&format=rdb_expanded
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#> <img src=/blog/wdfn-viz/img/usa-icons-bg/search--white.svg class=usa-search__submit-icon alt=Search></button></form></div></div></nav></header><div class=grid-col-fill><main id=main-content role=main class=main-content><article class="single grid-container-desktop"><h1 class="text-ls-neg-2 padding-bottom-0 margin-bottom-0">New Feature - Field Measurements</h1><h3 class=text-normal>Where to find and download field measurements in Water Data for the Nation</h3><div class="grid-row display-flex flex-justify border-y padding-y-1"><div><span class="display-block text-uppercase">Date Posted</span>
#> <span class=text-bold>September 23, 2025</span>
#> <span class="display-block text-uppercase margin-top-1">Last Updated</span>
#> <span class=text-bold>February 18, 2026</span></div><div><span class="display-block text-uppercase">Author</span>
#> <span class=text-bold>Leah Lenoch</span><br><a href=mailto:%3cllenoch@usgs.gov%3e class=text-no-underline target=blank><i class="fas fa-envelope-square text-primary-darker social-icon"></i></a></div><div><span class="display-block text-uppercase">Reading Time</span>
#> <span class=text-bold>7 minutes</span>
#> <span class="display-block text-uppercase margin-top-1">Share</span>
#> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?src=bm&u=https%3a%2f%2fwaterdata.usgs.gov%2fblog%2fwdfn-field-measurements%2f&t=New%20Feature%20-%20Field%20Measurements" class="text-no-underline margin-right-1" onclick='return window.open(this.href,"PCwindow","width=550, height=350, menubar=no, toolbar=no, scrollbars=yes"),!1'><i class="fab fa-facebook text-primary-darker social-icon" aria-hidden=true></i>
#> </a><a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3a%2f%2fwaterdata.usgs.gov%2fblog%2fwdfn-field-measurements%2f&text=New%20Feature%20-%20Field%20Measurements&tw_p=tweetbutton" class="text-no-underline margin-right-1" rel=nofollow target=_blank><i class="fab fa-twitter text-primary-darker social-icon" aria-hidden=true></i>
#> </a><a href="https://www.reddit.com/submit?url=https%3a%2f%2fwaterdata.usgs.gov%2fblog%2fwdfn-field-measurements%2f&title=New%20Feature%20-%20Field%20Measurements" class=text-no-underline onclick='return window.open(this.href,"PCwindow","width=550, height=350, menubar=no, toolbar=no, scrollbars=yes"),!1'><i class="fab fa-reddit-alien text-primary-darker social-icon" aria-hidden=true></i></a></div></div><div class="td-toc padding-x-1"><p>What's on this page</p><nav id=TableOfContents><ul><li><a href=#field-measurements-in-wdfn>Field measurements in WDFN</a><ul><li><a href=#where-can-i-graph-field-measurements>Where can I graph field measurements?</a></li><li><a href=#where-can-i-see-a-table-of-field-measurements>Where can I see a table of field measurements?</a></li><li><a href=#where-can-i-download-field-measurements>Where can I download field measurements?</a></li><li><a href=#how-can-i-access-field-measurements-via-an-api>How can I access field measurements via an API?</a></li></ul></li><li><a href=#decommission-of-nwisweb>Decommission of NWISWeb</a></li><li><a href=#were-here-to-help>We&rsquo;re here to help</a></li></ul></nav></div><p>We are excited to announce a new feature on Monitoring Location pages that provide <strong>field measurements</strong>, which are physically measured values collected during a field visit to a monitoring location.</p><p>There has been <a href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/wdfn-updates-2025/ target=_blank>a lot of change</a>
#> to how you access USGS water data as we work to modernize data delivery in USGS Water Data for the Nation (WDFN) and decommission NWISWeb. As we centralize and re-organize data delivery in WDFN, we have recently set out to describe different types of water data according to <a href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/data-collection-categories/ target=_blank>data collection categories</a>
#> . We started with re-organizing and expanding the data collection categories that are delivered on the <a href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/intro-data-collection-categories/ target=_blank>Monitoring Location Page</a>
#> and are now working to deliver additional data collection categories on other WDFN pages as well. This blog is part of a series to help orient you to where you can find different types of data in WDFN pages and services. <strong>In this post, we want to focus on how you can access field measurements in WDFN.</strong></p><h2 id=field-measurements-in-wdfn>Field measurements in WDFN</h2><p>Field measurements are physically measured values collected during a visit to the monitoring location. Field measurements consist of measurements of streamgage height, discharge, and groundwater levels, and are primarily used as calibration readings for the automated sensors collecting continuous data.</p><p>We’re still delivering the same data, but how you access and look at it is going to be a little different. In the <a href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/nwisweb-decommission-summary/ target=_blank>soon-to-be-decommissioned</a>
