Expanding our ZIGsight into freshwater ecology
USGS and collaborators recently published new global, harmonized collection of freshwater zooplankton records
USGS and collaborators recently published new global, harmonized collection of freshwater zooplankton records
As above, so below?
New USGS study examines trends in groundwater and streamflow across the United States 1980-2020
New USGS study examines trends in groundwater and streamflow across the United States 1980-2020
From Source to Streams
New national models estimate seasonal nutrients over 21 years in rivers across the U.S.
New national models estimate seasonal nutrients over 21 years in rivers across the U.S.
New Research, Development, and Innovation Program
The Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF) launches national research and development program
The Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF) launches national research and development program
Water Resources Mission Area
Water information is fundamental to national and local economic well-being, protection of life and property, and effective management of the Nation’s water resources. The USGS works with partners to monitor, assess, conduct targeted research, and deliver information on a wide range of water resources and conditions including streamflow, groundwater, water quality, and water use and availability.
Message from the Associate Director
Message from the Associate Director
Learn more about the Mission Area from the Associate Director for Water Resources.
Water Data for the Nation
Water Data for the Nation
Water data collected at approximately 1.9 million sites across all 50 states.
News
Investigation of Drivers and Sources of Potential Harmful Algal Blooms in Lake Anna, Virginia, 2023–24
Investigation of Drivers and Sources of Potential Harmful Algal Blooms in Lake Anna, Virginia, 2023–24
September is National Preparedness Month
September is National Preparedness Month
Science Spotlight: USGS Monitoring of Glacial Outburst Flood in Juneau Alaska
Science Spotlight: USGS Monitoring of Glacial Outburst Flood in Juneau Alaska
Publications
IVyTools: Space-Time Image Velocimetry for streamflow IVyTools: Space-Time Image Velocimetry for streamflow
Accurate streamflow measurements are essential for hydrologic monitoring, flood forecasting, and water resource management. Traditional in situ methods, although reliable, are often impractical or unsafe during flood conditions or at inaccessible locations. Image velocimetry techniques offer a potential non-contact alternative, yet operational adoption has been hindered by the lack of...
Sediment vulnerability ranking for river basins across the contiguous U.S. using integrated biophysical and social-ecological data Sediment vulnerability ranking for river basins across the contiguous U.S. using integrated biophysical and social-ecological data
Nearly half of streams and rivers in the United States (U.S.) have fair to poor conditions for aquatic ecosystem health as declared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and sediment was identified as a primary factor impairing these waterbodies. We rank sediment vulnerability using physical, ecological, and socioeconomic datasets in 163 4-digit Hydrologic Unit Codes within 18...
Cyanobacteria Assessment Network: Pilot study with Sentinel-2 derived chlorophyll data Cyanobacteria Assessment Network: Pilot study with Sentinel-2 derived chlorophyll data
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) affect global water quality, limiting uses like recreation and consumption because of excessive algal biomass and toxin production. These blooms cause surface scums, taste and odor issues, hypoxia, and negative health and socioeconomic impacts. The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) manages over 400 lakes and reservoirs and seeks to improve monitoring of HABs...
Science
Accessing Water Use Data
The USGS provides historic and recent water use data for the United States including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This page provides an up-to-date guide to accessing, downloading, and using USGS water use data.
Rivers Contain Groundwater
Naturally, the water running in rivers comes from precipitation that runs off the landscape into the river. But since precipitation also seeps into (and moves) into the ground, you don't often consider that a significant amount of the water flowing in rivers comes from water in the ground seeping back "up" into the river from below.
Crest Gage: A Quick Way to Measure River Stage
The maximum height rivers reach during storms and floods is an important "data point" to document. In places where there are not dedicated monitoring equipment, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) often uses "crest stage gages" to record a one-time measurement of the flood peak.