The USGS StreaMail system provides a method for you to query a USGS gaging site via email, cell phone (via email or text messaging), or handheld device, such as a Blackberry, for gage height and streamflow. You send your request to StreaMail and in a few minutes you should get a reply showing river stage and streamflow.

You can use StreaMail by using either email or cell-phone text messaging.

Important disclaimer: StreaMail is a "beta" product and is not meant to be used in emergency situations. Currently, there can be up to a 5-minute delay before you receive a return message from StreaMail.

To use StreaMail by email, simply send an email to "streamail@usgs.gov". In the "Subject" line put a USGS station number, such as "02486000"

You will get a return email like this:

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) StreaMail:
The latest river stage and streamflow values you requested from StreaMail.

Site: 02486000
Station name: PEARL RIVER AT JACKSON, MS
Date: 10/15/2009
Time: 10:45:00
Stage: 27.32 feet
Streamflow: 19,600 cubic feet per second (cfs)

Link to charts for 02486000:
Stage: http://waterwatch.usgs.gov/wwapps/zchart.php?i=nwis2&&vt=uv&&cd=00065&site_no=02486000
Streamflow: http://waterwatch.usgs.gov/wwapps/zchart.php?i=nwis2&&vt=uv&&cd=00060&&site_no=02486000

Using StreaMail with text messaging is more complex than the email method. Cell phone text messages are limited to about 140 characters, so the return information is limited to just the stage and flow values. Also, text messaging methods are different for different types of phones and service providers. For example, some cell phones use a "Subject" line as the text input area while others have a message body area for their input. If your cell phone has both of these it is safest to put in your station number in both fields.

For text messaging you still want to send your message to "streamail@usgs.gov". But, it is non-standard to send a text message to an email address. By default, text messages go to a phone number. So, when you first start your text message, you have to change the input method from numbers to letters or words. One of the "hot" keys on your phone will let you change the input format.

After you put in the email address hit "OK" and you will be asked to enter your actual text message. Here, you have to change your input method to numbers (the default will be letters). Just enter the USGS station number and hit "Send".

The output to a cell phone will look like:

From: streamail@usgs.gov
Site 02486000 10:45
Stage: 27.32
Flow: 19,600

If you have any questions, contact Mike Runner at the Mississippi Water Science Center, msrunner@usgs.gov