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[ Site Inventory | Groundwater | Surface Water | Water Quality ]



Site Inventory Codes

Aquifer Type Code (aqfr_type_cd)

Describes the type of aquifer(s) encountered by a site type of well (groundwater).
---------------------------------
Code  Description
---------------------------------
U     Unconfined single aquifer
N     Unconfined multiple aquifers
C     Confined single aquifer
M     Confined multiple aquifer
X     Mixed (confined and unconfined multiple aquifers)

Basin Codes (basin_cd)

The Basin Code or "drainage basin code" is a two-digit code that further subdivides the 8-digit hydrologic-unit code. The drainage basin code is defined by the USGS State Office where the site is located.

Lat/Long Coordinate Accuracy (coord_acy_cd)

Indicates the accuracy of the latitude longitude values.
---------------------------------
Code   Description
---------------------------------
H      Accurate to +/- .01 second (differentially corrected GPS)
1      Accurate to +/- .1 second (differentially corrected GPS)
5      Accurate to +/- .5 second (Precise Positioning Service (PLGR/PPS GPS))
S      Accurate to +/- 1 second
R      Accurate to +/- 3 seconds (Standard Positioning Service (SPS GPS))
F      Accurate to +/- 5 seconds
T      Accurate to +/- 10 seconds
M      Accurate to +/- 1 minute
U      Unknown

Lat/Long Coordinate Method (coord_meth_cd)

Indicates the method used to determine latitude longitude values.
---------------------------------
Code   Description
---------------------------------
D      Differentially corrected Global Positioning System (GPS)
G      Global positioning system, uncorrected (Standard Positioning Service (SPS) and Precise Positioning Service (PPS))
L      Long-range navigation system
M      Interpolated from map
N      Interpolated from Digital Map
S      Transit, theodolite, or other surveying method
U      Unknown

Coordinate Datum Code (coord_datum_cd)

Latitude/longitude (horizontal) coordinate datum.

---------------------------------
Code       Description
---------------------------------
NAD27      North American Datum of 1927
NAD83      North American Datum of 1983
OLDAK      Old Alaska (Mainland) and Aleutian Islands Datum
OLDHI      Old Hawaiian
OLDPR      Old Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands Datum
OLDSAMOA   Old American Samoa Datum
OLDGUAM    Old Guam Datum

Aquifer Codes (aqfr)

The eight-character string identifying an aquifer. Codes are defined by the "Catalog of Aquifer Names and Geologic Unit Codes used by the Water Resources Division." A list of aquifers is available [Tab-separated file || [Tab-separated --saved to compressed file || [Tab-separated --saved to file || Table].

Local Time Flag (local_time_fg)

Y for yes or an N for no to indicate whether the site is in an area that switches to Local Standard Time (Daylight Savings Time) for a part of the year.

Site-Type Codes (site_tp_cd)

A list of primary and secondary site types that can be associated with data collection sites. A site type is a generalized location in the hydrologic cycle, or a man-made feature thought to affect the hydrologic conditions measured at a site. All sites are associated with a primary site type, and may additionally be associated with a secondary site type that further describes the location. The exception to this rule is the Facility primary site type, which must always be associated with a secondary site type. The site type code incorporates these hierarchial distinctions. A list of site type codes is available [Tab-separated file || [Tab-separated --saved to compressed file || [Tab-separated --saved to file || Table].

State and County FIPS Codes

State code. FIPS state code as defined by FIPS PUB 5-2: Codes for the Identification of the States, the District Of Columbia and the Outlying Areas of the United States, and Associated Areas (http://www.itl.nist.gov/fipspubs/fip5-2.htm).

County FIPS code. A two digit code indicating a U.S. county as defined by FIPS 5-2.
A list of codes is available [Tab-separated file || [Tab-separated --saved to compressed file || [Tab-separated --saved to file || Pre || Table].

