WSS and WMA Drippy

The USGS follows four basic steps for collecting streamflow data. The following is an example of a streamgage. More portable methods are also occasionally used. Read on to learn more.

There is an immense amount of water in aquifers below the earth's surface. In fact, there is about a hundred times more fresh water in the ground than is in all the world's rivers and freshwater lakes. Here we introduce you to the basics about groundwater.

When a drought hits and little or no rain has fallen in a long time, you might expect small streams and even larger rivers to just dry up, right? In many cases, they don't. Streamflow might lessen to a trickle or so, but water continues to flow. How is that possible? Read on to find out how "base flow", which is water seeping into the stream from groundwater, helps keep water in streams during...

How can one tell how much water is flowing in a river? Can we simply measure how high the water surface of the stream is? Sometimes it can be that simple. The height of the surface of the water is called the stream stage or gage height. However, the USGS has more accurate ways of determining how much water is flowing in a river. Read on to learn more.

Groundwater will normally look clear and clean because the ground naturally filters out particulate matter. But did you know that natural and human-induced chemicals can be found in groundwater even if appears to be clean? Below is a list of some contaminants that can occur in groundwater.

Collecting samples of water isn't the only way to test water quality. The USGS actually collects fish to see if and how they were affected by local pollution and chemicals in the water, such as pesticides. Read on to find out more.

Mercury has got to be one of the most fascinating elements around. In looking at the bubbles of bright silver sitting on a flat surface, it is easy to see why mercury is also called "quicksilver." Mercury is the only metal that exists in liquid form at ambient temperature. It may act somewhat like water, but it is nothing at all like water, especially in the potential harmful effects it can have...

Wastewater and sewage treatment are important topics in any society, all throughout history and into today. Improperly disposed of or treated sewage can cause disease and harm the ecosystem. That is why when a sewage overflow occurs it garners negative news attention.

Commercial pesticide applicators, farmers, and homeowners apply about 1 billion pounds of pesticides annually to agricultural land, non-crop land, and urban areas throughout the United States. The use of pesticides has helped to make the United States the largest producer of food in the world and has provided other benefits, but has also been accompanied by concerns about their potential adverse...

Mine drainage is metal-rich water formed from a chemical reaction between water and rocks containing sulfur-bearing minerals. Problems that can be associated with mine drainage include contaminated drinking water, disrupted growth and reproduction of aquatic plants and animals, and the corroding effects of the acid on parts of infrastructures such as bridges.

Even though the ground is an excellent mechanism for filtering out particulate matter, such as leaves, soil, and bugs, dissolved chemicals and gases can still occur in large enough concentrations in groundwater to cause problems.

There is a growing concern about the occurrence of pharmaceuticals in water bodies and in drinking water. Pharmaceuticals get into the water supply via human excretion and when drugs get flushed down the toilet. You might think wastewater treatment plants would take care of the situation, but many pharmaceuticals pass through water treatment.