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
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...
A roadmap for identifying and interpreting physical processes and national water model prediction bias associated with baseflow index regimes across the contiguous United States A roadmap for identifying and interpreting physical processes and national water model prediction bias associated with baseflow index regimes across the contiguous United States
Understanding how groundwater–surface water interactions shape streamflow variability is critical for diagnosing low flow behavior and prediction bias in continental scale hydrologic models. We present a process informed framework that links observed baseflow (BF) dynamics, watershed attributes, and National Water Model (NWM) performance across the contiguous United States. Using daily...
Triple oxygen isotope compositions of isotopic reference waters: Implications for VSMOW-Scale and VSMOW-SLAP-Scale Δ′¹⁷O calibration Triple oxygen isotope compositions of isotopic reference waters: Implications for VSMOW-Scale and VSMOW-SLAP-Scale Δ′¹⁷O calibration
Triple oxygen isotope ratios of waters are commonly reported on the VSMOW–SLAP scale, whereas comparison with theoretical calculations and assessment of instrumental scale distortion require accurate constraints on the measured isotopic compositions of the primary isotopic reference materials (iRMs) themselves. In particular, the measured δ17OVSMOW and Δ′17OVSMOW values for SLAP and its...
Science
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.
Groundwater Wells
Wells are extremely important to all societies. In many places wells provide a reliable and ample supply of water for home uses, irrigation, and industries. Where surface water is scarce, such as in deserts, people can't survive and thrive without groundwater, and they use wells to get at underground water.