As Deputy Regional Director for the USGS Northwest-Pacific Islands Region, Patty Toccalino helps oversee 7 USGS Science Centers in the Region, works with Centers to broadly share their science, and helps find solutions to their challenges.
Patty Toccalino is the Deputy Regional Director for the USGS Northwest-Pacific Islands region which encompasses Department of the Interior Regions 9 and 12. Patty shares responsibility with the Regional Director for planning, directing, and evaluating all science and operational activities within 7 Ecosystems and Water Science Centers located in Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
Prior to joining the Region, Patty served as the principal advisor to the Program Coordinator for the USGS National Water Quality Program (NWQP) on all aspects of NWQP planning, funding, and communications with partners and stakeholders.
Patty’s scientific expertise lies at the interfaces between environmental chemistry, toxicology, risk assessment, and the fate and transport of contaminants in the environment. She led an interagency collaborative effort to evaluate the occurrence and potential human-health significance of unregulated contaminants in the Nation’s water resources, including chemical mixtures and emerging contaminants, and briefed Congressional staff on findings.
Professional Experience
Deputy Regional Director, DOI Regions 9 & 12, USGS, Portland, OR
Deputy Program Coordinator, National Water Quality Program, USGS, Sacramento, CA
Regional National Water Quality Program Officer, Western Region, USGS, Sacramento, CA
Hydrologist, USGS, Sacramento, CA
Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental & Biomolecular Systems, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR
Member of the Faculty, The Evergreen State College, Olympia, WA
Adjunct Professor, Portland Community College, Portland, OR
Environmental Scientist, Parsons Brinckerhoff Energy Services, Inc., Portland, OR
Senior Scientist, Chester Environmental, Tigard, OR
Industrial Hygienist, Chrysler Motors, Detroit, MI
Education and Certifications
PhD & postdoc: Environmental Science and Engineering, Oregon Graduate Institute of Science & Technology, Beaverton, OR
BS: Environmental Health/Toxic Substance Control, Chemistry minor, Oakland University, Rochester, MI
Affiliations and Memberships*
USGS Powell Center Science Advisory Board
Society for Risk Analysis; held multiple officer roles in the Dose-Response Specialty Group
American Chemical Society
Science and Products
Arsenic in private well water and birth outcomes in the United States
Integrated science for the study of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment—A strategic science vision for the U.S. Geological Survey
Machine learning models of arsenic in private wells throughout the conterminous United States as a tool for exposure assessment in human health studies
Lithium in groundwater used for drinking-water supply in the United States
Pesticides and pesticide degradates in groundwater used for public supply across the United States: Occurrence and human-health context
Water priorities for the Nation—U.S. Geological Survey Integrated Water Availability Assessments
Use of set blanks in reporting pesticide results at the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Laboratory, 2001-15
Hormones and pharmaceuticals in groundwater used as a source of drinking water across the United States
Grand challenges for integrated USGS science — A workshop report
Pesticides in groundwater of the United States: decadal-scale changes, 1993-2011
Software for analysis of chemical mixtures--composition, occurrence, distribution, and possible toxicity
U.S. Geological Survey environmental health science strategy — Providing environmental health science for a changing world
Coproduced Science Linking Environmental and Public-Health Data to Evaluate Drinking Water Arsenic Exposure on Birth Outcomes
New Water-Quality Directions
National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA)
Drinking Water and Source Water Research
Public Supply Wells
Surface-Water Quality and Ecology
National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA): 1991-2012
Small Decadal–Scale Changes in Pesticides in Groundwater
USGS Health-Based Screening Levels Available Online
Inorganic Constituent and Ancillary Data for Evaluation of Lithium in Groundwater in the United States, 1991-2018
Laboratory Quality-Control Data Associated with Groundwater Samples Collected for Hormones and Pharmaceuticals by the National Water-Quality Assessment Project in 2013-15
