USGS Water MCP

USGS Water MCP

Overview

This MCP server provides comprehensive access to USGS water data through three APIs:

1. USGS Water Services API - Real-time water measurements (stream flow, gage height, temperature, etc.)
2. Real-Time Flood Impacts API - Current flooding conditions and reference points
3. OGC API - Monitoring location metadata, agency codes, and geological information

The server is modularly designed with separate API handlers unified through a single entry point.

Project Structure

Service

If you want a clean web interface that utilizes these tools visit https://aqua-node.onrender.com/landing and help me do some testing!

Sample Output

Here's an example of fetching stream flow data for the Potomac River:

Installation

Installing via pip

Manual Installation

1. Clone this repository
2. Install dependencies:
   pip install httpx mcp

Connecting with Claude Desktop

1. Edit your Claude Desktop configuration file:
   • macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json
   • Windows: %APPDATA%/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json
2. Add the server configuration:
   { "mcpServers": { "usgs-water": { "command": "python", "args": ["/path/to/usgs-water-mcp/main.py"] } } }
3. Restart Claude Desktop

Available Tools

Water Data Tools

fetch_usgs_data

Fetch instantaneous water data from USGS monitoring stations.

Parameters:

• sites (required): Comma-separated site numbers (e.g., "01646500" or "01646500,01647000")
• parameter_codes (optional): Comma-separated parameter codes (e.g., "00060,00065")
• start_date (optional): Start date in ISO format (YYYY-MM-DD or YYYY-MM-DDTHH)
• end_date (optional): End date in ISO format
• period (optional): Period code (e.g., "P7D" for 7 days)

Common Parameter Codes:

• 00060: Discharge (stream flow)
• 00065: Gage height
• 00010: Temperature, water
• 00300: Dissolved oxygen
• 00400: pH

Example Usage:

Real-Time Flood Impact Tools

get_flooding_reference_points

Get currently flooding reference points (updated every 30 minutes).

get_reference_points

Get paginated list of reference points.

Parameters:

• page (optional): Page number (default: 1)
• limit (optional): Number of results per page (default: 100)

get_reference_point_by_id

Get specific reference point by ID.

Parameters:

• reference_point_id (required): The reference point ID

get_reference_points_by_state

Get reference points for a specific state.

Parameters:

• state_id (required): State ID (e.g., "CA", "TX")

get_reference_point_by_nwis_id

Get reference point by USGS gage ID.

Parameters:

• nwis_id (required): USGS National Water Information System site ID

get_reference_points_by_nws_id

Get reference points by National Weather Service ID.

Parameters:

• nws_id (required): National Weather Service location ID

get_inactive_reference_points

Get inactive reference points.

get_states

Get list of states.

get_state_by_id

Get specific state information.

Parameters:

• state_id (required): State ID (e.g., "CA", "TX")

get_counties

Get list of counties.

get_counties_by_state

Get counties for a specific state.

Parameters:

• state_id (required): State ID (e.g., "CA", "TX")

get_nws_usgs_crosswalk

Get NWS/USGS crosswalk data.

OGC API Tools

get_monitoring_locations

Get monitoring locations with extensive filtering options.

Parameters:

• bbox (optional): Bounding box as "minx,miny,maxx,maxy"
• limit (optional): Maximum number of results (default: 100)
• offset (optional): Starting offset for pagination (default: 0)
• agency_code (optional): Filter by agency code (e.g., "USGS")
• state_code (optional): Filter by state code (e.g., "CA")
• county_code (optional): Filter by county code
• site_type_code (optional): Filter by site type code
• monitoring_location_number (optional): Specific monitoring location number

get_monitoring_location_by_id

Get specific monitoring location by ID.

Parameters:

• location_id (required): The monitoring location ID

get_agency_codes

Get agency identification codes.

Parameters:

• limit (optional): Maximum number of results (default: 100)
• offset (optional): Starting offset for pagination (default: 0)

get_altitude_datums

Get vertical datum information (recommended: NAVD88).

Parameters:

• limit (optional): Maximum number of results (default: 100)
• offset (optional): Starting offset for pagination (default: 0)

get_aquifer_codes

Get aquifer identification information.

Parameters:

• limit (optional): Maximum number of results (default: 100)
• offset (optional): Starting offset for pagination (default: 0)

get_aquifer_types

Get aquifer type information (confined vs unconfined).

Parameters:

• limit (optional): Maximum number of results (default: 100)
• offset (optional): Starting offset for pagination (default: 0)

get_coordinate_accuracy_codes

Get coordinate accuracy codes for latitude-longitude values.

Parameters:

• limit (optional): Maximum number of results (default: 100)
• offset (optional): Starting offset for pagination (default: 0)

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

1. API Connection Errors: Ensure you have an active internet connection and the USGS API is accessible
2. Invalid Site Numbers: Verify site numbers exist using the USGS Water Data for the Nation website
3. No Data Available: Some sites may not have data for the requested time period or parameters
4. Rate Limiting: The USGS API has usage limits; avoid making too many requests in quick succession

Finding Site Numbers

Use the USGS Water Data for the Nation website to find monitoring station site numbers in your area of interest.