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
From Lake to Table: $3 Million Investment Helps Track Great Salt Lake's Future
From Lake to Table: $3 Million Investment Helps Track Great Salt Lake's Future
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
Publications
Iodine-129 in the eastern Snake River Plain aquifer at and near the Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2021–22
Between the 1950s and 1980s, wastewater generated at the Idaho National Laboratory contained Iodine-129 (129I); this wastewater was discharged directly into the eastern Snake River Plain (ESRP) aquifer through a deep disposal well, unlined infiltration ponds, or leaked from distribution systems below industrial facilities. During 2021–22, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the U.S. De
SUTRA— A code for simulation of saturated-unsaturated, variable-density groundwater flow with solute or energy transport—Documentation of the version 4.0 enhancements—Freeze-thaw capability, saturation and relative-permeability relations, spatially varyin
Version 4.0 of the Saturated-Unsaturated Transport (SUTRA) software code provides the capability to simulate the freezing and thawing of groundwater during energy transport simulations under saturated and unsaturated conditions. In addition to the types of hydrogeologic processes that SUTRA has been able to simulate in the past, this version can be used to study the effects of the freeze-thaw proc
Using mercury and lead stable isotopes to assess mercury, lead, and trace metal source contributions to Great Salt Lake, Utah, USA
Great Salt Lake is a critical habitat for migratory birds that is threatened by elevated metal concentrations, including mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb), and is subject to severe hydrologic changes, such as declining lake level. When assessing metal profiles recorded in Great Salt Lake sediment, a large data gap exists regarding the sources of metals within the system, which is complicated by various s
Science
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance (PFAS) Core Technology Team
The Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance (PFAS) Core Technology Team (CTT) within the Environmental Health Program partners with external and internal stakeholders to develop and apply analytical methods for measuring PFAS in complex matrices, addressing environmental health issues related to transport, distribution, fate, effects, and exposure.
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.