The NWIS Automated Data Processing System (ADAPS) contains more than 850,000 station
years of time-series data that describe stream-water levels, stream flow (discharge), reservoir water
levels, surface-water quality, groundwater levels, and rainfall. ADAPS consists of a collection of
computer programs and databases. The water data stored in ADAPS result from the processing
of data collected by automated recorders and by observations and manual measurements at field
installations around the nation. The data from these sites are transported by field personnel or are
relayed through telephones or satellites to offices where USGS personnel, using ADAPS procedures,
process the data. The data relayed through the Geostationary Operational Environmental
Satellite (GOES) system are processed automatically in near-real time, and in many cases are available
within minutes on the USGS Web pages.