What is groundwater?
Groundwater is water that exists underground in saturated zones beneath the land surface. The upper surface of the saturated zone is called the water table.
Contrary to popular belief, groundwater does not form underground rivers. It fills the pores and fractures in underground materials such as sand, gravel, and other rock, much the same way that water fills a sponge. If groundwater flows naturally out of rock materials or if it can be removed by pumping (in useful amounts), the rock materials are called aquifers.
Groundwater moves slowly, typically at rates of 7-60 centimeters (3-25 inches) per day in an aquifer. As a result, water could remain in an aquifer for hundreds or thousands of years. Groundwater is the source of about 40 percent of water used for public supplies and about 39 percent of water used for agriculture in the United States.
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How can an earthquake affect groundwater or changes in wells?
Groundwater levels in wells may oscillate up and down while seismic waves pass, and in some cases, the water level may remain higher or lower for a period of time after the seismic wavetrain has ended.
How much water is used by people in the United States?
Since 1950, the USGS has collected and analyzed water-use data for the United States and its Territories . That data is revised every 5 years. As of 2015, the United States uses 322 billion gallons of water per day (Bgal/day). The three largest water-use categories were irrigation (118 Bgal/day), thermoelectric power (133 Bgal/day), and public...
How much natural water is there?
Earth is estimated to hold about 1,460,000,000 cubic kilometers of water. The breakdown of where all that water resides is estimated as follows: Oceans (saline) 1,419,120,000 cubic kilometers Ice caps and glaciers (fresh) 31,244,000 cubic kilometers Ground water (fresh and saline) 8,906,000 cubic kilometers Streams and lakes (fresh) 132,860 cubic...
Does the use of pesticides affect our Nation's water quality?
Pesticide use in the United States has increased because not only must we supply our exploding population with food, but crops and food are also grown for export to other countries. The United States has become the largest producer of food products in the world, partly owing to our use of modern chemicals (pesticides) to control the insects, weeds...
Where can I get my well water tested?
Contact your county or state health department or check with your State Certification Officer for a list of state certified laboratories in your area that do water testing. The cost will vary, depending on the laboratory and the test(s), but people usually consider the cost to be reasonable.
What determines if a well will go dry?
A well is said to have gone dry when water levels drop below a pump intake. This does not mean that a dry well will never have water in it again, as the water level may come back through time as recharge increases. The water level in a well depends on a number of things, such as the depth of the well, the type (confined or unconfined) of aquifer...
How can I find the depth to the water table in a specific location?
The depth to the water table can change (rise or fall) depending on the time of year. During the late winter and spring when accumulated snow starts to melt and spring rainfall is plentiful, water on the surface infiltrates into the ground and the water table rises. When water-loving plants start to grow again in the spring and precipitation gives...
What is the Ground Water Atlas of the United States?
This Ground Water Atlas of the United States is a series of USGS publications that describe the location, the extent, and the geologic and hydrologic characteristics of the important aquifers of the Nation. The series consists of 13 chapters that describe the regional groundwater resources that collectively cover 50 States, Puerto Rico, and the U...
If the ground filters water, is groundwater always clean?
Water drawn from a well was once precipitation that fell onto Earth's surface. It seeped into the ground and, over time, occupied the porous space in some subsurface material. Big particles that are in surface streams, such as leaf chunks, will not be seen in groundwater. So, yes, big particles are filtered out by the ground, along with some...
How important is groundwater?
Groundwater, which is in aquifers below the surface of the Earth, is one of the Nation's most important natural resources. Groundwater is the source of about 37 percent of the water that county and city water departments supply to households and businesses (public supply). It provides drinking water for more than 90 percent of the rural population...
Year Published: 2020
Estimated groundwater withdrawals from principal aquifers in the United States, 2015
In 2015, about 84,600 million gallons per day (Mgal/d) of groundwater were withdrawn in the United States for various uses including public supply, self-supplied domestic, industrial, mining, thermoelectric power, aquaculture, livestock, and irrigation. Of this total, about 94 percent (79,200 Mgal/d) was withdrawn from principal aquifers, which...
