The Water and Atmospheric Resources Monitoring (WARM) Network

Abstract

The Illinois State Water Survey, headquartered in Champaign on the campus of the University of Illinois, is the primary agency in Illinois concerned with the measurement and evaluation of water resources. Research and service programs assess and evaluate the quantity, quality, and use of the state's ground, surface, and atmospheric water resources. A cornerstone in helping the Water Survey achieve its mission is a statewide network of data-gathering sites called the Water and Atmospheric Resources Monitoring Network, or WARM Network for short. The WARM Network routinely collects and compiles data to facilitate both comprehensive assessments of Illinois' water and atmospheric resources and provide timely information on these resources to users both in Illinois and across the United States. Network data collection began in the 1950s. Newer automated data-gathering platforms began operation in the late 1980s. Evolution of the network continues, as increased automation of data collection and more real-time retrieval and dissemination of data and products are either being achieved or are proposed. This brochure briefly describes the WARM Network and is intended for the citizens of Illinois and users of network data.