Notice:Due to a lapse in appropriations, the majority of USGS websites may not be up to date and may not reflect current conditions. Websites displaying real-time data, such as Earthquake, Volcano, LANDSAT and Water information needed for public health and safety will be updated with limited support. Additionally, USGS will not be able to respond to inquiries until appropriations are enacted. For more information, please see www.doi.gov/shutdown.

California Real-time Water Quality


NRTWQ Home >> California >> Constituents

Constituents Measured or Computed Continuously in California

Continuous measurements of constituents (water-quality parameters) can be obtained by direct measurement using sensors, or by indirect computation using models.

Below is a list of constituents continuously measured or computed by the USGS in California. Click on a constituent for more detailed information, including a list of where it is measured or computed.

Constituent Name Units Criteria
Computed discharge cubic feet per second (cfs)
Dissolved solids milligrams per liter (mg/L)
Load dissolved solids tons per day (tons/day)
Specific conductance at 25 degrees Celsius microsiemens per centimeter (uS/cm)
Suspended sediment concentration, water, unfiltered, estimated by regression equation milligrams per liter (mg/L)
Turbidity, measured as NTU or FNU formazin nephelometric units (FNU)
Water temperature degrees Celsius (°C)