Hydrologic data for urban studies in the Austin metropolitan area, Texas, 1985

Open-File Report 87-224
Prepared in cooperation with the City of Austin
By: , and 

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Abstract

Hydrologic investigations of urban watersheds in Texas were begun by the U.S. Geological Survey in 1954. Studies are now in progress in Austin, and Houston. Studies have been completed in the Dallas, Fort Worth, and San Antonio areas.

The Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Texas Department of Water Reources, began hydrologic studies in the Austin urban area in 1954. In cooperation with the city of Austin, the program was expanded in 1975 to include additional streamflow and rainfall gaging stations, and the collection of surface water-quality data. In 1978, the program was expanded to include a ground-water resources study of the South Austin metropolitan area in the Balcones Fault Zone.

The objectives of the Austin urban hydrology study are as follows:

  1. To determine, on the basis of historical data and hydrologic analyses, the magnitude and frequency of flood peaks and flood volume.
  2. To determine the effect of urban development on flood peaks and volume.
  3. To determine the variations in water quality during different seasons and flow conditions in representative watersheds with various types of urban development.
  4. To quantitatively appraise the ground-water resources of the Edwards aquifer in hydraulic circulation with Barton Springs, the effect of urbanization on the quality and quantity of recharge and discharge, and the extent of contamination in the aquifer.

This report presents the basic hydrologic data collected in the Austin urban area for the 1985 water year (Oct. 1, 1984 to Sept. 30, 1985). Additional explanations of terms related to streamflow, water quality, and other hydrologic data used in this report are defined in the U.S. Geological Survey annual report Water Resources Data for Texas, TX-85-3, 1985.

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Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Hydrologic data for urban studies in the Austin metropolitan area, Texas, 1985
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 87-224
DOI 10.3133/ofr87224
Year Published 1987
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Austin, TX
Contributing office(s) Texas Water Science Center
Description vi, 170 p.
Country United States
State Texas
County Austin
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
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