Lovelace, John K.; Nielsen, Martha G.; Read, Amy L.; Murphy, Chid J.; Maupin, Molly A.Attribution: Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, California Water Science Center, Water Resources, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Water Resources, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Earthquake Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Fort Collins Science Center, Ecosystems, Fort Collins Science Center, Ecosystems, United States of America, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, National Wildlife Health Center, Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Water Resources, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Land Resources, Climate Adaptation Science Centers, California Water Science Center, Water Resources, Core Science Systems, National Geospatial Program, National Geospatial Technical Operations Center, Core Science Systems, National Geospatial Program, National Geospatial Technical Operations Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Community for Data Integration (CDI), Science Analytics and Synthesis (SAS), United States of America, Utah Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, Southwest Biological Science Center, Ecosystems, Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Washington Water Science Center, Water Resources, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Southwest Biological Science Center, Ecosystems, Science and Decisions Center, Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, Utah Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center, Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, Water, New Jersey Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, New Jersey, United States of America, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Water Resources, Washington Water Science Center, Water Resources, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Fort Collins Science Center, Ecosystems, Earthquake Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, National Geospatial Program, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center, Water Resources, Florence Bascom Geoscience Center, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, New York, United States of America, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Utah Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Nebraska Water Science Center, Water Resources, New England Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Dakota Water Science Center, Central Midwest Water Science Center, Eastern Mineral and Environmental Resources Science Center, Water Resources, Mineral Resources Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, United States of America, New England Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, Water, New Mexico Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Utah, Switzerland, Colorado Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Ecosystems, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, California Water Science Center, Water Resources, New York Water Science Center, Water Resources, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Water Resources, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Alaska Science Center, Region 11: Alaska, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK), Ecosystems, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, Office of Science Quality and Integrity, Alaska Science Center, Region 11: Alaska, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK), Ecosystems, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Ecosystems, United States of America, Water, New Jersey Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, New Jersey, United States of America, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, United States of America, Water, Colorado Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Colorado, United States of America, Ecosystems, Volcano Hazards Program Office, Region 11: Alaska, United States of America, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, Ecosystems, Ecosystems, Volcano Hazards Program Office, Region 11: Alaska, United States of America, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Washington Water Science Center, Water Resources, Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, National Wildlife Health Center, Ecosystems, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Environmental Health, Kansas Water Science Center, Water Resources, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, Eastern Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, National Wildlife Health Center, Ecosystems, Water, New Mexico Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, New Mexico, United States of America, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, National Wildlife Health Center, Ecosystems, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Eastern Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, United States of America, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, Volcano Hazards Program Office, Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Water Resources, Geology, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Washington, United States of America, Natural Hazards, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Natural Hazards, Landslide Hazards Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Ecuador, Natural Hazards, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Natural Hazards, Landslide Hazards Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, United States of America, Water, New Jersey Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, New Jersey, United States of America, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC), Ecosystems, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, New England Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Ecosystems, Earthquake Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, Central Midwest Water Science Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Water Resources, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Water Resources, Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, Earthquake Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, New York Water Science Center, Water Resources, California Water Science Center, Water Resources, Utah Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, Volcano Hazards Program Office, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, National Wildlife Health Center, Ecosystems, Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Pacific Islands Water Science Center, Water Resources, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Natural Hazards, Volcano Hazards Program Office, Water Resources, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK), Ecosystems, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Fort Collins Science Center, Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Leetown Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC), Ecosystems, Natural Hazards, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Utah, United States of America, Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, Water, Colorado Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, United States of America, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Volcano Hazards Program Office, Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, Water, Pennsylvania Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Pennsylvania, United States of America, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, United States of America, Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI), Region 11: Alaska, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Land Resources, Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Dakota Water Science Center, Southwest Climate Adaptation Science Center, Land Resources, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Region 11: Alaska, Alaska, United States of America, Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, Cooperative Research Units, Nebraska Water Science Center, Water Resources, Water, New Mexico Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, New Mexico, United States of America, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Natural Hazards, Region 11: Alaska, United States of America, Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, Dakota Water Science Center, Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Central Midwest Water Science Center, Water, Pennsylvania Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, United States of America, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, California, United States of America, Eastern Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, Fort Collins Science Center, Ecosystems, Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, Volcano Hazards Program Office, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, National Wildlife Health Center, Ecosystems, Natural Hazards, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Natural Hazards, Landslide Hazards Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, United States of America, Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, Washington Water Science Center, Water Resources, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Fort Collins Science