The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) collaborates with a variety of Federal, State, local, and tribal partners on scientific projects to provide reliable and impartial water-quality data and interpretation to resource managers, planners, stakeholders, and the general public. The themes related to surface water quality include the following:
• Water quality monitoring networks
• Effects of best management practices and low impact development on water quality
• Load estimation techniques and total maximum daily load assistance
• Mercury studies
• Toxics and emerging contaminants
• Eutrophication and nuisance algal blooms