US Geological Survey

Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility

The replacement Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF) has national responsibility for the design, testing, evaluation, repair, calibration, warehousing and distribution of hydrologic instrumentation that measures water velocity and water level. This instrumentation helps scientists study the water quality of our oceans and rivers, and understand vibrations from tsunami or river turbulences, and the impact on shorelines. 

The replacement site is a world-class facility located on the campus of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, complete with labs, offices and warehouse space. The building allows external groups to tour and view testing sequences.

To aid in the recruitment and retention of staff, the building provides natural light to all offices, warehouse, break rooms and meeting spaces. The labs are designed for maximum flexibility and science on display.

Specialized laboratory features and equipment include:

  • 62,000-gallon constant head tank
  • 350-foot long tow tank to test and calibrate instruments to measure water velocity
  • Large acoustic tank
  • Small acoustic tank
  • 200-foot long tilting flume
  • 100-foot long submerged jet tank to provide low turbulence water movement

Additional specialized equipment and spaces include a standpipe/test well, small flume test stand, sump, next generation water observing system, Triaxial Helmholtz Coil and walk-in chamber and a national monitoring smart grid.

The HIF provides hydrologic instrumentation and equipment services to the USGS Water Science Centers and other federal partners, such as NOAA and FEMA.

Ribbon cutting ceremony

Location

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Size

92,000 GSF

Services

Laboratory programming, planning and design through CA

Architect

Stanley Group