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Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center

Water information is fundamental to national and local economic well-being, protection of life and property, and effective management of water resources. USGS works with partners in Oklahoma and Texas to monitor, assess, conduct targeted research, and deliver information on a wide range of water resources including streamflow, groundwater, water quality, and water use and availability.

News

Event: Explore USGS Careers in the Southeast 2024

Event: Explore USGS Careers in the Southeast 2024

OTWSC Webinar, Wednesday, March 6th - Flood Decision Support Toolbox (FDST)

OTWSC Webinar, Wednesday, March 6th - Flood Decision Support Toolbox (FDST)

New USGS report provides insights into groundwater and subsidence in the Houston area

New USGS report provides insights into groundwater and subsidence in the Houston area

Publications

Assessment of water levels, nitrate, and arsenic in the Carson Valley Alluvial Aquifer and the development of a data visualization tool for the Carson River Basin, Nevada

Residents of Carson Valley, Douglas County, Nevada, rely on the basin-fill alluvial aquifer underlying the valley for drinking water. Since the 1980s, groundwater levels and water-quality data have been collected to monitor the status of the aquifer system and to assist in planning efforts to address current (2024) and future demand. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with Douglas C
Authors
Ramon C. Naranjo, Anjela Bubiy

Social vulnerability and water insecurity in the western US: A systematic review of framings, indicators, and uncertainty

Water insecurity poses a complex challenge for the western United States. Large populations are exposed and susceptible to physical and social factors that can leave them with precarious access to sufficient water supplies. Consideration of social issues by water managers can help ensure equitable supply. However, how social factors affect water insecurity conditions remains unclear. This paper re
Authors
Oronde Oliver Drakes, Diana Restrepo-Osorio, Kathryn Powlen, Megan Hines

Tire-derived contaminants 6PPD and 6PPD-Q: Analysis, sample handling, and reconnaissance of United States stream exposures

The environmental ubiquity of tire and road wear particles (TRWP) underscores the need to understand the occurrence, persistence, and environmental effects of tire-related chemicals in aquatic ecosystems. One such chemical is 6PPD-quinone (6PPD-Q), a transformation product of the tire antioxidant 6PPD. In urban stormwater runoff 6PPD-Q can exceed acute toxicity thresholds for several salmonid spec
Authors
Rachael F. Lane, Kelly Smalling, Paul M. Bradley, Justin Blaine Greer, Stephanie Gordon, John Hansen, Dana W. Kolpin, Andrew R. Spanjer, Jason R. Masoner

Science

Preliminary Research Sheds Light on Proper Analysis and Sample Handling for the Tire-Derived Contaminants 6PPD and 6PPD-quinone

Tire and road wear particles have been shown to cause acute effects to sensitive aquatic animals and degrade their habitats. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists developed methods to accurately identify aquatic compounds, such as 6PPD and 6PPD-quinone, that can cause acute mortality events in coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch).
link

Preliminary Research Sheds Light on Proper Analysis and Sample Handling for the Tire-Derived Contaminants 6PPD and 6PPD-quinone

Tire and road wear particles have been shown to cause acute effects to sensitive aquatic animals and degrade their habitats. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists developed methods to accurately identify aquatic compounds, such as 6PPD and 6PPD-quinone, that can cause acute mortality events in coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch).
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Socio-Hydrology

The Socio-Hydrology Team conducts interdisciplinary studies spanning socioeconomic, hydrologic and climate science. Applying qualitative and quantitative approaches, we help stakeholders identify and assess a suite of water and climate risks. Our methodology provides a means for resource managers, practitioners, and communities to analyze and evaluate risks, vulnerability, and resiliency to...
link

Socio-Hydrology

The Socio-Hydrology Team conducts interdisciplinary studies spanning socioeconomic, hydrologic and climate science. Applying qualitative and quantitative approaches, we help stakeholders identify and assess a suite of water and climate risks. Our methodology provides a means for resource managers, practitioners, and communities to analyze and evaluate risks, vulnerability, and resiliency to...
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Microplastics in Tributaries to Galveston Bay

Galveston Bay is the habitat of many organisms including many species of oysters, fish, and birds. USGS scientists from the Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center are conducting a study, in cooperation with the Galveston Bay Estuary Program, to assess the occurrence and abundance of microplastics (plastic particles smaller than 5 mm in diameter) in Galveston Bay and its tributaries.
link

Microplastics in Tributaries to Galveston Bay

Galveston Bay is the habitat of many organisms including many species of oysters, fish, and birds. USGS scientists from the Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center are conducting a study, in cooperation with the Galveston Bay Estuary Program, to assess the occurrence and abundance of microplastics (plastic particles smaller than 5 mm in diameter) in Galveston Bay and its tributaries.
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