Water Resources
Overview of the USGS Water Resources Home Page
The United State Geological Survey - Water Resources of the United States website
(http://water.usgs.gov/) provides reliable, timely access to information that is needed to
understand the nation’s water resources. The agency promotes the use of this
information to minimize the loss of life and property as a result of water-related natural
hazards, effectively manage ground-water and surface-water resources, protect and
enhance water resources, and contribute to wise physical and economic development of
the Nation’s resources for the benefit of present and future generations. This guide will
highlight some of the content that can be found on the page.
Water Data:
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NWISWEB (National Water Information System Web Site) - Selected waterresources data for approximately 1.5 million sites across the United States from
1857 to present. Includes real- time water data from over 8,000 on-line stations.
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WaterWatch - Map of real-time streamflow compared to historical streamflow
for the day of the year (United States)
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Water Use - Data on water use for states, counties, and watersheds from 1985 Data can be downloaded from the site and links to state contacts are provided.
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U.S. Geological Survey Hydro-Climatic Data Network (HCDN):
Streamflow Data Set, 1874 – 1988 - A survey of the potential consequences of
climate change to continental water resources. Examines what effect
fluctuations in the prevailing climate may have on hydrologic conditions, such as
the occurrence and magnitude of floods or droughts and the seasonal
distribution of water supplies within a region.
Science in Your Watershed – provides tool to help users find scientific information
organized on a watershed basis. This information, coupled with observations and
measurements made by the watershed groups, provides a powerful foundation for
characterizing, assessing, analyzing, and maintaining the status and health of a
watershed.
The site also provides prominent links to Water Information by State and Water
Information by Topic - Topics include: ground water, surface water, water quality,
water use, and drought.
Maps - provides access to the full database of USGS Water Spatial Data Sets many
with local application. Links are also provided to Hydrologic Unit Maps, Historical Water
Conditions, and other USGS mapping applications
Software – provides access to copies of software and related documentation, which
were developed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) for use by the USGS in fulfilling
its mission. The software can be used, copied, modified, and distributed without any fee
or cost.
Water Resources Information for Students and Teachers – a useful guide to
water Information for schools on many aspects of water, along with pictures, data,
maps, and an interactive center where you can give opinions and test your water
knowledge. Includes posters, coloring books, water glossary, water atlas, videos, and
animations.
Publications - USGS Water-Resources Reports - Many USGS reports on water
resources are now being served online. Most publications located at this site and other
USGS sites can be located by subject, author, date, USGS series or publication series
number by using the reports and thematic maps electronic Publications Warehouse.
Water Resources Glossaries – Useful compilations of hydrologic terms assist users
with their understanding of website contents.
Additional links and features:
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Information about the WRD (Water Resources Discipline), which is one of the
four science disciplines of USGS.
Contact Information – includes office locations, phonebook, listing of Water
Science Center Directors, and instructions for finding contacts for questions
about a specific web page.
Science Topics: A topical directory which provides an alternate way to browse
USGS science programs and activities. It is not an exhaustive list of all USGS
science topics but provides a categorization using a thesaurus of related terms
that will give the user definitions, links to science content, and a structured
approach to discovery.
Recreation: Useful information for nature watching and exploration, boating,
camping, climbing, fishing, hiking, biking, hunting and health.
Partnerships: Links to and describes partnerships with foundations, educational
programs, regional interest groups, and trust organizations. Includes a quarterly
publication for well owners and communities dependent on ground
water.
Jobs: Information about job openings with USGS, student employment and
volunteer opportunities.
Also links to Additional Sources of Water Information, FAQs and a Site
Search