Abstract

A National Diversion Database
Track: Water Resources
Authors: Kristiana Elite

The National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) is a comprehensive geospatial dataset of surface water features across the United States. These features are both natural and man-made and designed for use in a GIS. Diversions are a critical component in understanding the water balance in the United States. Coding diversions in the NHD makes it possible to develop a comprehensive picture of the nation's water diversion systems. The benefits of creating such a dataset range from providing information to help manage agriculture, drinking water supply and aquifer recharge, as well as in managing wildlife, water quality, recreation and fisheries. In the NHD, diversions are represented by their conveyance features such as an aqueduct, pipeline and canal, as well as by specifically identifying the withdrawal location and the location where the water is delivered. In addition, the Watershed Boundary Dataset (WBD) tracks diversions on the hydrologic unit level such as a watershed.