Quality of runoff from small watersheds in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, Minnesota: Hydrologic data for 1980

G. A. Payne; M. A. Ayers; R. G. Brown

doi:10.3133/ofr82504

Home/Archive/USGS

USGS · ofr82504

Quality of runoff from small watersheds in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, Minnesota: Hydrologic data for 1980

G. A. Payne·M. A. Ayers·R. G. Brown

View original source ↗Read source document ↗Export metadata ↓

Abstract

An intensive study of nonpoint-source runoff was conducted in the Twin Cities metropolitan area in Minnesota during 1980. The purpose of the study was to determine the relationships between land use, watershed characteristics, and the quantity, quality, and timing of runoff. Discharge and water-quality data were collected at 19 sites located in 6 rural and 4 urban watersheds. Basin characteristics and land use were determined for each watershed. Recording instruments provided continuous discharge records at 17 sites and continuous rainfall records at 12 sites. Automatic samplers were used at 12 sites. Water-quality samples were collected at 15- to 60-minute intervals during periods of increased runoff. Samples were collected periodically during low flow. Primary emphasis was placed on analysis of samples for suspended solids, nutrients, and oxygen-demanding constituents. Secondary emphasis was placed on analysis for chloride, metals, bacteria, pesticides, and PCB's. Wetfall and dryfall precipitation-quality data were collected at six sites. Discharge and water-quality data were used to calculate storm and daily loads of chemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids, ammonia plus organic nitrogen, nitrite plus nitrate-nitrogen, total phosphorus, chloride, and lead. All data collected during the study are documented in tables that contain watershed characteristics and land use, daily and unit values for discharge and rainfall, rainfall characteristics, water-quality data for runoff and precipitation, results of laboratory settling tests, results of quality-assurance tests, dally loads, and storm loads.

Explore related subjects

Open-File Report Report

Source-reported bounding extent: 44.4729° to 45.4163° latitude; -94.0136° to -92.7339° longitude. This indicates report coverage, not an exact sampling location. View area on OpenStreetMap.

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeX RIS

G. A. Payne, M. A. Ayers, R. G. Brown. 1982. Quality of runoff from small watersheds in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, Minnesota: Hydrologic data for 1980. https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr82504

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related USGS reports

USGS2026

Special Contributing Area Loading Program user’s manual

Information on the Special Contributing Area Loading Program execution and functions are presented in this user’s manual. An appendix presents a potential improvement for the user to consider. The hydrologic routing simulation method to model flow through multiple reservoirs, or sewer system components, is described. The use of Special Contributing Areas is described to run a successful simulation, which includes user input of hydrologic time series of flow components and the necessary formats. Upon completion of a successful Special Contributing Area Loading Program simulation, the program outputs hydrologic time series and a descriptive text file containing the model results for each defined sub-unit, or Special Contributing Area. The output time series contain flows through, and overflows from, the three reservoirs in the series, and the text file contains input and output path locations.

Open-File Report↗

USGS2026

Estimating aftershock risk for entry into earthquake-damaged buildings

We present a simple method to estimate the risk of experiencing strong shaking from aftershocks during entry into earthquake-damaged buildings. We compute wait times until the probability of strong ground shaking from aftershocks reaches a predefined risk threshold; for example, a 0.4 percent probability of experiencing Modified Mercalli Intensity 7 or greater shaking during the planned building entry. We also develop a relation between aftershock probability and the probability of strong shaking, so that users can reference the U.S. Geological Survey aftershock forecast during an ongoing aftershock sequence to determine if the risk threshold has been met. We apply our method to active continental regions (for example, the Western United States), stable continental regions (for example, the Central and Eastern United States), and subduction zones (for example, Cascadia or Alaska).

Open-File Report↗

USGS2026

End-user needs for remote sensing wetlands of the Prairie Pothole Region of North America

The Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) of North America comprises globally important grassland and wetland ecosystems critical for numerous populations of migratory birds. Due to the importance of this region for migratory birds, and particularly waterfowl, and the threats of habitat loss due to intensifying agriculture, there is a mature and diverse system of conservation organizations, agencies, and partnerships that spends hundreds of millions of dollars annually on habitat conservation to support migratory bird populations. Remote sensing can be a powerful tool for observing and evaluating global change at large scales as well as expanding inferences from field studies to the broader landscape with statistical models. However, development and utilization of these tools has lagged behind their demand for several reasons, including concerns over spatial and temporal resolution and accuracy of products; perception of a misalignment with decision-maker needs; technological barriers such as skill sets of conservation professionals, computing resources, data access, and usability. In this report, we summarize the needs of conservation professionals and scientists who use or want to use remote sensing data products to inform science about wetland change and conservation of wetlands in the PPR. We assembled this information through several methods leading up to, during, and following a January 2026 PPR Wetland Remote Sensing Workshop. The workshop included United States and Canadian scientists, conservation professionals, and policy experts. Our goal was to bring together end-users and remote sensing product developers jointly to explore reducing the lag between product development and utilization of products to inform science and conservation. Specifically, we aimed to identify gaps in wetland remote sensing that limit effective monitoring, management, and conservation in the PPR, and to develop a framework that outlines pathways to address these gaps by fostering collaboration, improving communication networks, encouraging discussion, and building on existing and ongoing efforts. This report summarizes our participants’ descriptions of end-user needs and the outcomes of the workshop.

Prairie Pothole region↗