Environmental and Quality-Control Data Collected by the USGS National Water-Quality Assessment Project for Hormones and Pharmaceuticals in Groundwater Used as a Source of Drinking Water Across the United States, 2013-15
Science and Products
- Publications
Filter Total Items: 26
Arsenic in private well water and birth outcomes in the United States
BackgroundPrenatal exposure to drinking water with arsenic concentrations >50 μg/L is associated with adverse birth outcomes, with inconclusive evidence for concentrations ≤50 μg/L. In a collaborative effort by public health experts, hydrologists, and geologists, we used published machine learning model estimates to characterize arsenic concentrations in private wells—federally unregulated for driAuthorsCatherine Bulka, Molly Scannell Bryan, Melissa Lombard, Scott Bartell, Daniel Jones, Paul Bradley, Veronica Vieira, Debra Silverman, Michael J. Focazio, Patricia Toccalino, Johnni Daniel, Lorraine C. Backer, Joseph D. Ayotte, Matthew O. Gribble, Maria ArgosIntegrated science for the study of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment—A strategic science vision for the U.S. Geological Survey
Concerns related to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in sources of drinking water and in natural and engineered environments have captured national attention over the last few decades. This report provides an overview of the science gaps that exist in the fields of study related to PFAS that are relevant to the U.S. Geological Survey mission and identifies opportunities where tAuthorsAndrea K. Tokranov, Paul M. Bradley, Michael J. Focazio, Douglas B. Kent, Denis R. LeBlanc, Jeff W. McCoy, Kelly L. Smalling, Jeffery A. Steevens, Patricia L. ToccalinoMachine learning models of arsenic in private wells throughout the conterminous United States as a tool for exposure assessment in human health studies
Arsenic from geologic sources is widespread in groundwater within the United States (U.S.). In several areas, groundwater arsenic concentrations exceed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency maximum contaminant level of 10 μg per liter (μg/L). However, this standard applies only to public-supply drinking water and not to private-supply, which is not federally regulated and is rarely monitored. AAuthorsMelissa Lombard, Molly Scannell Bryan, Daniel Jones, Catherine Bulka, Paul Bradley, Lorraine C. Backer, Michael J. Focazio, Debra T. Silverman, Patricia Toccalino, Maria Argos, Matthew O. Gribble, Joseph D. AyotteLithium in groundwater used for drinking-water supply in the United States
Lithium concentrations in untreated groundwater from 1464 public-supply wells and 1676 domestic-supply wells distributed across 33 principal aquifers in the United States were evaluated for spatial variations and possible explanatory factors. Concentrations nationwide ranged from <1 to 396 μg/L (median of 8.1) for public supply wells and <1 to 1700 μg/L (median of 6 μg/L) for domestic supply wellsAuthorsBruce D. Lindsey, Kenneth Belitz, Charles A. Cravotta, Patricia Toccalino, Neil M. DubrovskyPesticides and pesticide degradates in groundwater used for public supply across the United States: Occurrence and human-health context
This is the first assessment of groundwater from public-supply wells across the United States to analyze for >100 pesticide degradates and to provide human-health context for degradates without benchmarks. Samples from 1204 wells in aquifers representing 70% of the volume pumped for drinking supply were analyzed for 109 pesticides (active ingredients) and 116 degradates. Among the 41% of wells wheAuthorsLaura M. Bexfield, Kenneth Belitz, Bruce D. Lindsey, Patricia Toccalino, Lisa H. NowellWater priorities for the Nation—U.S. Geological Survey Integrated Water Availability Assessments
The United States faces growing challenges to its water supply, infrastructure, and aquatic ecosystems because of population growth, climate change, floods and droughts, and aging water delivery systems. To help address these challenges, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Water Resources Mission Area has established new strategic priorities that capitalize on the operational and scientific strengthAuthorsMark P. Miller, Brian R. Clark, Sandra M. Eberts, Patrick M. Lambert, Patricia ToccalinoUse of set blanks in reporting pesticide results at the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Laboratory, 2001-15
Executive SummaryBackground.—Pesticide results from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Water Quality Laboratory (NWQL) are used for water-quality assessments by many agencies and organizations. The USGS is committed to providing data of the highest possible quality to the consumers of its data. A cooperator’s inquiries about specific pesticide detections in water revealed potential laboratAuthorsLaura Medalie, Mark W. Sandstrom, Patricia L. Toccalino, William T. Foreman, Rhiannon C. ReVello, Laura M. Bexfield, Melissa L. RiskinHormones and pharmaceuticals in groundwater used as a source of drinking water across the United States
