Methods used to reconstruct historical daily streamflows in northern New Jersey and southeastern New York, water years 1922–2010

Scientific Investigations Report 2018-5068
Prepared in cooperation with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
By:  and 

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Abstract

A study was conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, to reconstruct streamflows for use in the RiverWare model. Methods and data used to estimate daily reconstructed streamflows at 53 sites in selected subbasins in northern New Jersey and southeastern New York are presented in the report. These subbasins contain one or more surface-water diversions that are operated or have been operated in the past by water purveyors or the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Reconstructed streamflows are estimates of those streamflows that would have occurred without the effects of changes in reservoir storage or surface-water diversions by water purveyors.

Reconstructed flows at 47 sites were determined from monthly observed streamflows, changes in reservoir storage, and surface-water diversions. Monthly reconstructed streamflows were calculated directly for those months with sufficient data. Missing monthly reconstructed flows were estimated from relations between selected calculated values of monthly reconstructed flows and monthly observed flows at selected index gages. Daily reconstructed flows were determined from the disaggregation of monthly reconstructed flows on the basis of daily observed flows at selected streamgages. At six sites, reconstructed flows were determined from relations between discrete measurements of observed streamflows and daily observed streamflows at selected index gages.

Suggested Citation

Hickman, R.E., and McHugh, A.R., 2018, Methods used to reconstruct historical daily streamflows in northern New Jersey and southeastern New York, water years 1922–2010: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2018–5068, 75 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20185068.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Methods
  • Application of Methods to Flow-Reconstruction Sites in Each Subbasin
  • Limitations and Assessment of Reconstructed Flows
  • Summary
  • References Cited
  • Appendix 1. Estimation of Monthly Observed Streamflows at Selected Streamgages
  • Appendix 2. Calculation of Monthly Observed Streamflows in Beaver Brook at the Outlet of Splitrock Reservoir from Furnished Data
  • Appendix 3. Estimation of Observed Daily Streamflow at Six Partial-Record Stations
  • Appendix 4. Estimation of Monthly Transfer Rates of the Three Pipe Diversions Used by the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission to Transfer Water to Oradell Reservoir
  • Appendix 5. Maintenance of Variance Extension Type 1
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Methods used to reconstruct historical daily streamflows in northern New Jersey and southeastern New York, water years 1922–2010
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2018-5068
DOI 10.3133/sir20185068
Year Published 2018
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) New Jersey Water Science Center
Description viii, 75 p.
Country United States
State New Jersey, New York
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
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