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.

Water Quality and Storage Resources

Making the Invisible Visible: Results of a Community-Led Health Survey Following PFAS Contamination of Drinking Water in Merrimack, New Hampshire

Publication date:
July 13, 2021
In March 2016, citizens of Merrimack, New Hampshire, learned that their public water supply was contaminated with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). A subsequent state-led investigation revealed widespread contamination of both public and private well water with PFOA and several related chemicals,...Read more
Regional/Country focus:
United States

Applying a Cumulative Risk Framework to Drinking Water Assessment: A Commentary

Publication date:
July 13, 2021
The health risks of drinking water contaminants and the economic benefits of drinking water standards are typically assessed one chemical at a time, an approach that misses the health impacts of co-occurring contaminants in drinking water. In contrast, a cumulative risk framework has become common...Read more
Regional/Country focus:
United States

Proceedings of Bhutan's National Water Symposium 2017

Publication date:
July 16, 2021
With support from the USAID-funded WWF Asia High Mountains Project, UWICER organized Bhutan's second National Water Symposium in May 2017. This symposium brought together water resources professionals and agencies to take stock of current water resource knowledge in Bhutan and to identify...Read more
Regional/Country focus:
Bhutan

Drinking Water and Source Water Research

Publication date:
July 21, 2021
This 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
Regional/Country focus:
United States

Recreational Water Quality

Publication date:
July 21, 2021
This 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
Regional/Country focus:
United States

Groundwater/Surface-Water Interaction

Publication date:
July 21, 2021
USGS 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
Regional/Country focus:
United States

Water Quality After Wildfire

Publication date:
July 21, 2021
Relatively 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
Regional/Country focus:
United States

National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA)

Publication date:
July 21, 2021
The 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
Regional/Country focus:
United States

Urban Land Use and Water Quality

Publication date:
July 21, 2021
In 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
Regional/Country focus:
United States

Don't see what you're looking for? You can search USWP member sites, request a resource, or contact the USWP.