News Release Archive

Reclamation launches online tool providing public access to water, power & environmental data

Media Contact: Peter Soeth, 303.910.7473, psoeth@usbr.gov

For Release: September 24, 2020

A screenshot of the Reclamation Information Sharing Environment site. WASHINGTON - The Bureau of Reclamation has launched an online tool that makes water, power and environmental data readily available to the public. The Reclamation Information Sharing Environment, also known as RISE, provides searchable data and maps in the West.

"RISE is a tool for everyone to access a range of Reclamation's water and power-related data in a single location," said Reclamation Commissioner Brenda Burman. "This is just the beginning as Reclamation continues to be responsive to users’ needs by expanding our data offerings and adding additional functionality."

The data available from RISE includes observed and modeled water operations data, hydropower data, endangered and invasive species and habitat monitoring data, water quality data, research results and reports, and more. For example, users will have access to daily reservoir storage and release data from the Lower and Upper Colorado Basins and the Missouri Basin with the California-Great Basin and Columbia-Pacific Northwest regional data coming soon. Also available will be hydropower generation data from facilities across the Western United States, water quality data from wells at the Brackish Groundwater National Desalination Research Facility, and small mammal monitoring data from the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Planning Area.

Reclamation previously shared data in various ways, ranging from posting data in machine-readable formats and pdfs on its website to mailing hard copies of data to interested groups or individuals. This presented a barrier for broad access and use of the data, as well as stakeholders and users not being aware of where or how to access data that they may need.

RISE is helping prioritize to get the most current data and information to our customers and the public. You can access RISE or learn more about the application at https://data.usbr.gov.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.