High rainfall totals in Kenya have caused the collapse of the Patel Dam, leading to destruction and loss of life downstream.
At the USGS EROS Center, we study land change, operate the Landsat satellites, and maintain the longest, continuously acquired collection of images of the Earth's land surface.
International Water Resources Activities
USGS water-related projects of international interest.
Cape Verde
USGS helped evaluate groundwater availability and quality in watersheds on three islands (Fogo, Santo Antão, and São Nicolau), in cooperation with the Instituto Nacional de Gestão dos Recursos Hídricos (INGRH) and the Millennium Challenge Account. The study findings are being used by local water managers and the INGRH for future planning of sustainable groundwater development.
Ethiopia
USGS is currently helping identify groundwater resources in the Somali Regional State of Ethiopia, in cooperation with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Recent results from the ongoing study are described in a report for USAID: Groundwater Exploration and Assessment in the Eastern Lowlands and Associated Highlands of the Ogaden Basin Area, Eastern Ethiopia: Phase 1 Final Technical Report. Previous efforts helped the national groundwater assessment program in the use of standardized field forms and creation of a national groundwater database for storing, processing, and analyzing groundwater data. This database was provided for national use by Ethiopian agencies. Read more here.
Haiti
USGS scientists have a long history of defining, implementing and installing and monitoring early warning systems (EWS) in communities of all scales, both domestically and internationally. The USGS implemented a network of 58 hydrologic monitoring systems with real-time warning capability in four Central American countries following the 1998 Hurricane Mitch disaster. In Haiti, USGS scientists have provided technical assistance as requested by the United National Development Program (UNDP) to help mitigate flood hazards in and around the town of Fond Verrettes, Haiti. USGS researchers/scientists assisted UNDP and Haitian counterparts in the design and installation of a EWS that consists of three rain gages equipped with satellite telemetry and a communications system for Fond Verrettes.
Horn of Africa
USGS is redesigning the Ethiopian National Groundwater Database and constructing a generic template of a Water Supply Database to store water well construction details and other information to be used by the Host Nation Government in the Horn of Africa. USGS also is providing data for development of the Combined Joint Task Force--Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) Water Resources Database for Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Kenya. The water resource database will store geologic maps, hydrogeologic maps, topographic maps, satellite images, vegetation maps, weather maps, documents, and other relevant hydrogeological data in a format that can be easily retrieved by users. The data will be delivered periodically via the interlibrary loan process that will allow NFESC to select the most appropriate maps and materials to be incorporated and used into the database.
India
The USGS is an active partner in the Climate Forecasting Systems (CFS) component of the Disaster Management Support Project, which is a collaborative effort of the Government of India Ministry of Home Affairs and USAID. As a sub-project of the CFS, the Central Water Commission (CWC) of India, the India Meteorological Department, the USGS, and the U.S. National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration implemented a pilot flood forecasting and flood inundation modeling project for the Mahanadi River Basin, where devastating floods occur almost annually.
INTERNATIONAL HYDROLOGIC PROGRAM (IHP) 1980s to PRESENT
Verne Schneider, Secretary, US National Committee to UNESCO’s International Hydrologic Program; re-creation of USNC; aiding/reviewing the creation of a US-led UNESCO-IHP Category II Center.
Iraq
USGS collaborated with the U.S. Department of State and the Italian Ministry of Environment and Territory (IMET) in support of the Iraq Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR) and their goal of renovating the Iraq National Hydrologic Monitoring Network. The objective of this work was to enable the Iraqis to better manage their valuable water resources which in turn will result in an improved quality of life.
Jordan
USGS partnered with the USAID and the Jordan Ministry of Water and Irrigation to improve groundwater monitoring systems and to assess trends in groundwater levels and groundwater salinity in Jordan’s aquifers. This information contributes to the scientific basis for management of groundwater resources as the government of Jordan seeks sustainable water-supply solutions.
Mongolia
The USGS provided assistance to MCC to aid in ensuring the sustainable use of available water resources associated with the land/property rights project, notably regarding proposed wells in Mongolia. USGS provided technical assistance related to the potential environmental risks of proposed water resources development.