#> NWISWeb, field measurements of groundwater and surface water were delivered with slightly different information and on different webpages. Now, all readings of groundwater level, gage height, and discharge are delivered in the same manner on WDFN pages and from the same water data API endpoint. Read more about where to find field measurements on graphs, in a table, via a download, or through our APIs below.</p><h3 id=where-can-i-graph-field-measurements>Where can I graph field measurements?</h3><p>The primary place to graph field measurements is on the Monitoring Location Page, or MLP, which serves as the hub for all USGS water data collected at a location. In the <strong>“Available data”</strong> section of the MLP, you will see all the available data types at the location, organized into the data collection categories. You can plot field measurements independently by clicking the <strong>“Graph it”</strong> button next to a field measurement data type.</p><p>Additionally, when you graph continuous data or daily data for gage height, discharge, or groundwater level, field measurements within the current time span of your graph will be automatically shown. This is a very exciting feature that many users depend on from the legacy NWISWeb graphs, and we can now display on WDFN graphs!</p><div class=grid-row><figure><img src=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/static/wdfn-field-measurements/fig1.png alt="Screenshot of the Available Data section of the MLP for Eau Galle River at Spring Valley WI (USGS-05370000) showing the number of data types available within each data collection category, and an expansion section open to show two field measurement data types that can graphed on the page."><figcaption><p>Example of the Available data section of the MLP for <a href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/USGS-05370000 target=_blank>Eau Galle River at Spring Valley WI (USGS-05370000)</a>
#> showing the number of data types available within each data collection category.</p></figcaption></figure></div><p>There are two other WDFN pages where field measurements are graphed along with the continuous data types: <strong>MLP: All Graphs</strong> and <strong>My Favorites: Graphed</strong>. On these pages, you can see all the continuous data graphs on a single page without any clicking—just like the functionality on the legacy Current Conditions page, but with exciting new features and improved usability on mobile devices.</p><div class=grid-row><figure><img src=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/static/wdfn-field-measurements/fig2.png alt="Screenshot of the MLP for Eau Galle River at Spring Valley WI (USGS-05370000) showing a graph with one year of daily discharge data and the field measurements of discharge that were collected over the time period."><figcaption><p>Daily discharge data from the Eau Galle River at Spring Valley WI (USGS- 05370000) with field measurements shown as circles on the graph.</p></figcaption></figure></div><h4 id=monitoring-location-pages-mlp-all-graphs>Monitoring Location Pages (MLP): All Graphs</h4><p><strong>MLP: All Graphs</strong> shows graphs for all continuous data types at a single location. You can choose between several available time spans ranging from 2 days to 120 days, and when there are field measurements available in the selected time span, they will be shown on the graphs automatically. You can find the MLP: All Graphs page by adding <code>/all-graphs</code> after the monitoring location identifier in the MLP URL (example: <a href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/USGS-05370000/all-graphs target=_blank>waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/USGS-05370000/all-graphs</a>
#> ) or under the “View related graphs” action button on the MLP when graphing a continuous data type. Read our <a href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/intro-all-graphs/ target=_blank>blog post on the MLP: All Graphs page</a>
#> to learn more.</p><h4 id=my-favorites-graphed>My Favorites: Graphed</h4><p><strong>My Favorites: Graphed</strong> shows continuous data graphs for a customizable list of locations and data types that you choose. It all starts with a list on My Favorites, a centralized place to keep track of monitoring locations you are interested in. You can create a My Favorites list by starting on a State Page or from a list of monitoring location identifiers. Once you have a list of My Favorites, you can select exactly the locations and continuous data types that you want to include in a list of graphs, and the field measurements available in the current selected time span will be displayed automatically on the graphs. Read our <a href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/intro-custom-list/ target=_blank>blog post about My Favorites and My Favorites: Graphed</a>
