Laboratory Information:
Michigan Water Science Center
6520 Mercantile Way
Suite 5
Lansing, MI 48911-5991
Phone: 517-887-8903
Fax: 517-887-8937
Website: http://mi.water.usgs.gov/
Technology Transfer Website: http://mi.water.usgs.gov/cooperat.php
Agency/Department: Dept. of Interior
Region: Midwest
Background/History of the Laboratory:
Since 1900 the USGS has provided water-resources
data and information about Michigan. Historical
information about streamflow, ground-water levels, and water quality provide a baseline to assess the
effects of
human activities and natural changes, such as climate, on water resources. Nearly every question asked
about
water resources in Michigan requires information from long-term monitoring networks. USGS products provide
policy makers, managers, scientists, and the general public with information needed to understand and
make
sound decisions regarding Michigan's natural resources.
Today the Michigan Water Science Center continues to run
monitoring networks and conduct scientific
assessments and research of Michigan's water resources. The Science Center employs a highly trained
staff
of hydrologists and hydrologic technicians who have education and expertise in the fields of geology,
engineering, hydrogeology, statistics, biology, microbiology, chemistry, and geography. The Science
Center has
about 45 people in its Lansing Science Center Offices, 6 in its Grayling Field Office, and 7 in its
Escanaba Field
Office.
Mission of the Laboratory:
The USGS has four disciplines. Geography
is best known for providing topographic maps used by hikers and
others. The Geology is best known for assessing the Nation's energy and mineral resources and for research
and
monitoring related to earthquakes and volcanoes. Biology is best known in Michigan for extensive research
and
monitoring in the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes Science Center, located in Ann Arbor, works closely with
local,
state, federal, and binational agencies to provide critical biological information for the Great Lakes.
The Water
Discipline is best known for its national streamflow monitoring program, extensive mapping of the nation's
ground-
water resources, and a national water-quality monitoring and assessment program. The Michigan Water
Science
Center, with our main office in Lansing and field offices in Grayling and Escanaba, is part of the Water
Discipline.