Time Zone Codes (tz)

Time zone offset. An ANSI SQL/92 time zone offset string. Some examples are '-07:00' (Eastern), '+02:00' (Eastern Europe), and '+03:30' (India).
A list of tz is available [Tab-separated file || [Tab-separated --saved to compressed file || [Tab-separated --saved to file || Table].

Topographic Setting Code (topo_cd)

The topographic setting refers to the geomorphic features in the vicinity of the site.
---------------------------------
Code  Description
---------------------------------
A     Alluvial fan
B     Playa
C     Stream channel
D     Local depression
E     Dunes
F     Flat surface
G     Flood plain
H     Hilltop
K     Sinkhole
L     Lake, swamp, or marsh
M     Mangrove swamp
O     Offshore (estuary)
P     Pediment
S     Hillside (slope)
T     Alluvial or marine terrace
U     Undulating
V     Valley flat (valleys of all sizes)
W     Upland draw

Type of Data Collected

This is a legacy field from the old WATSTORE days therefore the national consistency of the information/values stored in this field will vary. This field is actually a 30-POSITION ARRAY of characters. Coded in one or more locations in the array, will be the following alpha-code:
---------------------------------
Code  Description
---------------------------------
A     Active data collection site
I     Inactive or discontinued data collection site
O     Inventory data site only

These codes act as "flags" for the types of data collected in the following array positions:

(1)   Stage or water levels--continuous
(2)   Stage or water levels--intermittent
(3)   Water quality--continuous
(4)   Water quality--intermittent
(5)   Precipitation--continuous
(6)   Precipitation--intermittent
(7)   Evaporation--continuous
(8)   Evaporation--intermittent
(9)   Wind velocity
(10)  Tide--continuous
(11)  Tide--intermittent
(12)  Sediment concentration
(13)  Sediment particle size
(14)  Peak flows
(15)  Low flows
(16)  Water Use


Groundwater Codes

 

Daily Value Qualification Code (dv_rmk_cd)

---------------------------------
Code  Description
---------------------------------
e     Value has been edited or estimated by USGS personnel and is write protected
&     Value was computed from affected unit values
E     Value was computed from estimated unit values.
A     Approved for publication -- Processing and review completed.
P     Provisional data subject to revision.
<     The value is known to be less than reported value and is write protected.
>     The value is known to be greater than reported value and is write protected.
1     Value is write protected without any remark code to be printed
2     Remark is write protected without any remark code to be printed
      No remark (blank)

Instantaneous Value Qualification Code (uv_rmk_cd)

---------------------------------
Code  Description
---------------------------------
e     The value has been edited or estimated by USGS personnel
A     The value is affected by ice at the measurement site.
B     The value is affected by backwater at the measurement site.
R     The rating is undefined for this value
&     This value is affected by unspecified reasons.
K     The value is affected by  instrument calibration drift.
X     The value is erroneous. It will not be used.
<     The Value is known to be less than reported value
>     The value is known to be greater than reported value
E     The value was computed from an estimated value
F     The value was modified due to automated filtering.

Instantaneous and Daily Value Status Codes

 ---------------------------------
 Code   Description
 ---------------------------------
 Ssn    Parameter monitored seasonally
 Bkw    Flow affected by backwater
 Ice    Ice affected
 Pr     Partial-record site
 Rat    Rating being developed or revised
 Eqp    Equipment malfunction
 Fld    Flood damage
 Dry    Dry
 Dis    Data-collection discontinued
 Tst    Value is affected by artificial test condition.
 --     Parameter not determined
 Pmp    Value is affected by pumping at time of measurement.
 Mnt    Maintenance in progress
 ZFl    Zero flow
 ***    Temporarily unavailable

Water Level method codes(siwlmt.edi)

Code indicating how the water level was measured.

