Provisional data

Data from gages with telemetry are primarily relayed to the USGS through the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) data-collection system. Data are transmitted from each station at intervals of 4 hours and are loaded onto the USGS computer system. Other stations may be continuously monitored; however, the data are stored on-site until a technician can visit the site and download the data.

Data available on this web site are PROVISIONAL data that have not been reviewed nor edited. These data may be subject to significant change and may not be cited until reviewed and approved by the U.S. Geological Survey. Real-time ground-water data may be changed after review because the data may have been affected by:

• Malfunction or destruction of recording equipment
• An obstruction or object interfering with float movement
• Rapid change in water levels causing slippage in the measurement system
• Errors in data transmission or storage

Data are reviewed periodically to ensure accuracy. Each station record is considered PROVISIONAL until the data are published. The data are usually published within 6 months of the end of the water year (October 1 through September 30).

Data users are reminded that some provisional data that may appear to be suspect may be valid. An example of this is the record from INDUSTRIAL CANAL (264514080550700) for September 2004. The large apparent variations shown in the lakeside water levels are caused by high winds (from Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne) driving the lake's water to one side, followed by rebounding as the winds die down.

Data users are cautioned to consider carefully the provisional nature of the information before using it for decisions that concern personal or public safety or the conduct of business that involves substantial monetary or operational consequences.

Information concerning the accuracy and appropriate uses of these data or concerning other hydrologic data may be obtained from:

      Hydrologic Records Chief
      USGS Florida Water Science Center - Fort Lauderdale
      3110 SW 9th Avenue
      Ft Lauderdale, FL  33315
      (954) 377-5900 (phone)
      (954) 377-5901 (fax)
      Email: GS-W-FL_Fort_Lauderdale_Hydrologic_Records_Chief@usgs.gov