Next Generation Water Observing System

The Act of December 24, 1942 (56 Stat. 1086, chapter 822; 43 U.S.C. 36b), is amended— (1) in the first section, by striking That the Secretary of the Interior and inserting the following: 1. Gaging streams and underground water resources The Secretary of the Interior (referred to in this Act as the Secretary); (2) in section 1 (as so designated)— (A) in the second sentence, by striking of the Interior; and (B) in the proviso— (i) by striking this Act each place it appears and inserting this section; and (ii) by striking of the Interior; and (3) by adding at the end the following: 2. Next Generation Water Observing System (a) Establishment The Secretary shall establish within the United States Geological Survey a system, to be known as the Next Generation Water Observing System (referred to in this section as the System). (b) Purpose The purpose of the System is to provide real-time data on water quantity and quality— (1) that, as compared to previous systems, is more affordable, more rapid, and available in more locations; and (2) to support advanced modeling tools— (A) to provide state-of-the-art flood and drought forecasts; (B) to inform emergency- and water-management decision support systems; and (C) to help evaluate— (i) the near-term and long-term risks of floods and droughts, including any scenarios that modify those risks; (ii) the quantity of water stored in seasonal snow packs, and how changes in seasonal snow packs affect water supplies; (iii) the early stages of drought; (iv) the predicted timelines for drought recovery; (v) the quantity of water lost to evapotranspiration; (vi) water quality differences during wet and dry periods; (vii) the effects of streamflow on groundwater; (viii) the effects of groundwater on streamflow; and (ix) ice and water volume stored in glaciers and changing water volumes due to glacial retreat. (c) System requirements The System shall provide for— (1) state-of-the-art measurements; (2) a dense array of sensors at selected sites; (3) increased spatial and temporal coverage; (4) new technology testing and implementation; (5) improved operational efficiency; and (6) modernized and timely data storage and delivery. (d) Priority regions In determining in which regions of the United States Geological Survey to carry out the System, the Secretary shall give priority to regions of the United States Geological Survey in which there is— (1) a high level of drought; (2) a reliance on reservoirs for water storage; (3) a reliance on hydrologic storage, including groundwater, aquifers, and snowpack; and (4) flooding and extreme rainfall. (e) Authorization of appropriations (1) In general There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section in 10 initial basins, as determined by the Secretary, $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2026, to remain available until expended. (2) Derivation of funds Amounts made available to carry out this section shall be derived from amounts appropriated or otherwise made available to the United States Geological Survey..

The Act of December 24, 1942 (56 Stat. 1086, chapter 822; 43 U.S.C. 36b), is amended— (1) in the first section, by striking That the Secretary of the Interior and inserting the following: 1. Gaging streams and underground water resources The Secretary of the Interior (referred to in this Act as the Secretary); (2) in section 1 (as so designated)— (A) in the second sentence, by striking of the Interior; and (B) in the proviso— (i) by striking this Act each place it appears and inserting this section; and (ii) by striking of the Interior; and (3) by adding at the end the following: 2. Next Generation Water Observing System (a) Establishment The Secretary shall establish within the United States Geological Survey a system, to be known as the Next Generation Water Observing System (referred to in this section as the System). (b) Purpose The purpose of the System is to provide real-time data on water quantity and quality— (1) that, as compared to previous systems, is more affordable, more rapid, and available in more locations; and (2) to support advanced modeling tools— (A) to provide state-of-the-art flood and drought forecasts; (B) to inform emergency- and water-management decision support systems; and (C) to help evaluate— (i) the near-term and long-term risks of floods and droughts, including any scenarios that modify those risks; (ii) the quantity of water stored in seasonal snow packs, and how changes in seasonal snow packs affect water supplies; (iii) the early stages of drought; (iv) the predicted timelines for drought recovery; (v) the quantity of water lost to evapotranspiration; (vi) water quality differences during wet and dry periods; (vii) the effects of streamflow on groundwater; (viii) the effects of groundwater on streamflow; and (ix) ice and water volume stored in glaciers and changing water volumes due to glacial retreat. (c) System requirements The System shall provide for— (1) state-of-the-art measurements; (2) a dense array of sensors at selected sites; (3) increased spatial and temporal coverage; (4) new technology testing and implementation; (5) improved operational efficiency; and (6) modernized and timely data storage and delivery. (d) Priority regions In determining in which regions of the United States Geological Survey to carry out the System, the Secretary shall give priority to regions of the United States Geological Survey in which there is— (1) a high level of drought; (2) a reliance on reservoirs for water storage; (3) a reliance on hydrologic storage, including groundwater, aquifers, and snowpack; and (4) flooding and extreme rainfall. (e) Authorization of appropriations (1) In general There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section in 10 initial basins, as determined by the Secretary, $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2026, to remain available until expended. (2) Derivation of funds Amounts made available to carry out this section shall be derived from amounts appropriated or otherwise made available to the United States Geological Survey..