---------------------------------
Code  Description
---------------------------------
A     Airline          Airline measurement.
B     Analog           Analog or graphic recorder.
C     Calib. airline   Calibrated airline measurement.
E     Estimated        Estimated.
F     Transducer       Transducer.
G     Pressure-gage    Pressure-gage measurement.
H     Calib.Pres.Gage  Calibrated pressure-gage measurement.
L     Geophysical log  Interpreted from geophysical logs.
M     Manometer        Manometer measurement.
N     Nonrec. gage     Nonrecording gage.
O     Observed         Observed.
P     Acoustic Pulse   Acoustic Pulse measurement
R     Reported         Reported, method not known.
S     Steel tape       Steel-tape measurement.
T     Electric tape    Electric-tape measurement.
V     Calib.Elec.Tape  Calibrated electric-tape measurement.
Z     Other            Other.

Water Level Site Status Codes (lev_status_cd)

A code indicating the status of the site at the time the water level was measured. If the water level measured represents a static level, this field is blank.

Code Description
A Water level was affected by atmospheric pressure.
B Water level was affected by tide stage.
C Water level was affected by ice.
D The site was dry (no water level is recorded).
E The site was flowing recently.
F The site was flowing. Water level or head could not be measured without additional equipment.
G A nearby site that taps the same aquifer was flowing.
H A nearby site that taps the same aquifer had been flowing recently.
I Recharge water was being injected into the aquifer at the site.
J A nearby site that taps the same aquifer was injecting recharge water.
K Water was cascading down the inside of the well.
L Brackish Saline Water level was affected by brackish or saline water.
M Well was plugged and not in hydraulic contact with formation.
N The measurement was discontinued.
O An obstruction was encountered in the well (no water level was recorded).
P The site was being pumped.
R The site had been pumped recently.
S A nearby site that taps the same aquifer was being pumped.
T A nearby site that taps the same aquifer had been pumped recently.
V A foreign substance was present on the surface of the water.
W The well was destroyed (no water level was recorded).
X The water level was affected by stage in nearby surface-water site.
Z Other conditions existed that would affect the measured water level.



Depth and Water Level source codes(siwlsc.edi)

Source of water level measurement.

---------------------------------
Code  Description
---------------------------------
A     Other Gov't      Reported by another government agency (do not use "A" if reported by owner, use "O").
D     Driller's Log    From driller's log or report.
G     Geologist        Private geologist-consultant or university associate.
L     Geophysical Log  Depth interpreted from geophysical logs by personnel of source agency.
M     Memory           Memory (owner, operator, driller).
O     Owner            Reported by owner of well.
R     Other Reported   Reported by person other than the owner, driller, or another government agency.
S     Reporting Agency Measured by personnel of reporting agency.
U     *Unknown         Source is unknown.
Z     Other            Other source (explain in remarks).


Surface Water

 

Channel Evenness (chan_evenness_cd)

The code identifying the evenness of the channel. The possible values are: [Tab-separated file || [Tab-separated --saved to compressed file || [Tab-separated --saved to file || Table].

Channel Location Code (chan_loc_cd)

The code describing the relative location of the channel measurement section in comparison with the gaging station.
The possible values are: [Tab-separated file || [Tab-separated --saved to compressed file || [Tab-separated --saved to file || Table].

Channel Material (chan_mat_cd)

The code identifying the material of the channel (sand, gravel, silt, etc.). The possible values are: [Tab-separated file || [Tab-separated --saved to compressed file || [Tab-separated --saved to file || Table].

Channel Stability (chan_stability_cd)

The code identifying the stability of the channel (firm, soft, etc.). The possible values are: [Tab-separated file || [Tab-separated --saved to compressed file || [Tab-separated --saved to file || Table].

Daily Value Qualification Code (dv_rmk_cd)

---------------------------------
Code  Description
---------------------------------
e     Value has been edited or estimated by USGS personnel and is write protected
&     Value was computed from affected unit values
E     Value was computed from estimated unit values.
A     Approved for publication -- Processing and review completed.
P     Provisional data subject to revision.
<     The value is known to be less than reported value and is write protected.
>     The value is known to be greater than reported value and is write protected.
1     Value is write protected without any remark code to be printed
2     Remark is write protected without any remark code to be printed
      No remark (blank)

Flow Adjustment Code (discharge_cd)

The flow adjustment code describes how the sum of the channel discharges was adjusted to get the measurement discharge.
The possible values are: [Tab-separated file || [Tab-separated --saved to compressed file || [Tab-separated --saved to file || Table].

