GET /nwis/iv/
Summary: Get real-time water data
Operation ID: getInstantaneousValues
Auth: unknown
Operation ID: getInstantaneousValues
Auth: unknown
Description
Retrieve current streamflow, gage height, and other real-time data from USGS monitoring stations. Data is transmitted automatically on regular intervals (typically hourly).
Parameters (14)
agencyCd
(string, query, optional)
Agency code (e.g., USGS, USCE). Default is USGS.
bBox
(string, query, optional)
Bounding box in decimal degrees as west,south,east,north. Latitude×longitude product cannot exceed 25 degrees.
countyCd
(string, query, optional)
Comma-separated 5-digit FIPS county codes (1-20 values). Format: 2-digit state + 3-digit county.
endDT
(string, query, optional)
End date/time in ISO-8601 format
format
(string, query, optional, default: json)
Output format
Constraints: {'enum': ['json', 'rdb', 'gml', 'waterml', 'xml']}
huc
(string, query, optional)
Hydrologic Unit Code(s) - one 2-digit major HUC and up to ten 8-digit minor HUCs
modifiedSince
(string, query, optional)
ISO-8601 duration. Returns data only if modified within specified period.
parameterCd
(string, query, optional)
USGS 5-digit parameter codes (1-100 values). Examples: 00060=discharge, 00010=water temp.
period
(string, query, optional)
ISO-8601 duration format for data range (e.g., P7D for 7 days, PT2H for 2 hours)
siteStatus
(string, query, optional, default: all)
Filter by site status
Constraints: {'enum': ['all', 'active', 'inactive']}
siteType
(string, query, optional)
Site type codes (e.g., ST=stream, GW=well, SP=spring). Multiple values allowed.
sites
(string, query, optional)
Comma-separated list of site numbers (1-100 values). Optional agency prefix (e.g., USGS:01646500).
startDT
(string, query, optional)
Start date/time in ISO-8601 format (e.g., 2023-01-01T00:00:00)
stateCd
(string, query, optional)
Two-letter US state/territory code
Constraints: {'minLength': 2, 'maxLength': 2}
Examples (1)
| Title | Type | URL | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Get real-time water data | openapi-spec |
https://waterservices.usgs.gov/nwis/iv/?sites=01646500,01646502&stateCd=ny&huc=02070008&bBox=-83,36.5,-81,38.5&countyCd=51059,51061&period=P1D¶meterCd=00060,00010&siteType=ST&modifiedSince=PT2H |
Probe History
Status Codes
| Time | Status | Latency | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-03-23 10:27:02.024410 | 400 | 469ms |