#> to learn more.</p><div style=padding:5px;background-color:#deebf7;margin-top:20px><h4 style=margin:10px>Reminder!</h4><p style=margin:10px>The URLs for the graphing pages can keep track of the choices for monitoring location, data type, and time period you’ve made on the page, so be sure to bookmark the page after you’ve set it up the way you like to return to the same view.</p></div><h3 id=where-can-i-see-a-table-of-field-measurements>Where can I see a table of field measurements?</h3><p>On the MLP you can find a table view of field measurements by clicking the “View data records” action button. There you will find tables for the data types and time span that are currently graphed on the page. The table for field measurements contains the data values, date and time of collection, data approval status, and any qualifiers. This is a subset of metadata about the field measurements, and you can access full metadata for field measurements from the <a href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/wdfn-field-measurements/#how-can-i-access-field-measurements-via-api target=_blank><code>/field-measurements</code> API</a>
#> endpoint.</p><div class=grid-row><figure><img src=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/static/wdfn-field-measurements/fig3.png alt="Screenshot of the MLP for Eau Galle River at Spring Valley WI (USGS-05370000) showing a graph with one year of field measurements of gage height and a table view of the same data."><figcaption><p>Inside the “View data records” action button on the MLP, find a table view of field measurements that are currently shown on the graph. This example from the Eau Galle River at Spring Valley WI (USGS-05370000) shows a table of the seven field measurements that were collected in the past year.</p></figcaption></figure></div><h3 id=where-can-i-download-field-measurements>Where can I download field measurements?</h3><p>On the MLP, you can download field measurements by first graphing either a field measurement data type, or a continuous or daily data type with field measurements. Click the “Download data” action button, select the “Field measurements” data type, and click “Retrieve” to download the field measurements that are currently shown on the graph. Field measurements will download as a <code>.csv</code> file. When graphing discharge or gage height field measurements, you can also download the channel measurement metadata, which contains information about the channel collected during the measurement, including width, velocity, measurement type, and channel material. If you would like to download field measurements for multiple locations or data types from a browser, try out the new <a href=https://api.waterdata.usgs.gov/download/ target=_blank>Download data form</a>
#> . In 2026, we will continue working to support more complex downloads from WDFN pages.</p><div class=grid-row><figure><img src=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/static/wdfn-field-measurements/fig4.png alt="Screenshot of the MLP for Eau Galle River at Spring Valley WI (USGS-05370000) showing a graph with one year of continuous gage height and field measurements of gage height, along with the “Download data” action button expanded to show where to select and download the field measurements that are shown on the graph. "><figcaption><p>Inside the “Download data” action button on the MLP, you can download data that is currently shown on the graph. This example from the Eau Galle River at Spring Valley WI (USGS-05370000) shows how to download the field measurements of gage height that were collected in the last year.</p></figcaption></figure></div><h3 id=how-can-i-access-field-measurements-via-an-api>How can I access field measurements via an API?</h3><p>You can access field measurements and their metadata from the <a href=https://api.waterdata.usgs.gov/ogcapi/v0/collections/field-measurements target=_blank>field-measurements API</a>
#> on USGS water data APIs. The field-measurements API replaces the legacy groundwater levels service and provides field measurements for gage height and discharge. Additional data about the measurements and channel morphology metadata are available in the new <a href=https://api.waterdata.usgs.gov/ogcapi/v0/collections/channel-measurements target=_blank>channel-measurements API</a>
#> . Data from the APIs can be returned in several formats, including json, csv, and html.</p><p>You can learn more about the new APIs at <a href=https://api.waterdata.usgs.gov target=_blank>https://api.waterdata.usgs.gov</a>
#> , which is the new central hub for all modernized USGS water data APIs. There you will see links to a number of different endpoints, including for other USGS data like the National Imagery Management Service. You’ll also find a <a href=https://api.waterdata.usgs.gov/docs/ target=_blank>Documentation</a>
