Integrated Water Science Basins
Detailed Description
Selected reference basins (darker shaded basins)—referred to as Integrated Water Science (IWS) basins—are intensively monitored study basins representing a wide range of environmental, hydrologic, and landscape settings and human stressors of water resources to improve our understanding of water availability across the Nation. They also serve as regional focus areas for intensive observation, understanding, prediction, and delivery of data and information that can be extended to the broader region (light-colored areas). This work is being conducted through the Integrated Water Availability Assessments (IWAAs), Next Generation Water Observing System (NGWOS) and other Water Resource Mission Area programs.
As of 2025, five basins have been selected for intensive study: the Delaware River Basin, the Upper Colorado River Basin*, the Illinois River Basin, the Willamette River Basin, and the Trinity-San Jacinto River Basin.
In the Upper Colorado River Basin, NGWOS activities will be limited to the Colorado River Headwaters & Gunnison River Subbasins. All other IWS activities will be conducted across the entire Basin.
Sources/Usage
Public Domain.