Horizontal Velocity Description (horz_vel_desc)

The horizontal velocity description describes the velocity distribution across the channel.
The possible values are: [Tab-separated file || [Tab-separated --saved to compressed file || [Tab-separated --saved to file || Table].

Instantaneous Value Qualification Code (uv_rmk_cd)

---------------------------------
Code  Description
---------------------------------
e     The value has been edited or estimated by USGS personnel
A     The value is affected by ice at the measurement site.
B     The value is affected by backwater at the measurement site.
R     The rating is undefined for this value
&     This value is affected by unspecified reasons.
K     The value is affected by  instrument calibration drift.
X     The value is erroneous. It will not be used.
<     The Value is known to be less than reported value
>     The value is known to be greater than reported value
E     The value was computed from an estimated value
F     The value was modified due to automated filtering.


Instantaneous and Daily Value Status Codes

 ---------------------------------
 Code   Description
 ---------------------------------
 Ssn    Parameter monitored seasonally
 Bkw    Flow affected by backwater
 Ice    Ice affected
 Pr     Partial-record site
 Rat    Rating being developed or revised
 Eqp    Equipment malfunction
 Fld    Flood damage
 Dry    Dry
 Dis    Data-collection discontinued
 Tst    Value is affected by artificial test condition.
 --     Parameter not determined
 Pmp    Value is affected by pumping at time of measurement.
 Mnt    Maintenance in progress
 ZFl    Zero flow
 ***    Temporarily unavailable

Longitudinal Velocity (long_vel_desc)

The longitudinal velocity description describes the flow down the channel.
The possible values are: [Tab-separated file || [Tab-separated --saved to compressed file || [Tab-separated --saved to file || Table].

Measurement Type (meas_type)

The measurement type describes the method used to suspend or place the instrumentation into the water.
The possible values are: [Tab-separated file || [Tab-separated --saved to compressed file || [Tab-separated --saved to file || Table].

Discharge Measurement Quality Code

The code identifying a stream discharge measurement quality qualifier.

---------------------------------
Code  Description
---------------------------------
E     Excellent    The data are within 2% (percent) of the actual flow
G     Good         The data are within 5% (percent) of the actual flow
F     Fair         The data are within 8% (percent) of the actual flow
P     Poor         The data are >8% (percent) of the actual flow

Peak Streamflow Special Conditions (PEAK.peak_cd)

The following codes are used to indicate special conditions that affect how the peak streamflow value may be interpreted

Code Meaning
1 Discharge is a Maximum Daily Average
2 Discharge is an Estimate
3 Discharge affected by Dam Failure
4 Discharge less than indicated value which is Minimum Recordable Discharge at this site
5 Discharge affected to unknown degree by Regulation or Diversion
6 Discharge affected by Regulation or Diversion
7 Discharge is an Historic Peak
8 Discharge actually greater than indicated value
9 Discharge due to Snowmelt, Hurricane, Ice-Jam or Debris Dam breakup
A Year of occurrence is unknown or not exact
B Month or Day of occurrence is unknown or not exact
C All or part of the record affected by Urbanization, Mining, Agricultural changes, Channelization, or other
D Base Discharge changed during this year
E Only Annual Maximum Peak available for this year


Rating Control Condition Code (control_type_cd)

The rating control condition code describes the condition of the rating control at the time of the measurement. The possible values for the code are:

----------------------------------------------------------------
Code         Description
----------------------------------------------------------------

UNSP         The stream control conditions were not specified.
AICE         The stream control is covered with anchor ice.
CICE         The stream control was convered by ice.
CLER         The stream control was clear of any obstructions.
FILL         The stream control was filled.
HVDB         The stream control was heavily covered with debris.
LGDB         The stream control was lightly covered with debris.
ALGA         The stream control was covered with moss/algae.
MAHV         The stream control was heavily covered with moss/algae.
MALT         The stream control was lightly covered with moss/algae.
MAMD         The stream control was moderately covered with moss/algae.
MDDB         The stream control was moderately covered with debris.
NFLW         There was no flow over the stream control.
SCUR         The stream control has scour conditions.
SICE         The stream control has shore ice.
SUBM         The stream control was submerged.