#> tab that provides a central place for long-form API documentation. From the API homepage, you can also find a signup form for API keys.</p><h2 id=decommission-of-nwisweb>Decommission of NWISWeb</h2><p>Now that field measurements are available throughout WDFN on graphs, in tables, to download, and accessible with the new API, we will be <a href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/nwisweb-decommission-summary/ target=_blank>decommissioning the legacy NWISWeb pages</a>
#> that delivered these data. In Decommission Campaign 2, the legacy NWISWeb URLs will be redirected to modernized WDFN webpages when possible, or to relevant resources to help you find the data you were looking for on new WDFN webpages. The legacy URLs will no longer be accessible.</p><p>Want to know if your webpage will be affected? Look at the URL in your browser window (for example, <code>waterdata.usgs.gov/ca/nwis/measurements</code>). For field measurements, the decommission impacts <code>https://waterdata.usgs.gov</code> URLs that include:</p><ul><li><code>/gwlevels</code></li><li><code>/measurements</code></li></ul><p>Learn more about the <a href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/nwisweb-decommission-summary/ target=_blank>decommission of NWISWeb</a>
#> and stay up-to-date with our decommission timing and progress by following along with the <a href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog target=_blank>Water Data Blog</a>
#> .</p><h2 id=were-here-to-help>We&rsquo;re here to help</h2><p>We understand that change is hard, and some of these changes might feel sudden. We’re here to help. We have staff ready to help you make the transition to using WDFN webpages should you need it. Please reach out to us at <a href=gs-w_waterdata_support@usgs.gov>gs-w_waterdata_support@usgs.gov</a>
#> with any questions. You can get regular updates about the modernization and decommission effort sent to your inbox by <a href=https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOIGS/signup/35025 target=_blank>subscribing to the Water Data for the Nation newsletter</a>
#> .</p><p>The WDFN websites and services advance the way we deliver water data, and we are focused on continual improvement. Our team uses user-centered design processes to determine what to prioritize next. Let us know how the WDFN pages are working for you by emailing <a href=gs-w_waterdata_support@usgs.gov>gs-w_waterdata_support@usgs.gov</a>
#> .</p><div class="grid-row border-y display-flex flex-align-center padding-y-1"><div class="display-flex flex-12"><div class=taxo-categories><h3 class=margin-y-0>Categories:</h3><ul class="usa-list usa-list--unstyled margin-right-1"><li class="display-inline-block margin-right-05"><a class="usa-tag text-no-underline" href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/categories/water-data/ data-taxonomy-term=water-data><span>Water Data</span></a></li><li class="display-inline-block margin-right-05"><a class="usa-tag text-no-underline" href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/categories/water-data-for-the-nation/ data-taxonomy-term=water-data-for-the-nation><span>Water Data for the Nation</span></a></li></ul></div><div class=taxo-keywords><h3 class=margin-y-0>Keywords:</h3><ul class="usa-list usa-list--unstyled margin-right-1"><li class="display-inline-block margin-right-05"><a class="usa-tag text-no-underline" href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/keywords/nwis/ data-taxonomy-term=nwis><span>NWIS</span></a></li><li class="display-inline-block margin-right-05"><a class="usa-tag text-no-underline" href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/keywords/nwisweb/ data-taxonomy-term=nwisweb><span>NWISWeb</span></a></li><li class="display-inline-block margin-right-05"><a class="usa-tag text-no-underline" href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/keywords/water-data-for-the-nation/ data-taxonomy-term=water-data-for-the-nation><span>Water Data for the Nation</span></a></li><li class="display-inline-block margin-right-05"><a class="usa-tag text-no-underline" href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/keywords/website-decommission/ data-taxonomy-term=website-decommission><span>Website Decommission</span></a></li><li class="display-inline-block margin-right-05"><a class="usa-tag text-no-underline" href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/keywords/wdfn/ data-taxonomy-term=wdfn><span>WDFN</span></a></li><li class="display-inline-block margin-right-05"><a class="usa-tag text-no-underline" href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/keywords/water-data/ data-taxonomy-term=water-data><span>Water Data</span></a></li><li class="display-inline-block margin-right-05"><a class="usa-tag