Cost-effectiveness of the stream-gaging program in Nebraska

Abstract

This report documents the results of a study of the cost-effectiveness of the streamflow information program in Nebraska. Presently, 145 continuous surface-water stations are operated in Nebraska on a budget of $908,500. Data uses and funding sources are identified for each of the 145 stations. Data from most stations have multiple uses. All stations have sufficient justification for continuation, but two stations primarily are used in short-term research studies; their continued operation needs to be evaluated when the research studies end. Simulation may provide information of acceptable accuracy for certain data uses at one Niobrara River gage; present data uses, however, require that the gage be continued. The present measurement frequency produces an average standard error for instantaneous discharges of about 12 percent, including periods when stage data are missing. Altering the travel routes and the measurement frequency will allow a decrease in standard error of about 1 percentage point with the present budget. Standard error could be decreased to about 8 percent if lost record could be eliminated. A minimum budget of $822,000 is required to operate the present network, but operations at that funding level would result in an increase in standard error to about 16 percent. The maximum budget analyzed was $1,363,000, which would result in an average standard error of 6 percent. Formal cooperation between the Geological Survey and the State of Nebraska was started in 1906, but was terminated in 1914 by the State because special investigations on the North Platte and Platte Rivers required attention of the entire State hydrographic staff. At that time 14 gaging stations were being operated. By 1927 , the number of continuousrecord stations had decreased to 8. As a part of investigations for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers starting in 1928 , the Geological Survey established 15 gaging stations. In August 1931, the formal cooperative stream-gaging program with the State was resumed, and the program has been continuous since that time. By 1932 , 55 gaging-stations were in operation.