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)
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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 StatesGroundwater Quality
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July 21, 2021Even 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
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United StatesGroundwater monitoring and research
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July 21, 2021Groundwater 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
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United StatesPublic Supply Wells
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July 21, 2021The 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
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United StatesRain and Precipitation
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July 21, 2021Rain 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
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United StatesGLRI Urban Stormwater Monitoring
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July 21, 2021The 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
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United StatesSediment Sampling and Data Processing
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July 21, 2021Sediment 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
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United StatesHistorical Flooding
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July 21, 2021The 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
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United StatesGroundwater Basics
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July 21, 2021This 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
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United StatesAquifers and Groundwater
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July 21, 2021A 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
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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.