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New England Water Science Center

Welcome to the USGS New England Water Science Center. We provide timely and reliable information to Federal, State, Tribal, and local stakeholders on the water resources of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Our data help safeguard human and wildlife health, public safety, and environmental sustainability.

For assistance, contact us on our Connect page.

News

USGS Data Used in Study Linking Lithium in Groundwater to Decreased Cancer Risk

USGS Data Used in Study Linking Lithium in Groundwater to Decreased Cancer Risk

USGS Develops Water-Quality Monitoring Strategy for Mount Hope Bay and the Taunton River Estuary in Massachusetts

USGS Develops Water-Quality Monitoring Strategy for Mount Hope Bay and the Taunton River Estuary in Massachusetts

WaterMarks Newsletter - Winter 2025

WaterMarks Newsletter - Winter 2025

Publications

Base-flow sampling to enhance understanding of the groundwater flow component of nitrogen loading in small watersheds draining into Long Island Sound

Excessive nitrogen discharge is a major concern for the Long Island Sound. Programs have been implemented to reduce point sources of nitrogen to the sound, but little is known about the nonpoint sources. This study aims to better understand the current groundwater contributions of nitrogen from nonpoint sources in the Long Island Sound watershed.During the spring and summer of 2022, the...
Authors
Kaitlin L. Laabs, Janet R. Barclay, John R. Mullaney

Cancer risk and estimated lithium exposure in drinking groundwater in the US

Importance Lithium is a naturally occurring element in drinking water and is commonly used as a mood-stabilizing medication. Although clinical studies have reported associations between receiving lithium treatment and reduced cancer risk among patients with bipolar disorder, to our knowledge, the association between environmental lithium exposure and cancer risk has never been studied in...
Authors
Jiajun Luo, Liang Zheng, Zhihao Jin, Yuqing Yang, William I. Krakowka, Eric Hong, Melissa Lombard, Joseph D. Ayotte, Habibul Ahsan, Jayant M. Pinto, Briseis Aschebrook-Kilfoy

Streamflow, water quality, and constituent loads and yields, Scituate Reservoir drainage area, Rhode Island, water year 2022

As part of a long-term cooperative program to monitor water quality within the Scituate Reservoir drainage area, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with Providence Water (formerly the Providence Water Supply Board), collected streamflow and water-quality data in tributaries to the Scituate Reservoir, Rhode Island. Streamflow and concentrations of chloride and sodium estimated...
Authors
Kirk P. Smith, Alana B. Spaetzel

Science

Coastal Acidification Monitoring in Long Island Sound

Understanding coastal acidification, as it varies from open ocean acidification, is crucial to identifying the unique problems occurring in coastal ecosystems such as Long Island Sound (LIS). The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is monitoring water quality parameters throughout LIS and its embayments to evaluate the status and trends of acidification processes in these waters. This project will...
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Coastal Acidification Monitoring in Long Island Sound

Understanding coastal acidification, as it varies from open ocean acidification, is crucial to identifying the unique problems occurring in coastal ecosystems such as Long Island Sound (LIS). The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is monitoring water quality parameters throughout LIS and its embayments to evaluate the status and trends of acidification processes in these waters. This project will...
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Decoding Harmful Algal Blooms: Unraveling the Mystery

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a significant environmental concern due to their potential effects on health, ecosystems, and economies. Algal toxins, which are toxic compounds produced by certain species of cyanobacteria and algae, are commonly linked to these blooms. It's important to note that algal toxins can still be present even when a bloom is not visible, highlighting the need for ongoing...
link

Decoding Harmful Algal Blooms: Unraveling the Mystery

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a significant environmental concern due to their potential effects on health, ecosystems, and economies. Algal toxins, which are toxic compounds produced by certain species of cyanobacteria and algae, are commonly linked to these blooms. It's important to note that algal toxins can still be present even when a bloom is not visible, highlighting the need for ongoing...
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A National Predictive Model for PFAS Occurrence in Groundwater

In October of 2024, USGS Scientist’s published a study where they created a model to predict PFAS occurrence in groundwater at the depths of drinking water supplies. This model can help guide our partners to sample areas where PFAS in drinking water could be an issue for the public.
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