Summer 2024 Impacts to WaterServices

WaterServices databases are receiving a major version update to meet security and dependency requirements.

WaterServices databases are receiving a major version update to meet security and dependency requirements. Beginning August 5, 2024, mandatory database updates will begin, and the following WaterService format return types will be permanently discontinued:

• Instantaneous Values (IV) WaterML2
• Groundwater (GW) Levels WaterML2
• Groundwater (GW) Levels RDB

No disruption in the availability of USGS hydrologic data is expected to occur as a result of the update. After August 5, 2024, web service requests to the impacted endpoints will return 503 “service unavailable” errors.

The JSON return type will continue to function as intended for both IV and GW Levels endpoints. Users should transition from WaterML2 and RDB return types to JSON to continue receiving data. The test tools on the WaterServices home page can be used to build and test replacement queries. Moving forward, the JSON return type will be the recommended data format to use when requesting data from WaterServices. All available formats for all data available using WaterServices are described at https://waterservices.usgs.gov .

We understand this loss of these formats may require changes to downstream data systems. Please reach out to GS-W_Waterdata_Support@usgs.gov with questions or support requests.