Title
Resolution Approving Partnership Agreement Between the United States Geological Survey and City of Greensboro for Stream Flow and Rainfall Gauges Within Greensboro City Limits
Body
Department: Water Resources
Council District: All
Public Hearing: N/A
Advertising Date/By: N/A
Contact 1 and Phone: Steven D. Drew, 373-7893
Contact 2 and Phone: David Phlegar, 373-7207
PURPOSE:
The City of Greensboro Water Resources Department wishes to enter into an annual agreement with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to maintain the network of continuous stream flow and rainfall gauges within Greensboro city limits. USGS is providing funds for some of the operation and maintenance of these gauges.
BACKGROUND:
The data collection network consists of (12) representative sites that are operated and maintained by the USGS. The 12 gauging stations allow the City to quantify both rainfall and stream flow in our major streams that include North Buffalo, South Buffalo, Reedy Fork, Brush Creek and Horse Pen Creek. The continuous monitoring data is available to the public (staff, citizens, businesses, schools, engineers, etc.) in near real time mode via the USGS's Web site.
The continuous stream flow and rainfall gauging allows City staff to better quantify individual drainage and flooding problems in terms of the "return frequency" of the given rainfall event. The USGS data is also heavily used for monitoring area rainfall and stream flow into the City’s three drinking water lakes. This data is useful in numerous other applications as well, from hydraulic modeling to calculating pollutant loads. The City and the USGS have had this contractual relationship since 1998 and the City has been satisfied with the level of service and products delivered.
BUDGET IMPACT:
Funding for this ongoing effort will come from the Stormwater Management Division account number 505-7003-03.5413 for amount of $144,800. The portion of funds contributed by the USGS is $62,000.
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
It is recommended by the Water Resources Department Stormwater Division that City Council approve the contractual partnership agreement with USGS for the network and maintenance of continuous stream flow and rainfall gauges in Greensboro.