Mozambique
Since 2007 USGS has provided assistance to MCC during the Implementation Planning for the Mozambique Compact proposal, focusing on issues related to ground- and surface-water resources. The USGS serves as a scientific advisor to MCC for review of scientific/technical documents and data related to surface- and ground-water resources as developed by the Government of Mozambique and/or MCC and their respective consultants/contractors.
Pakistan
USGS and the Pakistan Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) and other Pakistani organizations involved in water resources assessment and management have been engaged in science and technology exchange since 2004. USGS has provided scientific and technical assistance to allow for strengthening of the capabilities of the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) with emphasis on the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources. The focus of the science and technology exchange has been on water resources assessments, creation of national, regional, and local water-quality laboratories, application of geographic information systems, organic analytical methods for pesticide analyses, creation of an integrated Pakistan water resources data warehouse, and creation of a Center of Excellence in Microbiology.
Sudan
Water supply is lacking in most of the Horn of Africa. This water exploration project in the Darfur region conducted in 2006 and 2007 used innovative radar technology combined with other optical remote sensing technique and additional ancillary data to improve the potential for finding water supply in this drought and famine stricken area. The overall objective of this program was to improve support to decision-making for humanitarian assistance programs at USAID’s Office of Food for Peace, Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance, local governments, and national and international NGOs.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Since 1988, the USGS has been partnering with the Abu Dhabi Emirate to collect information on the groundwater resources of the Emirate, to conduct research on the hydrology of the arid environment, to provide training in water-resources investigations, and to document the results of the cooperative work in scientific publications. Special projects included tree ring work, perchlorate, land-use change and microgravity.
Other Programs
Groundwater Resources Assessment under the Pressures of Humanity and Climate Change (GRAPHIC)
UNESCO-IHP initiated the project Groundwater Resources Assessment under the Pressures of Humanity and Climate Change (GRAPHIC). GRAPHIC addresses the role of ground water as a critical global resource and the paucity of research to understand how groundwater may be affected by climate change and linked human activities. USGS is involved because of its expertise in groundwater assessment, ongoing research on the impacts of climate change, and a leadership role in assessing the internationally recognized High Plains Aquifer which is arguably one of the most productive and heavily studied aquifer systems in the world.
Internationally Shared Aquifer Resources Management (ISARM) Program
The worldwide ISARM (Internationally Shared Aquifer Resources Management) Initiative was an UNESCO and International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH) led multi-agency effort aimed at improving the understanding of scientific, socio-economic, legal, institutional and environmental issues related to the management of transboundary aquifers.
Science projects associated with international water resources activities are below.
Also learn more about other USGS international activities at International Programs.
Africa Groundwater Exploration and Assessment Program
The purpose of the Program is to develop a sound understanding of the potential for development of potable groundwater supply in selected African countries and build local capacity to plan and conduct the hydrologic investigations and monitoring necessary to help ensure that groundwater resources are developed and managed efficiently and sustainably.
Accelerating Aquifer Storage & Recovery in the Middle East and North Africa Region
In cooperation with the U.S. Agency for International Development, USGS helped regional partners assess the suitability for managing scarce groundwater resources, and improving water supply, using artificial recharge methods.
U.S. National Committee for the International Hydrological Programme
The Intergovernmental (formerly International) Hydrological Programme (IHP) is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's (UNESCO) international scientific cooperative program in water research, water resources management, education, and capacity building.
International Collaboration with the Texas Water Science Center
The Texas Water Science Center (TXWSC) recognizes the mutual benefits resulting from interaction with international scientific partners. Much can be learned about fundamental principles of science and applications of science and technology by looking at global perspectives. TXWSC international collaboration includes coordinated training workshops and short- and long-term assignments both of USGS...
Brazilian Agencies Partner With USGS On Water Programs
The USGS International Programs Office has intermittently collaborated with Brazil's Geological Survey (CPRM) since the early 1970's. With the creation of the Brazilian National Water Agency (ANA), Brazil's hydrologic monitoring network has taken on a higher socioeconomic importance. The collaboration agreements between USGS and ANA/CPRM have strengthened the Brazilian streamgaging network as well...
Selected multimedia items associated with international water resources activities.
Image of the Week - Patel Dam Tragedy in Kenya
High rainfall totals in Kenya have caused the collapse of the Patel Dam, leading to destruction and loss of life downstream.
At the USGS EROS Center, we study land change, operate the Landsat satellites, and maintain the longest, continuously acquired collection of images of the Earth's land surface.
