National water summary 1985: Hydrologic events and surface-water resources

The surface-water resources of the United States, the focal point for this National Water Summary, are extensively developed and managed to provide water supplies, hydroelectric power, navigation, recreational opportunities, and sufficient instream flows to maintain fish and wildlife habitats and adequate water quality. Surface water represents 77 percent of the Nation's total freshwater withdrawals, 65 percent of public supplies, 74 percent of self- supplied industries, excluding thermoelectric power generation, and 60 percent of irrigation. In only 10 States does surface water provide less than half of the total withdrawals.