text-no-underline" href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/keywords/next-generation/ data-taxonomy-term=next-generation><span>Next Generation</span></a></li><li class="display-inline-block margin-right-05"><a class="usa-tag text-no-underline" href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/keywords/api/ data-taxonomy-term=api><span>API</span></a></li></ul></div><div class=taxo-tags><h3 class=margin-y-0>Tags:</h3><ul class="usa-list usa-list--unstyled margin-right-1"><li class="display-inline-block margin-right-05"><a class="usa-tag text-no-underline" href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/tags/water-data-for-the-nation/ data-taxonomy-term=water-data-for-the-nation><span>Water Data for the Nation</span></a></li><li class="display-inline-block margin-right-05"><a class="usa-tag text-no-underline" href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/tags/monitoring-location-pages/ data-taxonomy-term=monitoring-location-pages><span>Monitoring Location Pages</span></a></li><li class="display-inline-block margin-right-05"><a class="usa-tag text-no-underline" href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/tags/nextgen/ data-taxonomy-term=nextgen><span>NextGen</span></a></li><li class="display-inline-block margin-right-05"><a class="usa-tag text-no-underline" href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/tags/streamgage/ data-taxonomy-term=streamgage><span>Streamgage</span></a></li><li class="display-inline-block margin-right-05"><a class="usa-tag text-no-underline" href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/tags/api/ data-taxonomy-term=api><span>API</span></a></li></ul></div></div></div><div class="grid-row flex-justify-end flex-align-center"><h3 class=margin-right-1>Share:</h3><a href="http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?src=bm&u=https%3a%2f%2fwaterdata.usgs.gov%2fblog%2fwdfn-field-measurements%2f&t=New%20Feature%20-%20Field%20Measurements" class="text-no-underline margin-right-1" onclick='return window.open(this.href,"PCwindow","width=550, height=350, menubar=no, toolbar=no, scrollbars=yes"),!1'><i class="fab fa-facebook text-primary-darker social-icon" aria-hidden=true></i>
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#> </a><a href="https://www.reddit.com/submit?url=https%3a%2f%2fwaterdata.usgs.gov%2fblog%2fwdfn-field-measurements%2f&title=New%20Feature%20-%20Field%20Measurements" class=text-no-underline onclick='return window.open(this.href,"PCwindow","width=550, height=350, menubar=no, toolbar=no, scrollbars=yes"),!1'><i class="fab fa-reddit-alien text-primary-darker social-icon" aria-hidden=true></i></a></div><section class=margin-top-2><h2 class=text-uppercase>Related Posts</h2><ul class=usa-card-group><li class="desktop:grid-col-6 usa-card"><div class=usa-card__container><div class=usa-card__header><h2 class=usa-card__heading>Daily data in Water Data for the Nation</h2></div><div class=usa-card__body><p class=margin-y-0>November 21, 2025</p><p><p>There have been <a href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/wdfn-updates-2025/ target=_blank>a lot of changes</a>
#> to how you access USGS water data as we work to modernize data delivery in WDFN and decommission NWISWeb. As we centralize and re-organize data delivery in WDFN, we have recently set out to describe different types of water data according to <a href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/data-collection-categories/ target=_blank>data collection categories</a>
#> . We started with re-organizing and expanding the data collection categories that are delivered on the <a href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/intro-data-collection-categories/ target=_blank>Monitoring Location Page</a>
#> and are now working to deliver additional data collection categories on other WDFN pages as well. <strong>This blog is part of a series to help orient you to where you can find different types of data in WDFN pages and services. In this post, we want to focus on how you can access daily data in WDFN.</strong></p></p></div><div class=usa-card__footer><a href=/blog/wdfn-daily-data/ class=usa-button>Read More...</a></div></div></li><li class="desktop:grid-col-6 usa-card"><div class=usa-card__container><div class=usa-card__header><h2 class=usa-card__heading>Modernization of Statistical Delivery and WaterWatch Decommission</h2></div><div class=usa-card__body><p class=margin-y-0>June 10, 2025</p><p><p>USGS is modernizing how statistical information is delivered through a suite of new features and products. These are replacing <a href=https://waterwatch.usgs.gov/ target=_blank>WaterWatch</a>
