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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.

News

Science or Superstition?

Science or Superstition?

Millions in the U.S. may rely on groundwater contaminated with PFAS for drinking water supplies

Millions in the U.S. may rely on groundwater contaminated with PFAS for drinking water supplies

From the Colombian Andes to the USGS: How Diana L. Restrepo-Osorio Became a Champion for Diversity in Science

From the Colombian Andes to the USGS: How Diana L. Restrepo-Osorio Became a Champion for Diversity in Science

Publications

Inset groundwater-flow models for the Cache and Grand Prairie Critical Groundwater Areas, northeastern Arkansas

The water resources in the Mississippi alluvial plain, located in parts of Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Arkansas, supports a multibillion-dollar agricultural industry that relies heavily on pumping of groundwater for irrigation of crops and aquaculture. The primary source of groundwater for agricultural-related pumping is the Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer,
Authors
Jonathan P. Traylor, Leslie L. Duncan, Andrew T. Leaf, Alec Rolland Weisser, Benjamin J. Dietsch, Moussa Guira

Peak streamflow trends in South Dakota and their relation to changes in climate, water years 1921–2020

Peak-flow (flood) frequency analysis is essential to water-resources management applications, including the design of critical infrastructure such as bridges and culverts, and floodplain mapping. Federal guidelines for performing peak-flow flood frequency analyses are presented in a U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods Report known as Bulletin 17C. A basic assumption within Bulletin 17C,
Authors
Nancy A. Barth, Steven K. Sando

Real-time pier scour monitoring and observations at three scour-critical sites in Idaho, water years 2020–22

To observe real-time pier scour at three scour-critical sites in Idaho, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with Idaho Transportation Department, installed and operated fixed real-time (15-minute interval) bed elevation scour sonar sensors at three bridge locations associated with U.S. Geological Survey streamflow gaging stations for water years 2020 through 2022. Daily mean and peak stream
Authors
Ryan L. Fosness, Paul V. Schauer

Science

Integrated Water Prediction (IWP)

The USGS Integrated Water Prediction science program is focused on developing and improving model code, workflows, and applications of core water availability components at a national extent.
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Integrated Water Prediction (IWP)

The USGS Integrated Water Prediction science program is focused on developing and improving model code, workflows, and applications of core water availability components at a national extent.
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Centennial Streamgages

Centennial Streamgages are USGS streamgages that have been in operation for more than 100 years.
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Centennial Streamgages

Centennial Streamgages are USGS streamgages that have been in operation for more than 100 years.
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Water Science School

The USGS Water Science School is an educational resource provided by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) focused on all things water science. It offers a variety of information, and interactive activities designed to teach students, educators, and the public about various aspects of water.
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Water Science School

The USGS Water Science School is an educational resource provided by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) focused on all things water science. It offers a variety of information, and interactive activities designed to teach students, educators, and the public about various aspects of water.
Learn More
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