USGS Data Download Guide

Overview

This guide covers downloading water level data from USGS using the dataretrieval Python package. USGS maintains thousands of stream gages across the United States that record water levels at 15-minute intervals.

Installation

pip install dataretrieval

nwis Module (Recommended)

The NWIS module is reliable and straightforward for accessing gage height data.

from dataretrieval import nwis

# Get instantaneous values (15-min intervals)
df, meta = nwis.get_iv(
    sites='<station_id>',
    start='<start_date>',
    end='<end_date>',
    parameterCd='00065'
)

# Get daily values
df, meta = nwis.get_dv(
    sites='<station_id>',
    start='<start_date>',
    end='<end_date>',
    parameterCd='00060'
)

# Get site information
info, meta = nwis.get_info(sites='<station_id>')

Parameter Codes

Code	Parameter	Unit	Description
00065	Gage height	feet	Water level above datum
00060	Discharge	cfs	Streamflow volume

nwis Module Functions

Function	Description	Data Frequency
nwis.get_iv()	Instantaneous values	~15 minutes
nwis.get_dv()	Daily values	Daily
nwis.get_info()	Site information	N/A
nwis.get_stats()	Statistical summaries