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

National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA)

Published: 
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 focus: 
United States

Groundwater Quality

Published: 
July 21, 2021
Even though the ground is an excellent mechanism for filtering out particulate matter, such as leaves, soil, and bugs, dissolved chemicals and gases can still occur in large enough concentrations in groundwater to cause problems. Underground water can get contaminated by industrial, domestic, and...Read more
Regional focus: 
United States

Groundwater monitoring and research

Published: 
July 21, 2021
Groundwater is an important water resource. The USGS collects information on the quality and quantity of groundwater and conducts advanced modeling of groundwater flow and groundwater/surface-water systems. The USGS also evaluates the effects of water-use, land-use, and climate change on...Read more
Regional focus: 
United States

Public Supply Wells

Published: 
July 21, 2021
The USGS National Water Quality Program investigates the quality of water pumped from public-supply wells across the United States. These wells are the source of drinking water and water for other household needs for more than one-third of the U.S. population. There are about 140,000 public water...Read more
Regional focus: 
United States

Rain and Precipitation

Published: 
July 21, 2021
Rain and snow are key elements in the Earth's water cycle, which is vital to all life on Earth. Rainfall is the main way that the water in the skies comes down to Earth, where it fills our lakes and rivers, recharges the underground aquifers, and provides drinks to plants and animals. Water...Read more
Regional focus: 
United States

GLRI Urban Stormwater Monitoring

Published: 
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 focus: 
United States

Sediment Sampling and Data Processing

Published: 
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 focus: 
United States

Historical Flooding

Published: 
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 focus: 
United States

Groundwater Basics

Published: 
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 focus: 
United States

Aquifers and Groundwater

Published: 
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 focus: 
United States

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