Center, Ecosystems, Water, Colorado Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Colorado, United States of America, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Southwest Biological Science Center, Ecosystems, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Water Resources, Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), United States of America, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK), Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Natural Hazards, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, United States of America, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, United States of America, California Water Science Center, Water Resources, United States of America, Volcano Hazards Program Office, United States of America, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Water Resources, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Texas Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 6: Arkansas-Rio Grande-Texas-Gulf, United States of America, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, Ecosystems, Central Midwest Water Science Center, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, United States of America, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC), Ecosystems, United States of America, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, United States of America, Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center, United States of America, Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, United States of America
View Citation
Lovelace, J.K., Nielsen, M.G., Read, A.L., Murphy, C.J., and Maupin, M.A., 2020, Estimated groundwater withdrawals from principal aquifers in the United States, 2015 (ver. 1.1, June 2020): U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1464, 70 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/cir1464.
Year Published: 2019
Water priorities for the nation—The U.S. Geological Survey next generation water observing system
The challenges of providing safe and sustainable water supplies for human and ecological uses and protecting lives and property during water emergencies are well recognized. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) plays an essential role in meeting these challenges through its observational networks and renowned water science and research activities (...
Eberts, Sandra M.; Wagner, Chad R.; Woodside, Michael D.Attribution: Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center, Fort Collins Science Center, Ecosystems, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK), Ecosystems, Land Change Science Program, United States of America, Western Geographic Science Center, Land Change Science Program, United States of America, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Natural Hazards, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Science Analytics and Synthesis (SAS), Water Resources, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Energy Resources Program, Southwest Biological Science Center, Ecosystems, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC), Ecosystems, Biology and Ecosystems, National Wildlife Health Center, Ecosystems, Fish & Wildlife Disease, United States of America, Idaho Water Science Center, Water Resources, Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center, Water Resources, Water Availability and Use Science Program, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), United States of America, New England Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Water Resources, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Kansas Water Science Center, Water Resources, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, Energy, Eastern Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, West Virginia, United States of America, Eastern Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Fort Collins Science Center, Ecosystems, Southwest Biological Science Center, Ecosystems, Kansas Water Science Center, Water Resources, Biology and Ecosystems, National Wildlife Health Center, Ecosystems, Fish & Wildlife Disease, United States of America, Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, United States of America, Gulf of Mexico, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Natural Hazards, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Natural Hazards, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, California, United States of America, Core Science Systems, Natural Hazards, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Natural Hazards, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, United States of America, Water Resources, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Biology and Ecosystems, Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, United States of America, Leetown Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, California Water Science Center, Water Resources, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Water Resources, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Water Resources, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Natural Hazards, Energy Resources Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, United States of America, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Natural Hazards, Energy Resources Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Natural Hazards, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Alaska Science Center, Land Change Science Program, Region 11: Alaska, United States of America, Earthquake Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center, United States of America, Oregon Water Science Center, Water Resources, Energy, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Wyoming, United States of America, Cooperative Research Units, Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, New Mexico Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC), Ecosystems, Pacific Islands Water Science Center, Water Resources, Eastern Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, Fort Collins Science Center, Ecosystems, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, Texas Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 6: Arkansas-Rio Grande-Texas-Gulf, Washington Water Science Center, Water Resources, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, Alaska Science Center, Region 11: Alaska, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Natural Hazards, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, Pacific Islands Water Science Center, Water Resources, Pacific Islands Water Science Center, Water Resources, Western Geographic Science Center, Water Resources, Land Change Science Program, United States of America, California Water Science Center, Water Resources, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Cooperative Research Units, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, New Mexico Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Dakota Water Science Center, Eastern Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Land Change Science Program, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, United States of America, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Land Change Science Program, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, United States of America, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Southwest Biological Science Center, Ecosystems, Water, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Natural Hazards, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, United States of America, Cooperative Research Units, Energy, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Natural Hazards, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, United States of America, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Water Resources, Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Water Resources, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC), Ecosystems, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Ecosystems, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC), Ecosystems, Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Water Resources, Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, Water Resources, Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Biology and Ecosystems, Ecosystems, Energy & Wildlife, United States of America, Eastern Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, United States of America, Ecosystems, Biology and Ecosystems, Ecosystems, Energy & Wildlife, United States of America, National Wildlife Health Center, Ecosystems, Eastern Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, United States of America, Oregon Water Science Center, Water Resources, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Ecosystems, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK), Ecosystems, Oceans, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Natural Hazards, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Hawaii, United States of America, Energy, Eastern Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, Virginia, United States of America
View Citation
Eberts, S.M., Wagner, C.R., and Woodside, M.D., 2019, Water priorities for the Nation—The U.S. Geological Survey Next Generation Water Observing System: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2019–3046, 2 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20193046.
