Research

Administrative History

State funds were frequently appropriated for hydrographic work connected with measurements of volumes of streams and flow of water in the state for the purpose of determining water supply available for canals, for potable and domestic purposes, and for the development of water power. Such funds were to be used in conjunction with the U.S. Geographical Survey and the additional funds supplied by the federal government.

Steam measurement work for the state in the barge canal zone was done by the office of the State Engineer and Surveyor. Such work for the remainder of the state was done by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the office of the State Engineer and Surveyor or the New York State Conservation Commission. Gages located at points of convenience to Barge Canal locks, dams, or other structures where employees of the Department of Public Works were stationed were read by those employees.

The State Engineer and Surveyor's annual report published all available stream flow data. The data was used in connection with the regulation and development of water resources. The Barge Canal area was especially important (and difficult to monitor) for flood prevention and related navigation and damage control problems. Data accumulated for many canal improvement projects related to problems of drainage and water run off and supply.

Canaseraga Creek is one of the most important tributaries of the Genesee River. Keshequa Creek is the principal tributary to that creek, meeting it at Sonyea, New York (location of the Craig Colony for Epileptics). Heavy silt deposits and the extreme curvature of Canaseraga Creek caused severe annual flooding until the channel was deepened and straightened by improvement work done from 1906 to 1915. The flooding and slow subsidence of flood waters impaired the usefulness of the land and posed a public health menace. Improvement work was undertaken to relieve these conditions and to restore valuable farm land to cultivation.