The article gives a brief analysis of the development of the hydrological network in the Russian Federation in the last century and provides information on the phased modernization and technical re-equipment of the Hydrological Observation System at the beginning of the current century. At present, the national hydrological network, subordinated to Roshydromet, is the basis of the national monitoring system for surface water bodies in the Russian Federation. Within this system, a national technological complex named Hydrological Observation System, which ensures regular observations for the land surface water bodies, collection, processing and storage of information obtained as a result of observations and their provision to consumers.