Statistic Codes (stat_cd)

Statistic code. The statistic code of all the unit values for the DD. Most common is 00011 (instantaneous), but some recorders sample the stream on some very frequent interval and report things like the minimums, maximums, and means of all the samples taken for a longer interval. So, for example, the recorder would output a set of values every 15 minutes that are the min., max., and mean of the values taken every 30 seconds during those 15 monites. Data from recorders like those would use a statistic code such as 00001 (max), 00002 (min), or 00003 (mean) in the DD. The possible values are: [Tab-separated file || [Tab-separated --saved to compressed file || [Tab-separated --saved to file || Table].

Streamflow Method (streamflow_method)

The streamflow method describes the method used to measure the discharge.
The possible values are: [Tab-separated file || [Tab-separated --saved to compressed file || [Tab-separated --saved to file || Table].

Velocity Method (velocity_method)

The velocity method describes the method used to measure the velocity, and is only applicable to certain streamflow methods.
The possible values are: [Tab-separated file || [Tab-separated --saved to compressed file || [Tab-separated --saved to file || Table].

Vertical Velocity Description (vert_vel_dstrb_cd).

A code that describes the vertical velocity distribution within the cross-section. That is, whether the vertical distribution of velocity within the cross-section is mostly uniform, standard profile, or non-standard profile. The possible values are: [Tab-separated file || [Tab-separated --saved to compressed file || [Tab-separated --saved to file || Table].


Water Quality Codes

Body Part Codes (body_part)

A part of the body of an organism.
A list of body_part is available [Tab-separated file || [Tab-separated --saved to compressed file || [Tab-separated --saved to file || Table].

Data Quality Indicator Codes (dqi_cd)

The data quality indicator code indicates the review status of a result, controls whether the batch-update programs can overwrite a result, and affects the inclusion of a result in retrievals.
A list of dqi_cd is available. See http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/qwdata?help#Data_retrievals_precautions for more information about the use of this code. [Tab-separated file || [Tab-separated --saved to compressed file || [Tab-separated --saved to file || Table].

Fixed Value Parameter Codes (fxd)

A list of fixed value parameter codes and their domains is available [Tab-separated file || [Tab-separated --saved to compressed file || [Tab-separated --saved to file || Table].

Hydrologic Condition Codes (hyd_cond_cd)

The hydrologic condition code is a single alphanumeric character that identifies the height and change of the river or aquifer during a sampling. The codes and descriptions are: "A" Not determined, "4" Stable, low stage, "5" Falling stage, "6" Stable, high stage, "7" Peak stage, "8" Rising stage, and "9" Stable, normal stage.
A list of hydrologic condition codes is available [Tab-separated file || [Tab-separated --saved to compressed file || [Tab-separated --saved to file || Table].

Hydrologic Event Code (hyd_event_cd)

The hydrologic event code is a single alphanumeric character that identifies a weather event or other environmental event which may affect the quantity or quality of water in a river or aquifer during sampling.
A list of hydrologic event codes is available [Tab-separated file || [Tab-separated --saved to compressed file || [Tab-separated --saved to file || Table].