#> , which offered unique statistics delivery that differentiated it from the core data delivery through legacy NWISWeb. WaterWatch and Water Quality Watch are set to be decommissioned by the end of 2025 as new products become available. This blog details where you can find the statistics previously offered on WaterWatch.</p></p></div><div class=usa-card__footer><a href=/blog/wdfn-stats-delivery/ class=usa-button>Read More...</a></div></div></li><li class="desktop:grid-col-6 usa-card"><div class=usa-card__container><div class=usa-card__header><h2 class=usa-card__heading>Decommissioning Legacy gwlevels and SensorThings APIs – Fall 2025</h2></div><div class=usa-card__body><p class=margin-y-0>September 23, 2025</p><p><h2 id=background>Background</h2><p>For over 15 years, the USGS has provided machine-readable and automated access to water data via the WaterServices family of application programming interfaces (APIs), which are hosted at <a href=https://waterservices.usgs.gov/ target=_blank>https://waterservices.usgs.gov/</a>
#> . These APIs underpin all other USGS web delivery products – including products such as the National Water Dashboard and <a href=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/ target=_blank>Water Data for the Nation</a>
#> (WDFN) – and have been incredibly effective at delivering water data to the public. Between October 2024 and March 2025 alone, these legacy APIs have handled more than 1.6 billion requests from almost 3.5 million distinct IP addresses.</p></p></div><div class=usa-card__footer><a href=/blog/api-decom-fall-2025/ class=usa-button>Read More...</a></div></div></li><li class="desktop:grid-col-6 usa-card"><div class=usa-card__container><div class=usa-card__header><h2 class=usa-card__heading>Big changes to USGS Water Data in 2025</h2></div><div class=usa-card__body><p class=margin-y-0>May 28, 2025</p><p><div style=padding:5px;background-color:#c0bdd6><h2 style=margin:10px>Public USGS Webinar: Water Data for the Nation – New Features and NWISWeb Decommissioning</h2><p style=margin:10px>In this webinar, we highlight important changes in how we deliver water data. These changes are part of a long-term effort to modernize our Water Data for the Nation (WDFN) systems, improve performance, and better serve both internal and public users.</p></p></div><div class=usa-card__footer><a href=/blog/wdfn-updates-2025/ class=usa-button>Read More...</a></div></div></li><li class="desktop:grid-col-6 usa-card"><div class=usa-card__container><div class=usa-card__header><h2 class=usa-card__heading>NWISWeb Decommission Campaign 2</h2></div><div class=usa-card__body><p class=margin-y-0>November 21, 2025</p><p><div style=padding:5px;background-color:#c0bdd6><h2 style=margin:10px>Public USGS Webinar: Water Data for the Nation – New Features and NWISWeb Decommissioning</h2><p style=margin:10px>In this webinar, we highlight important changes in how we deliver water data. These changes are part of a long-term effort to modernize our Water Data for the Nation (WDFN) systems, improve performance, and better serve both internal and public users.</p></p></div><div class=usa-card__footer><a href=/blog/nwisweb-decommission-campaign2/ class=usa-button>Read More...</a></div></div></li></ul></section></div></main></div><footer class="usa-footer usa-footer--slim" role=contentinfo><nav class=usgs-footer-container aria-label="Footer Navigation"><div class=usgs-footer-nav><a class=usgs-footer-link href=https://www.doi.gov/privacy>DOI Privacy Policy</a> |
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waterYearStat <- readNWISdata(
  site = c("01646500"),
  service = "stat",
  statReportType = "annual",
  statYearType = "water",
  missingData = "on"
)
#> Please be aware the NWIS data service feeding this function is in BETA.
#> 
#>             Data formatting could be changed at any time, and is not guaranteed
#> ALERT: All NWIS services are slated for decommission
#> and new dataRetrieval functions will be added.
#> For up-to-date information, see: 
#> https://doi-usgs.github.io/dataRetrieval/articles/Status.html
#> GET: https://waterservices.usgs.gov/nwis/stat/?site=01646500&statReportType=annual&statYearType=water&missingData=on&format=rdb
monthlyStat <- readNWISdata(
  site = c("01646500"),
  service = "stat",
  statReportType = "monthly"
)
#> Please be aware the NWIS data service feeding this function is in BETA.
#> 
#>             Data formatting could be changed at any time, and is not guaranteed
#> ALERT: All NWIS services are slated for decommission
#> and new dataRetrieval functions will be added.
#> For up-to-date information, see: 
#> https://doi-usgs.github.io/dataRetrieval/articles/Status.html
#> GET: https://waterservices.usgs.gov/nwis/stat/?site=01646500&statReportType=monthly&format=rdb

dailyStat <- readNWISdata(
  site = c("01646500"),
  service = "stat",
  statReportType = "daily",
  statType = c("p25", "p50", "p75", "min", "max"),
  parameterCd = "00060"
)
#> Please be aware the NWIS data service feeding this function is in BETA.
#> 
#>             Data formatting could be changed at any time, and is not guaranteed
#> ALERT: All NWIS services are slated for decommission
#> and new dataRetrieval functions will be added.
