Integrated Water Resource Management

As defined by the Global Water Partnership, integrated water resource management is a process which promotes the coordinated development and management of water, land, and related resources in order to maximize the resultant economic and social welfare in an equitable manner without compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems. Resources available within this theme provide guidance on how to conserve and restore watersheds, reduce pollution, adapt to climate change and reduce risks from floods and droughts.

Integrated Water Resource Management Resources

GLRI Urban Stormwater Monitoring

Publication date:
July 21, 2021
The GLRI Urban Stormwater Monitoring effort brings together the expertise of the USGS with local and national partners to assess the ability of green infrastructure to reduce stormwater runoff in Great Lakes urban areas. The term "urban stormwater" refers to rainfall or snowmelt that is...Read more
Regional/Country focus:
United States

Sediment Sampling and Data Processing

Publication date:
July 21, 2021
Sediment can be transported as suspended load (moves with the flow of the river) or as bedload (rolls along the riverbed) or can be deposited on the riverbed or bank. Sediment is naturally occurring and essential to supporting the ecological function of a water body. High sediment concentrations in...Read more
Regional/Country focus:
United States

Historical Flooding

Publication date:
July 21, 2021
The USGS provides practical, unbiased information about the Nation's rivers and streams that is crucial in mitigating hazards associated with floods. This site provides information about the USGS activities, data, and services provided during regional high-flow events, such as hurricanes or...Read more
Regional/Country focus:
United States

Groundwater Basics

Publication date:
July 21, 2021
This web page provides an overview of USGS's research about groundwater. It includes related research, publications, software, and a collection of data and tools. Groundwater is water in the ground that fully saturates pores or cracks in soils and rocks. Water underlies the Earth's...Read more
Regional/Country focus:
United States

Aquifers and Groundwater

Publication date:
July 21, 2021
A huge amount of water exists in the ground below your feet, and people all over the world make great use of it. But it is only found in usable quantities in certain places underground: aquifers. Most of the void spaces in the rocks below the water table are filled with water. These rocks have...Read more
Regional/Country focus:
United States

Rapid Fluctuations in Groundwater Quality

Publication date:
July 21, 2021
As part of the National Water Quality Program, USGS scientists are investigating why, in some areas and at some depths, groundwater quality changes at short timescales: years to months to days to even hours, rather than decades. These fluctuations often occur in areas where groundwater and surface...Read more
Regional/Country focus:
United States

Community-Based Approaches Combined with National Policy Implications Represent the Future of Environmental Justice Research

Publication date:
July 22, 2021
From its earliest days, environmental justice research has been rooted in the social movement that gave its name to the field. Grassroots activists against income and racial discrimination in the placement of environmental pollutants—and the overlooking of low-income and communities of color for...Read more
Regional/Country focus:
United States

The complicated history of environmental racism

Publication date:
July 22, 2021
Many people understand the environment as a force of nature that cannot favor or disfavor different populations. However, similar to all things on Earth, the environment is subject to human influences. Unfortunately, these influences often tend to lower their hands to the worsts of our society...Read more
Regional/Country focus:
United States

Op-ed: Water Pollution in Iowa Is Environmental Injustice

Publication date:
July 22, 2021
Environmental injustice and systemic racism affect communities throughout the United States, but many communities in rural states face additional challenges. The farming activities prevalent in many rural areas can inflict serious damage on water resources, but the damage does not involve all...Read more
Regional/Country focus:
United States

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