Washington, DC — The network of federal centers tracking stream flow for flood warnings and drought management as well as water quality is being shredded, according to Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER). More than 20 Water Science Centers housed within the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) had their leases terminated under cuts directed by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency operating through the General Services Administration, the government’s landlord.

The leases for Water Science Centers from Massachusetts to Wyoming were terminated effective as early as August 31, 2025. Each of these centers is a hub for science that is fundamental to national and local economic well-being, protection of life and property, and effective management of the nation’s water resources. These centers support thousands of stream gauges and groundwater monitoring wells throughout the country.

The water flow data collected by these centers is used by states to inform drought declarations and water withdrawal permits. The data is used by state emergency agencies and FEMA to check flood levels, and by the Army Corps to ensure water does not overtop dams. The data is also used by state and local officials, emergency responders, water system operators, road and building designers, construction companies, city planners, conservation commissions, and many others.

In addition, the water quality data helps agencies monitor chemical and oil spills to protect drinking water supplies. USGS also assesses and conducts targeted research on persistent pollutants, such as “forever chemicals” known as PFAS, which are pervasive in domestic waters.

“A big reduction in monitoring U.S. waters is among the least cost-effective cuts the federal government could make,” stated PEER Science Policy Director Kyla Bennett, a scientist and attorney formerly with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “These leases were terminated without any consultation with USGS or any planning for replacing scientific data or analytic capacity which will be lost.”

The installation, maintenance, and regular checking of thousands of water gauges is not a job state or local governments could easily assume. Many of these science centers also have laboratories which cannot easily be relocated and operate fleets of boats to access stream gauges.

“The abrupt closure of these Water Science Centers is being carried out in a chaotic and haphazard manner,” Bennett added, noting that the closure of a center means scientists and technicians will no longer be located near gauges or other monitoring equipment which presumably will have to soon be abandoned. “This water data has been collected for decades, and in some places, for more than a century. It is an irreplaceable scientific resource being carelessly discarded.”

###

Look at Water Science Centers on the chopping block

Examine the roles played by these centers

See network of stream gauges in U.S.

Read recent Interior Department release on importance of stream gauges