Medium codes, descriptions, and definitions (medium_cd)

The medium code is the 3-character alpha code that identifies the material type and quality-assurance type of the sample. The first character of the code is the "super" medium, which describes the primary matrix of the sample. The second character is the sub-medium, which characterizes the sample type as a unique entity within the "super" medium category. The third character is used to designate whether a sample is an environmental or QC sample. A blank in position three denotes an environmental sample; a "Q" in position three denotes a QC sample.
A list of medium codes is available [Tab-separated file || [Tab-separated --saved to compressed file || [Tab-separated --saved to file || Table].

Method Codes (meth, parm_meth, cit_meth)

Water quality method codes. A method for calculating the value of a water quality parameter.
A list of meth is available [Tab-separated file || [Tab-separated --saved to compressed file || [Tab-separated --saved to file || Table].

Parameter Groups

The definition of parameter groups was a collaborative effort between USGS and USEPA. Some parameter groups have few or no entries stored by USGS, although these groups are used by USEPA.

---------------------------------
Code  Description
---------------------------------
ALL   All - include all parameter groups
INF   Information
PHY   Physical
INM   Inorganics, Major, Metals
INN   Inorganics, Major Non-metals
NUT   Nutrient
MBI   Microbiological
BIO   Biological
IMM   Inorganics, Minor, metals
IMN   Inorganics, Minor, Non-metals
TOX   Toxicity
OPE   Organics, pesticide
OPC   Organics, PCBs
OOT   Organics, other
RAD   Radiochemistry
ISO   Stable Isotopes
SED   Sediment
POP   Population/Community
OTH   Other
HAB   Habitat

Protocol Organization Codes (proto_org)

A list of proto_org codes, used to identify result-analyzing and sample-collecting organizations is available [Tab-separated file || [Tab-separated --saved to compressed file || [Tab-separated --saved to file || Table].

Instantaneous and Daily Value Status Codes

 ---------------------------------
 Code   Description
 ---------------------------------
 Ssn    Parameter monitored seasonally
 Bkw    Flow affected by backwater
 Ice    Ice affected
 Pr     Partial-record site
 Rat    Rating being developed or revised
 Eqp    Equipment malfunction
 Fld    Flood damage
 Dry    Dry
 Dis    Data-collection discontinued
 Tst    Value is affected by artificial test condition.
 --     Parameter not determined
 Pmp    Value is affected by pumping at time of measurement.
 Mnt    Maintenance in progress
 ZFl    Zero flow
 ***    Temporarily unavailable

Remark Codes (remark_cd) qualify the result value.

A list of remark codes is available [Tab-separated file || [Tab-separated --saved to compressed file || [Tab-separated --saved to file || Table].

Report Type Codes (rpt_lev_cd) is a string of alpha characters that identify the analytical reporting level appropriate for the analytical method.

A list of report-level type codes is available [Tab-separated file || [Tab-separated --saved to compressed file || [Tab-separated --saved to file || Table].

Sample Type Codes (samp_type_cd) identify the QA type of a sample.

A list of sample type codes is available [Tab-separated file || [Tab-separated --saved to compressed file || [Tab-separated --saved to file || Table].

Taxonomic Unit (tu)

http://www.itis.gov
Legal taxon name and associated attributes for levels of taxonomic hierarchy structure from kingdom to genus. Genus, binomials/polynomials are identified.

Time Datum Reliability Codes (tm_datum_rlblty_cd)

The time datum reliability code is used to describe how well the time datum is known. For times entered prior to NWIS 4.3, there is no reliable means of determining the reliability, so the code is set to 'T'. For times entered after NWIS 4.3, the reliability should be known or estimated.
A list of rm_datum_rlblty_cd is available [Tab-separated file || [Tab-separated --saved to compressed file || [Tab-separated --saved to file || Table].

Value Qualifier Codes (val_qual_cd)

Value qualifier code. Value qualifiers identify specific exceptional or unusual characteristics of the measurement process used to determine a result. Value qualifiers provide additional information about the causes and possible direction of bias, and/or the magnitude of variability for the measurement.
A list of val_qual_cd is available [Tab-separated file || [Tab-separated --saved to compressed file || [Tab-separated --saved to file || Table].