Year Published: 2015
The quality of our Nation's waters: Water quality in principal aquifers of the United States, 1991-2010
About 130 million people in the United States rely on groundwater for drinking water, and the need for high-quality drinking-water supplies becomes more urgent as our population grows. Although groundwater is a safe, reliable source of drinking water for millions of people nationwide, high concentrations of some chemical constituents can pose...
DeSimone, Leslie A.; McMahon, Peter B.; Rosen, Michael R.Attribution: Water, Colorado Water Science Center, Water Resources, United States of America, Water Science School
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DeSimone, L.A., McMahon, P.B., and Rosen, M.R., 2014, The quality of our Nation’s waters—Water quality in Principal Aquifers of the United States, 1991–2010: U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1360, 151 p., http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/cir1360.
Year Published: 2014
Groundwater studies: principal aquifer surveys
In 1991, the U.S. Congress established the National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) program within the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to develop nationally consistent long-term datasets and provide information about the quality of the Nation’s streams and groundwater. The USGS uses objective and reliable data, water-quality models, and systematic...
Burow, Karen R.; Belitz, KennethView Citation
Groundwater studies: principal aquifer surveys; 2014; FS; 2014-3024; Burow, Karen R.; Belitz, Kenneth
Year Published: 2010
The quality of our Nation's waters-Nutrients in the Nation's streams and groundwater, 1992-2004
National Findings and Their ImplicationsAlthough the use of artificial fertilizer has supported increasing food production to meet the needs of a growing population, increases in nutrient loadings from agricultural and, to a lesser extent, urban sources have resulted in nutrient concentrations in many streams and parts of aquifers that exceed...
Dubrovsky, Neil M.; Burow, Karen R.; Clark, Gregory M.; Gronberg, JoAnn M.; Hamilton, Pixie A.; Hitt, Kerie J.; Mueller, David K.; Munn, Mark D.; Nolan, Bernard T.; Puckett, Larry J.; Rupert, Michael G.; Short, Terry M.; Spahr, Norman E.; Sprague, Lori A.; Wilber, William G.View Citation
The quality of our Nation's waters-Nutrients in the Nation's streams and groundwater, 1992-2004; 2010; CIR; 1350; Dubrovsky, N. M.; Burow, K. R.; Clark, G. M.; Gronberg, J. M.; Hamilton P. A.; Hitt, K. J.; Mueller, D. K.; Munn, M. D.; Nolan, B. T.; Puckett, L. J.; Rupert, M. G.; Short, T. M.; Spahr, N. E.; Sprague, L. A.; Wilber, W. G.
Year Published: 2008
Ground-Water Availability in the United States
Ground water is among the Nation's most important natural resources. It provides half our drinking water and is essential to the vitality of agriculture and industry, as well as to the health of rivers, wetlands, and estuaries throughout the country. Large-scale development of ground-water resources with accompanying declines in ground-water...