This is the first large-scale, systematic assessment of hormone and pharmaceutical occurrence in groundwater used for drinking across the United States. Samples from 1091 sites in Principal Aquifers representing 60% of the volume pumped for drinking-water supply had final data for 21 hormones and 103 pharmaceuticals. At least one compound was detected at 5.9% of 844 sites representing the resourceAuthorsLaura M. Bexfield, Patricia Toccalino, Kenneth Belitz, William T. Foreman, Edward FurlongGrand challenges for integrated USGS science — A workshop report
Executive SummaryThe U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has a long history of advancing the traditional Earth science disciplines and identifying opportunities to integrate USGS science across disciplines to address complex societal problems. The USGS science strategy for 2007–2017 laid out key challenges in disciplinary and interdisciplinary arenas, culminating in a call for increased focus on a numbeAuthorsKaren E. Jenni, Martin B. Goldhaber, Julio L. Betancourt, Jill S. Baron, Sky Bristol, Mary Cantrill, Paul E. Exter, Michael J. Focazio, John W. Haines, Lauren E. Hay, Leslie Hsu, Victor F. Labson, Kevin D. Lafferty, K. A. Ludwig, Paul C. D. Milly, Toni L. Morelli, Suzette A. Morman, Nedal T. Nassar, Timothy R. Newman, Andrea C. Ostroff, Jordan S. Read, Sasha C. Reed, Carl D. Shapiro, Richard A. Smith, Ward E. Sanford, Terry L. Sohl, Edward G. Stets, Adam J. Terando, Donald E. Tillitt, Michael A. Tischler, Patricia L. Toccalino, David J. Wald, Mark P. Waldrop, Anne Wein, Jake F. Weltzin, Christian E. ZimmermanPesticides in groundwater of the United States: decadal-scale changes, 1993-2011
The national occurrence of 83 pesticide compounds in groundwater of the United States and decadal-scale changes in concentrations for 35 compounds were assessed for the 20-year period from 1993–2011. Samples were collected from 1271 wells in 58 nationally distributed well networks. Networks consisted of shallow (mostly monitoring) wells in agricultural and urban land-use areas and deeper (mostly dAuthorsPatricia L. Toccalino, Robert J. Gilliom, Bruce D. Lindsey, Michael G. RupertSoftware for analysis of chemical mixtures--composition, occurrence, distribution, and possible toxicity
The composition, occurrence, distribution, and possible toxicity of chemical mixtures in the environment are research concerns of the U.S. Geological Survey and others. The presence of specific chemical mixtures may serve as indicators of natural phenomena or human-caused events. Chemical mixtures may also have ecological, industrial, geochemical, or toxicological effects. Chemical-mixture occurreAuthorsJonathon C. Scott, Kenneth A. Skach, Patricia L. ToccalinoU.S. Geological Survey environmental health science strategy — Providing environmental health science for a changing world
Executive SummaryAmerica has an abundance of natural resources. We have bountiful clean water, fertile soil, and unrivaled national parks, wildlife refuges, and public lands. These resources enrich our lives and preserve our health and wellbeing. These resources have been maintained because of our history of respect for their value and an enduring commitment to their vigilant protection. AwarenessAuthorsPatricia R. Bright, Herbert T. Buxton, Laurie S. Balistrieri, Larry B. Barber, Francis H. Chapelle, Paul C. Cross, David P. Krabbenhoft, Geoffrey S. Plumlee, Jonathan M. Sleeman, Donald E. Tillitt, Patricia L. Toccalino, James R. Winton - Science
Coproduced Science Linking Environmental and Public-Health Data to Evaluate Drinking Water Arsenic Exposure on Birth Outcomes
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists teamed up with public-health epidemiologists to probe for associations between arsenic in drinking water and human-birth outcomes. They reported a modest inverse relation between birth weight and arsenic exposure. Findings indicate that future research efforts using individual-level exposure data such as measured arsenic concentrations in tap water could...New Water-Quality Directions
As the USGS Water Resources Mission Area looks to the future, we are updating our water programs to meet 21st century water-resource challenges. As part of these updates, we are integrating the National Water Quality Assessment Project's water-resource monitoring, assessment, trends, modeling, and forecasting activities into new WMA programs.National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA)
