U.S. River Conditions
New visualization shows low- and high-flow events across the U.S. for July to September 2024
New visualization shows low- and high-flow events across the U.S. for July to September 2024
Water Resources Mission Area
Water information is fundamental to national and local economic well-being, protection of life and property, and effective management of the Nation’s water resources. The USGS works with partners to monitor, assess, conduct targeted research, and deliver information on a wide range of water resources and conditions including streamflow, groundwater, water quality, and water use and availability.
Message from the Associate Director
Message from the Associate Director
Learn more about the Mission Area from the Associate Director for Water Resources.
Water Data for the Nation
Water Data for the Nation
Water data collected at approximately 1.9 million sites across all 50 states.
News
Science or Superstition?
Science or Superstition?
Millions in the U.S. may rely on groundwater contaminated with PFAS for drinking water supplies
Millions in the U.S. may rely on groundwater contaminated with PFAS for drinking water supplies
From the Colombian Andes to the USGS: How Diana L. Restrepo-Osorio Became a Champion for Diversity in Science
From the Colombian Andes to the USGS: How Diana L. Restrepo-Osorio Became a Champion for Diversity in Science
Publications
Temporal concentrations of Quaternary ammonium compounds in wastewater treatment effluents during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020–2021
Quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC) are high production chemicals used in many commercial and household disinfection products. During the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic, QACs were included on lists of COVID-19 disinfectants. Increased QAC use could lead to higher levels of QACs in wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents, which could subsequently be released into the environment. To evaluate QA
High-Flow Experimental Outcomes to Inform Everglades Restoration, 2010–22
The Decompartmentalization Physical Model (DPM) was an experimental facility in the central Everglades operated between 2010 and 2022 to release high flows through a levee-enclosed area of degraded ridge and slough wetland that had been isolated from flow for sixty years. The purpose of DPM experimental program was to make measurements before, during, and after seasonal high-flow releases that cou
The U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Network—Surface Water—2023
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Water Quality Network for surface water (NWQN-SW) was established in 2013 to develop long-term, comparable assessments of surface-water quality in support of national, regional, state, and local needs related to water-quality management and policy. Waterquality samples are collected at each site and measured for a variety of parameters. In 2023, the NWQN-
Science
Effects of global change on alpine and subalpine ecosystems
Atmospheric nitrogen deposition, climate change and recreation are rapidly altering high elevation ecosystems. This project will evaluate long-term biogeochemical, hydrological, and ecological trends in Rocky Mountain National Park to understand the causes and rates of change in alpine and subalpine waters, soils, and vegetation. Policy makers and resource managers of high-elevation, protected...
Integrated Water Prediction (IWP)
The USGS Integrated Water Prediction science program is focused on developing and improving model code, workflows, and applications of core water availability components at a national extent.
Centennial Streamgages
Centennial Streamgages are USGS streamgages that have been in operation for more than 100 years.