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
USGS Scientists Deploy to New Mexico Fire to Enhance Water Monitoring
USGS Scientists Deploy to New Mexico Fire to Enhance Water Monitoring
USGS Measures Historic Flooding Across the Upper Midwest
USGS Measures Historic Flooding Across the Upper Midwest
USGS Measures Flooding Across Eastern Minnesota
USGS Measures Flooding Across Eastern Minnesota
Publications
Total phosphorus and suspended-sediment concentrations and loads from two main tributaries to Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon, 2014–20
Total phosphorus (TP) and suspended-sediment concentrations (SSC) and loads were computed at two U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) streamgages in the upper Klamath River Basin on the Sprague (USGS site ID 11501000) and Williamson (USGS site ID 11502500) Rivers using high temporal resolution turbidity and streamflow data to develop surrogate regression models. Regression models were updated and validat
Bibliography of water-quality studies in Gateway National Recreation Area, New York and New Jersey
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) provided technical assistance to the National Park Service (NPS) as part of the USGS-NPS Water-Quality Partnership, by gathering references related to water-quality research conducted in the three units of Gateway National Recreation Area (GATE): Jamaica Bay and Staten Island in New York, and Sandy Hook in New Jersey. As part of this effort, a literature search wa
Siting considerations for satellite observation of river discharge
With growing global capability for satellite measurement of river discharge (flow) comes a need to understand and reduce error in satellite-based discharge measurements. Satellite-based discharge estimates are based on measurements of water surface width, elevation, slope, and potentially velocity. Site selection is important for reducing error and uncertainty in both conventional and satellite-ba
Science
New studies reveal ecological importance of fine-scale groundwater connectivity for streams during drought
Stream ecosystems support vital resources that may be jeopardized by climate change and climate stressors such as drought.
USGS Science Opportunities Related to the Nationally Relevant Study of Microplastics
USGS recently (2024) released a strategic vision document that identifies science gaps and prioritizes research relevant to the mission, expertise, and capabilities of the USGS. The intention is for USGS and stakeholders to use this as a starting part for planning, prioritizing, and designing microplastic research projects.
Water-Quality Benchmarks for Contaminants
How does the water quality measure up? It all depends on what the water will be used for and what contaminants are of interest. Water-quality benchmarks are designed to protect drinking water, recreation, aquatic life, and wildlife. Here you’ll find links to some of the most widely used sets of water, sediment, and fish tissue benchmarks and general guidance about their interpretation.