U.S. Geological Survey Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility

The U.S. Geological Survey, in collaboration with the University of Alabama, has recently developed a state-of-the-art Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF) located on the university’s Tuscaloosa campus. This cutting-edge facility is dedicated to supporting the nation’s water observing networks and advancing hydrologic research.

The HIF is designed to provide essential training, equipment repairs, and calibration services for hydrological instruments used in monitoring streamflow, groundwater, water quality, and other critical water resources. By enhancing resources for hydrological study, this facility supports USGS’s mission of water resource monitoring and evaluation, providing comprehensive insights into water availability, quality, and quantity. Situated alongside NOAA’s National Water Center, the HIF is poised to foster collaboration in water science and research.

Spanning 92,000 square feet across two stories, the HIF offers a range of specialized laboratories and operational spaces, including a hydraulics lab, water-quality labs, field testing areas, environmental chambers, sensor innovation spaces, a warehouse, training labs, a network operations center, and administrative offices. Key features of the hydraulics lab include a tilting flume, test basin, and a 350-foot-long tow tank, which serves as the national water-velocity standard for field instrument calibration. SS&A was proud to partner with Stanley Consultants and Hera Laboratory Planners on the project by providing interior design for this facility, enhancing the functionality and comfort of these critical spaces to support scientific collaboration and innovation.

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