#> For up-to-date information, see: 
#> https://doi-usgs.github.io/dataRetrieval/articles/Status.html
#> GET: https://waterservices.usgs.gov/nwis/stat/?site=01646500&statReportType=daily&statType=p25%2Cp50%2Cp75%2Cmin%2Cmax&parameterCd=00060&format=rdb

arg.list <- list(
  site = "03111548",
  statReportType = "daily",
  statType = c("p25", "p50", "p75", "min", "max"),
  parameterCd = "00060"
)
allDailyStats_2 <- readNWISdata(arg.list, service = "stat")
#> Please be aware the NWIS data service feeding this function is in BETA.
#> 
#>             Data formatting could be changed at any time, and is not guaranteed
#> ALERT: All NWIS services are slated for decommission
#> and new dataRetrieval functions will be added.
#> For up-to-date information, see: 
#> https://doi-usgs.github.io/dataRetrieval/articles/Status.html
#> GET: https://waterservices.usgs.gov/nwis/stat/?site=03111548&statReportType=daily&statType=p25%2Cp50%2Cp75%2Cmin%2Cmax&parameterCd=00060&format=rdb


site_id <- "01594440"
rating_curve <- readNWISdata(service = "rating", site_no = site_id, file_type = "base")
#> ALERT: All NWIS services are slated for decommission
#> and new dataRetrieval functions will be added.
#> For up-to-date information, see: 
#> https://doi-usgs.github.io/dataRetrieval/articles/Status.html
#> GET: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwisweb/get_ratings/?site_no=01594440&file_type=base
all_sites_base <- readNWISdata(service = "rating", file_type = "base")
#> ALERT: All NWIS services are slated for decommission
#> and new dataRetrieval functions will be added.
#> For up-to-date information, see: 
#> https://doi-usgs.github.io/dataRetrieval/articles/Status.html
#> GET: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwisweb/get_ratings/?file_type=base
all_sites_core <- readNWISdata(service = "rating", file_type = "corr")
#> ALERT: All NWIS services are slated for decommission
#> and new dataRetrieval functions will be added.
#> For up-to-date information, see: 
#> https://doi-usgs.github.io/dataRetrieval/articles/Status.html
#> GET: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwisweb/get_ratings/?file_type=corr
all_sites_exsa <- readNWISdata(service = "rating", file_type = "exsa")
#> ALERT: All NWIS services are slated for decommission
#> and new dataRetrieval functions will be added.
#> For up-to-date information, see: 
#> https://doi-usgs.github.io/dataRetrieval/articles/Status.html
#> GET: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwisweb/get_ratings/?file_type=exsa
all_sites_24hrs <- readNWISdata(service = "rating", file_type = "exsa", period = 24)
#> ALERT: All NWIS services are slated for decommission
#> and new dataRetrieval functions will be added.
#> For up-to-date information, see: 
#> https://doi-usgs.github.io/dataRetrieval/articles/Status.html
#> GET: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwisweb/get_ratings/?file_type=exsa&period=24

peak_data <- readNWISdata(
  service = "peak",
  site_no = c("01594440", "040851325"),
  range_selection = "data_range"
)
#> ALERT: All NWIS services are slated for decommission
#> and new dataRetrieval functions will be added.
#> For up-to-date information, see: 
#> https://doi-usgs.github.io/dataRetrieval/articles/Status.html
#> GET: https://nwis.waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/peak/?site_no=01594440%2C040851325&range_selection=data_range&date_format=YYYY-MM-DD&rdb_inventory_output=file&TZoutput=0&format=rdb

peak_data <- readNWISdata(
  service = "peak",
  state_cd = "PA"
)
#> ALERT: All NWIS services are slated for decommission
#> and new dataRetrieval functions will be added.
#> For up-to-date information, see: 
#> https://doi-usgs.github.io/dataRetrieval/articles/Status.html
#> GET: https://nwis.waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/peak/?state_cd=PA&date_format=YYYY-MM-DD&rdb_inventory_output=file&TZoutput=0&format=rdb

peak_data <- readNWISdata(
  service = "peak",
  huc2_cd = "20"
)
#> ALERT: All NWIS services are slated for decommission
#> and new dataRetrieval functions will be added.
#> For up-to-date information, see: 
#> https://doi-usgs.github.io/dataRetrieval/articles/Status.html
#> GET: https://nwis.waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/peak/?huc2_cd=20&date_format=YYYY-MM-DD&rdb_inventory_output=file&TZoutput=0&list_of_search_criteria=huc2_cd&format=rdb
# }