Kafrein reservoir captures runoff near the Dead Sea, Jordan
The Kafrein Dam captures runoff from Jordan River side valley wadis, near the Dead Sea, Jordan. USGS hosted a field trip that included a stop at the dam in February, 2017 during a regional workshop on aquifer storage & recovery in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, in cooperation with the U.S. Agency for International Development.
The Kafrein Dam captures runoff from Jordan River side valley wadis, near the Dead Sea, Jordan. USGS hosted a field trip that included a stop at the dam in February, 2017 during a regional workshop on aquifer storage & recovery in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, in cooperation with the U.S. Agency for International Development.
Spring flow towards the Dead Sea, Jordan
Photo of low-flow conditions in a wadi (stream) along the Jordan Rift Valley. Springflow generated by groundwater discharge at higher elevations eventually flows into the hypersaline Dead Sea.
Photo of low-flow conditions in a wadi (stream) along the Jordan Rift Valley. Springflow generated by groundwater discharge at higher elevations eventually flows into the hypersaline Dead Sea.
Science projects associated with international water resources activities are below.
Also learn more about other USGS international activities at International Programs.
Africa Groundwater Exploration and Assessment Program
The purpose of the Program is to develop a sound understanding of the potential for development of potable groundwater supply in selected African countries and build local capacity to plan and conduct the hydrologic investigations and monitoring necessary to help ensure that groundwater resources are developed and managed efficiently and sustainably.
Accelerating Aquifer Storage & Recovery in the Middle East and North Africa Region
In cooperation with the U.S. Agency for International Development, USGS helped regional partners assess the suitability for managing scarce groundwater resources, and improving water supply, using artificial recharge methods.
U.S. National Committee for the International Hydrological Programme
The Intergovernmental (formerly International) Hydrological Programme (IHP) is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's (UNESCO) international scientific cooperative program in water research, water resources management, education, and capacity building.
International Collaboration with the Texas Water Science Center
The Texas Water Science Center (TXWSC) recognizes the mutual benefits resulting from interaction with international scientific partners. Much can be learned about fundamental principles of science and applications of science and technology by looking at global perspectives. TXWSC international collaboration includes coordinated training workshops and short- and long-term assignments both of USGS...
Brazilian Agencies Partner With USGS On Water Programs
The USGS International Programs Office has intermittently collaborated with Brazil's Geological Survey (CPRM) since the early 1970's. With the creation of the Brazilian National Water Agency (ANA), Brazil's hydrologic monitoring network has taken on a higher socioeconomic importance. The collaboration agreements between USGS and ANA/CPRM have strengthened the Brazilian streamgaging network as well...
Selected multimedia items associated with international water resources activities.
Image of the Week - Patel Dam Tragedy in Kenya
High rainfall totals in Kenya have caused the collapse of the Patel Dam, leading to destruction and loss of life downstream.
At the USGS EROS Center, we study land change, operate the Landsat satellites, and maintain the longest, continuously acquired collection of images of the Earth's land surface.
High rainfall totals in Kenya have caused the collapse of the Patel Dam, leading to destruction and loss of life downstream.
At the USGS EROS Center, we study land change, operate the Landsat satellites, and maintain the longest, continuously acquired collection of images of the Earth's land surface.
Kafrein reservoir captures runoff near the Dead Sea, Jordan
The Kafrein Dam captures runoff from Jordan River side valley wadis, near the Dead Sea, Jordan. USGS hosted a field trip that included a stop at the dam in February, 2017 during a regional workshop on aquifer storage & recovery in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, in cooperation with the U.S. Agency for International Development.
The Kafrein Dam captures runoff from Jordan River side valley wadis, near the Dead Sea, Jordan. USGS hosted a field trip that included a stop at the dam in February, 2017 during a regional workshop on aquifer storage & recovery in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, in cooperation with the U.S. Agency for International Development.
Spring flow towards the Dead Sea, Jordan
Photo of low-flow conditions in a wadi (stream) along the Jordan Rift Valley. Springflow generated by groundwater discharge at higher elevations eventually flows into the hypersaline Dead Sea.
Photo of low-flow conditions in a wadi (stream) along the Jordan Rift Valley. Springflow generated by groundwater discharge at higher elevations eventually flows into the hypersaline Dead Sea.