A Game-Changer in Water Awareness

A groundbreaking web application, known as Water Information from Space (WISP), has been unveiled by the U.S. Geological Survey, and it’s set to revolutionize the way communities grasp the state of their water resources. This satellite-powered tool equips users with essential data for flood recovery, strategic infrastructure planning, and sustainable water resource management across the nation.

Empowering Communities with Data

"With improved information about their water resources, communities can take charge of their safety," explains Merritt Harlan, a USGS scientist and the brains behind WISP. This tool enables better emergency planning, informed development decisions, and the design of resilient infrastructure.

Harnessing Satellite Technology

Launched in November 2024, WISP taps into the wealth of data provided by NASA's Surface Water Ocean Topography satellite (SWOT). This incredible initiative monitors water levels across over 467,000 lakes and reservoirs, as well as approximately 93,000 miles of river networks in the U.S. The SWOT mission is a collaborative effort between NASA and the Centre National D'Etudes Spatiales, with support from the Canadian Space Agency and the United Kingdom Space Agency.

Explore Water Conditions in Real-Time!

What’s even more exciting? WISP is FREE and accessible to the public! Users can easily track water conditions in their local areas via an interactive map. Simply search by location or the name of a water body, and dive into a treasure trove of real-time and historical data.

Get Started with WISP Today!

Ready to explore? Visit the WISP website, enter your area or a nearby water body, and begin analyzing water level data at your fingertips. The user-friendly interface allows for zooming in on specific regions, observing data trends over time, and downloading extensive datasets for further research and analysis. Don’t miss out on this revolutionary tool that puts the power of water management in your hands!