Reilly, Thomas E.; Dennehy, Kevin F.; Alley, William M.; Cunningham, William L.Attribution: Water, Water Resources, Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, United States of America, Water Science School
View Citation
Ground-Water Availability in the United States; 2008; CIR; 1323; Reilly, Thomas E.; Dennehy, Kevin F.; Alley, William M.; Cunningham, William L.
Year Published: 2006
Pesticides in the nation's streams and ground water, 1992-2001 - a summary
Gilliom, Robert J.; Hamilton, Pixie A.Attribution: United States of America, Water Science School
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Pesticides in the nation's streams and ground water, 1992-2001 - a summary; 2006; FS; 2006-3028; Gilliom, Robert J.; Hamilton, Pixie A.
Year Published: 1999
Sustainability of ground-water resources
The pumpage of fresh ground water in the United States in 1995 was estimated to be approximately 77 billion gallons per day (Solley and others, 1998), which is about 8 percent of the estimated 1 trillion gallons per day of natural recharge to the Nation's ground-water systems (Nace, 1960). From an overall national perspective, the ground-water...
Alley, William M.; Reilly, Thomas E.; Franke, O. LehnView Citation
Sustainability of ground-water resources; 1999; CIR; 1186; Alley, William M.; Reilly, Thomas E.; Franke, O. Lehn
Year Published: 1998
Ground water and surface water: A single resource
The importance of considering ground water and surface water as a single resource has become increasingly evident. Issues related to water supply, water quality, and degradation of aquatic environments are reported on frequently. The interaction of ground water and surface water has been shown to be a significant concern in many of these issues....
Winter, Thomas C.; Harvey, Judson W.; Franke, O. Lehn; Alley, William M.Attribution: Water, Dakota Water Science Center, Water Resources, Environmental Health, Toxic Substances Hydrology Program, United States of America
View Citation
Ground water and surface water; a single resource; 1998; CIR; 1139; Winter, Thomas C.; Harvey, Judson W.; Franke, O. Lehn; Alley, William M.
Year Published: 1996
Ground water: the hidden resource
Ground water is water underground in saturated zones beneath the land surface. Contrary to popular belief, ground water does not form underground "rivers." It fills the pores and fractures in underground materials such as sand, gravel, and other rock. If ground water flows from rock materials or can be removed by pumping from the saturated rock...
Vandas, Stephen; Farrar, FrankAttribution: Water Resources
View Citation
Ground water: the hidden resource; 1996; USGS Unnumbered Series; GIP; Vandas, Stephen; Artwork by Farrar, Frank
Year Published: 1994
Ground water and the rural homeowner
As the salesmen sang in the musical The Music Man, "You gotta know the territory." This saying is also true when planning to buy or build a house. Learn as much as possible about the land, the water supply, and the septic system of the house before buying or building. Do not just look at the construction aspects or the beauty of the home and...
Waller, Roger M.View Citation
Ground water and the rural homeowner; 1994; USGS Unnumbered Series; GIP; Waller, Roger M.
Year Published: 1994
Water resources professional's outreach notebook; ground water, grade level 6-8
Vandas, S.J.View Citation
Water resources professional's outreach notebook; ground water, grade level 6-8; 1994; OFR; 94-73; Vandas, S. J.
Date published: January 24, 2018
Alaska Earthquake Rattles Florida’s Groundwater Plumbing
At 12:32 am Alaska time on January 23, 2018, a magnitude 7.9 earthquake shook Alaska residents out of their beds and set off fears of a tsunami all down the West Coast. Fortunately, the tsunami was only a few inches in height, but within an hour of the earthquake in Alaska, waves of a different sort were hitting far away in Florida.
Date published: December 7, 2017
The Quality of the Nation’s Groundwater: Progress on a National Survey
The U.S. Geological Survey is near the midpoint of a complex undertaking to survey the quality of the nation’s largest drinking-water resource.
Current website: https://www.usgs.gov/news/quality-nation-s-groundwater-progress-a-nation...
Attribution: Water Resources, National Water Quality Program
Date published: October 18, 2017
Study Estimates about 2.1 Million People using Wells High in Arsenic
Most Arsenic Presumed to be From Naturally Occurring Sources
Date published: May 11, 2017
High Levels of Radon Found in Some Wells Across Pennsylvania
A new U.S. Geological Survey study has discovered high levels of radon in wells across certain areas of Pennsylvania.
