Tributary Data Download

Since 1974, the National Center for Water Quality Research has collected more than 100,000 water samples as part of our Ohio Tributary Monitoring Program. These samples have been collected at US Geological Survey stream gaging stations and have been analyzed in our lab for chemicals such as various forms of nitrogen and phosphorus, chloride, and suspended solids. The sampling program has been designed to provide accurate and long-term pollutant loading data for Ohio’s major tributaries to Lake Erie and the Ohio River. The data also provide uniquely detailed data sets on ambient water quality in the streams and support investigations on pollutant sources and transport.  Use the “Enter Download site” link (at left) to begin.  If you would like to learn more about how these data can be used in policy-making, teaching or other applications, contact us  to arrange training for your staff or students.

There are two parts to the Tributary Data web access:

 Part 1 is a User’s Guide with tutorials (.pdf files) that

•    provide background information on the tributary data
•    describe and offer interpretations of the various graphs and the summary report produced by the “AnalysisTemplatev3” program
•    relate the data to various current scientific, sampling and policy issues related to the assessment and management of Ohio’s water resources

Part 2 includes the data (Excel files) plus a program for data manipulation and interpretation, including

•    the RiverData files for each of 11 stations included in the monitoring program
•    the AnalysisTemplatev3 Excel program file that generates graphical depictions of the data as well as summary report production options
•    a pdf file tutorial on how to use the AnalysisTemplatev3

Note: Since this download function is Excel-based, you must be able to download and open Excel spreadsheet files on your computer.  Be sure to read “Important Notes” topics on the Download site  for both Part 1 and Part 2 before downloading the data and template.