Our surface water, groundwater, and aquatic ecosystems are priceless resources, used by people across the Nation for drinking, irrigation, industry, and recreation. The National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Project is a leading source of scientific data and knowledge for development of science-based policies and management strategies to improve and protect our water resources.Drinking Water and Source Water Research
Reliable drinking water is vital for the health and safety of all Americans. The USGS monitors and assesses the quality of the water used as a source for our nation's drinking water needs.Public Supply Wells
Are you among the more than 100 million people in the U.S. who relies on a public-supply well for your drinking water? Although the quality of finished drinking water from public water systems is regulated by the EPA, long-term protection and management of the raw groundwater tapped by public-supply wells requires an understanding of the occurrence of contaminants in this invisible, vital resource...Surface-Water Quality and Ecology
Research by the USGS National Water Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Project on water quality of rivers and streams covers a broad range of topics, from nonpoint pollution issues to vulnerability of aquatic ecosystems. Dive in and find out more about current water-quality conditions, how and where water quality is changing, and the latest information on pesticides, nutrients, and other contaminants.National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA): 1991-2012
In 1991, Congress established the National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Project to address where, when, why, and how the Nation's water quality has changed, or is likely to change in the future, in response to human activities and natural factors. This page discusses the first two decadal cycles of NAWQA research from 1991 through 2012.Small Decadal–Scale Changes in Pesticides in Groundwater
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists have completed the most comprehensive evaluation to date (2014) of decadal–scale changes in pesticide concentrations in groundwater of the United States. Such assessments are essential for tracking long–term responses to changes in pesticide use and land–management practices.USGS Health-Based Screening Levels Available Online
A U.S. Geological Survey USGS Health-Based Screening Level (HBSL) Web site includes human-health benchmarks for 351 contaminants (79 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs), 117 EPA Human Health Benchmarks for Pesticides (HHBPs), and 155 USGS HBSLs). The Web site also provides detailed toxicity information used to calculate HBSLs. A comprehensive update of the... - Data
Inorganic Constituent and Ancillary Data for Evaluation of Lithium in Groundwater in the United States, 1991-2018
Lithium concentrations in untreated groundwater from 1,464 public-supply wells, 1,676 domestic-supply wells, and 1,560 monitoring wells distributed across 33 principal aquifers in the United States were evaluated for spatial variations and possible explanatory factors. For context, lithium concentrations are compared to a drinking-water only threshold (60 mg/L) and a Health-Based Screening Level (Laboratory Quality-Control Data Associated with Groundwater Samples Collected for Hormones and Pharmaceuticals by the National Water-Quality Assessment Project in 2013-15
This data set includes results for hormone and pharmaceutical compounds analyzed in laboratory quality-control samples associated with environmental samples collected by the National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Project during 2013 through 2015 for a study of groundwater resources used for drinking-water supply across the United States. Hormone and pharmaceutical results are provided for laborEnvironmental and Quality-Control Data Collected by the USGS National Water-Quality Assessment Project for Hormones and Pharmaceuticals in Groundwater Used as a Source of Drinking Water Across the United States, 2013-15
This data set includes results for hormone and pharmaceutical compounds analyzed in environmental and quality-control samples collected by the USGS National Water-Quality Assessment Project during 2013 through 2015 for a study of groundwater resources used for drinking-water supply across the United States. Hormone and pharmaceutical results are provided for environmental samples collected at 1,12 - Multimedia
*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government