Date published: March 9, 2017
How Well Do You Know Groundwater
Groundwater, which flows out of sight through aquifers beneath our feet, is one of the Nation’s most important natural resources. In recognition of National Groundwater Awareness Week, March 5–11, 2017, here’s an opportunity to put your knowledge of this vital resource to the test!
Attribution: Water Resources
Date published: January 19, 2017
Groundwater Quality in Eastern U.S.
A regional assessment of untreated groundwater in the combined Valley and Ridge and Piedmont and Blue Ridge aquifers in the eastern United States is now available from the U.S. Geological Survey.
Date published: December 14, 2016
How Much Water Do We Use?
The USGS National Water-Use Science project has documented 60 years of water-use from 1950 to 2010 in an interactive map. Choose a year and pick a category to see how much water your state uses.
Attribution: Water Resources
Date published: October 11, 2016
Large Precipitation Events are Critical in Replenishing Groundwater Resources
Large precipitation events that occur about every 10 years are a critical source of recharge for replenishing groundwater resources, according to a new study by the U.S. Geological Survey and the Bureau of Reclamation.
Date published: December 16, 2014
High Plains Aquifer Groundwater Levels Continue to Decline
The U.S. Geological Survey has released a new report detailing changes of groundwater levels in the High Plains Aquifer. The report presents water-level change data in the aquifer for two separate periods: from 1950 – the time prior to significant groundwater irrigation development – to 2013, and 2011 to 2013.
March 9, 2018
Groundwater-Level Measurement near Jewel Cave National Monument, SD
USGS groundwater hydrologist, Bill Eldridge, is lowering a transducer into an observation well near Jewel Cave National Monument to monitor water-level changes in the Madison aquifer. The data collected will be used to update previously published groundwater-altitude maps to help better understand groundwater flow. The work is being conducted in cooperation with the
...Attribution: Region 5: Missouri Basin, Dakota Water Science Center
November 1, 2017
Collecting groundwater quality sample
With property owner's permission, a USGS hydrologist collects a water sample from a private well in Gem County, Idaho
Attribution: Water Resources, Idaho Water Science Center
July 25, 2017
Measuring the groundwater level in a well near Lame Deer, Montana
Measuring the groundwater level in a well near Lame Deer, Montana
Attribution: Region 5: Missouri Basin, Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center
April 27, 2017
Potential Corrosivity of Untreated Groundwater in the United States
- Corrosive groundwater, if untreated, can dissolve lead and other metals from pipes.
- National maps have been prepared to identify the occurrence of potentially corrosive groundwater in the U.S.
- These findings have the greatest implication for the 44 million people dependent on domestic wells for drinking water.
Attribution: Environmental Health
September 7, 2016
Groundwater gage in Indiana
Attribution: Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center
September 16, 2015
USGS scientist tests groundwater samples for water quality.
USGS scientist tests groundwater samples for water quality.
The USGS is near the midpoint of a complex undertaking to survey the quality of the nation’s largest drinking-water resource. From 2012 – 2023, the USGS is assessing groundwater throughout the country through extensive sampling. The latest results from five regional aquifers are now available.
March 13, 2015
Setting up Groundwater Streamgage on Green River nr LaBarge
Setting up Groundwater Streamgage on Green River nr LaBarge
September 22, 2011
PubTalk 9/2011 — Tracking the Nation's Groundwater Reserves
--issues facing current and future water supplies
by William Alley, USGS Office of Groundwater
- Ground water is among the Nation's most important natural resources, providing half of our drinking water as well as being essential to agriculture and industry, and the health of ecosystems throughout the country
June 15, 2011
Real-time Groundwater Streamgage equipment set up
Real-time Groundwater Streamgage equipment set up
August 1, 2002
Groundwater Monitoring
Data recorder in a field well shelter monitoring a well in New Jersey
Attribution: New Jersey Water Science Center