Water Quality and Storage
According to the Centers for Disease Control, because contaminated water is a major cause of illness and death, water quality is a determining factor in human poverty, education, and economic opportunities. Unfortunately, worldwide water quality is declining, threatening the health of ecosystems and humans worldwide. Safe water storage is also integral to ensuring water quality. Resources available in this sub-theme include guidance on maintenance for water tank storage, country water quality assessments, among other resources that support WASH storage and water quality.
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Water Quality and Storage Resources
Unsafe Water More Common in Communities of Color
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July 2, 2021In this video, Elizabeth Martinez, of Lideres Campesinas—and a resident of Kern County, California—talks about the fears and challenges of living in a county with a long history of violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. Michele Roberts of Environmental Justice Health Alliance and NRDC’s Kristi...Read more
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United StatesWater Quality Surveillance and Response
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July 13, 2021The EPA Water Security Division has developed a program that provides information, case studies and a framework utilities can use to develop a Water Quality Surveillance and Response System (SRS). An SRS can help improve a utility's ability to monitor source water and distribution system water...Read more
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United StatesWhat Can Communities Do About Lead in Drinking Water?
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July 13, 2021An estimated 6 million leaded service lines(link is external) deliver drinking water to households across the United States, and when these lines leach lead into drinking water, it poses a serious public health problem. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, states and cities are working to issue...Read more
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United StatesDrinking Water and Source Water Research
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July 21, 2021This web page provides an overview of USGS's work in drinking water and source water research. It includes publications, data and tools, maps, and related USGS research. Reliable drinking water is vital for the health and safety of all Americans. The USGS works with drinking water facilities...Read more
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United StatesRecreational Water Quality
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July 21, 2021This web page provides an overview of USGS's research about recreational water quality. It includes related research, publications, news, and a collection of data and tools. The water quality of a nearby lake, a watershed, or along the coast can be enhanced only by collecting good information...Read more
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United StatesGroundwater/Surface-Water Interaction
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July 21, 2021USGS Integrated Watershed Studies seek to better understand and quantify the exchanges at the surface water/groundwater interface. This understanding is used to forecast how the chemical quality of water will change in response to changes in climate, land use, or management practices. Integrated...Read more
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United StatesWater Quality After Wildfire
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July 21, 2021Relatively new research has been aimed at the impacts of wildfires on the quality of drinking water and on water-dependent natural resources. Wildfires are devastating and can lead to long-term changes to the landscape. With a significant amount of our Nation's drinking water sources...Read more
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United StatesNational Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA)
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July 21, 2021The National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) has produced scientific data and knowledge that is used by national, regional, state, and local agencies to develop science-based policies and management strategies to improve and protect water resources used for drinking water, recreation, irrigation,...Read more
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United StatesUrban Land Use and Water Quality
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July 21, 2021In urbanized areas, small streams are often overlooked or forgotten, but these streams can reduce contamination, ease flash flooding, and improve the esthetics and livability of our daily environment. Contaminants, habitat destruction, and streamflow flashiness resulting from urban development...Read more
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United StatesAgriculture and the Quality of the Nation's Waters
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July 21, 2021Intensive studies by the USGS National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Project in agricultural areas provide insight into how agricultural activities have altered the natural flow of water and the way that agricultural chemicals enter streams and aquifers, and in particular how nutrients affect...Read more
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United StatesDon't see what you're looking for? You can search USWP member sites, request a resource, or contact the USWP.