Water Resources
Common Water Issues
Browse Common Water Issues science related to:
Urban Waters Federal Partnership—Patapsco Watershed (Baltimore, Md. region)
Several watersheds in the Baltimore region have elevated PCB loads in tidal waters. Local jurisdictions are responsible for reducing PCB loading from their watersheds. The USGS is embarking on a pilot study in the Patapsco watershed that will help determine sources of PCBs and will demonstrate innovative monitoring and analysis techniques for more efficient use of mitigation resouces.
Urban Waters Federal Partnership—Middle Blue River Basin (Kansas City, Mo.)
Reconnecting people and water is an increasingly important goal in many urban areas. Parks, urban trails, boat ramps, and urban agriculture all are ways that an urban population can interact with nature and improve quality of life. USGS is participating in gathering the information that will make these projects possible.
Regional SPARROW Model Assessments of Streams and Rivers
Regional SPARROW Model Assessments of Streams and Rivers (archived) includes models (and supporting data) that were developed for seven large regions of the conterminous United States. Results from the models can be used to compare nutrient sources and watersheds that contribute elevated nutrient loads to...
Changes in Nutrient and Sediment Concentrations in Streams and Rivers of the United States, 1993-2003
This archived site contains information about the USGS study of trends and changes in total phosphorus concentrations, total nitrogen concentrations, streamflow, phosphorus and nitrogen loading from manure and fertilizer, and nitrogen loading from atmospheric deposition in streams and rivers across the nation from 1993 to 2003.
Handheld Thermal Imaging Cameras for Groundwater/Surface-Water Interaction Studies
USGS scientists are using high-resolution handheld thermal imaging cameras in groundwater/surface-water interaction studies and other investigations. These cameras are used to quickly locate and characterize thermal anomalies in streams, lakes, and adjacent structures. Variations in temperature can be used to track the heat carried by flowing water, such groundwater discharge into a stream....
Fiber-Optic Distributed Temperature Sensing Technology Demonstration and Evaluation Project
Fiber-optic distributed temperature sensing (FO-DTS) is an emerging technology that has promise for characterizing estuary-aquifer and stream-aquifer interaction and for identifying transmissive fractures in bedrock boreholes.
Geophysics for USGS Groundwater/Surface Water Interaction Studies
Understanding the interaction of groundwater and surface water is essential to water managers and hydrologists for the development of effective water-resource policy, protection, and management. The USGS conducts applied research to evaluate the use of new or emerging hydrogeophysical tools and methods to improve our understanding of groundwater/surface-water exchange.
Water Chemistry Data for Selected Springs, Geysers, and Streams in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Beginning 2009
Results of water analyses conducted on numerous thermal and non-thermal features in Yellowstone National Park beginning in 2009. Water samples were collected and analyzed as part of research investigations on arsenic, iron, nitrogen, and sulfur redox species in hot springs and overflow drainages; the occurrence and distribution of dissolved mercury; and general hydrogeochemistry of hot springs...
Groundwater-Level Response to Virginia Earthquake, August 23, 2011
A magnitude 5.8 (Mw) earthquake occurred at 1:51 pm EDT (17:51 UTC) on August 23, 2011, at a depth of about 3.7 miles (6 kilometers) beneath the town of Mineral, Virginia, located approximately 27 miles (45 kilometers) east of Charlottesville. The event is among the largest earthquakes recorded in the eastern United States.
The Story of the USGS Research Vessel (R/V) Polaris
For the past 50 years, the USGS has been conducting research in the San Francisco Bay and Delta, California and beyond. This research would not have been possible without the Research Vessel (R/V) Polaris. Many scientists who have been fortunate to work on the Polaris have come and gone, but the Polaris sailed from the South San Francisco Bay continuously from 1968...
Solar Distillation Loop Evaporation Sleeve, US Patent 7,501,046
An evaporation sleeve is placed within a solar distillation loop apparatus to increase the amount of water evaporated by the apparatus. (Full details provided by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office website.)
Solar Distillation Loop, US Patent 7,108,769
A solar distillation loop apparatus includes a first pipe section disposed on a ground surface, the first pipe section including a substantially straight portion and elevated portions on each end of the substantially straight portion, an impure water inflow coupling and an impure water outflow coupling. (Full details provided by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office website.)