USGS
USGS is a research center that is part of the pulse of the water sector. Here we bring together everything it publishes on Smart Water Magazine: its news, its blogs and the events it takes part in.
USGS releases a comprehensive look at water resources in the United States
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has released the National Water Availability Assessment, a pioneering scientific overview of water availability that offers first-of-its-kind insights into the balance between water supply and demand across the conterminous United States. The assessment found that nearly 30 million people live in areas where available surface-water supplies are limited relative to […]
Millions in the U.S. may rely on groundwater contaminated with PFAS for drinking water supplies
Approximately 71 to 95 million people in the Lower 48 states – more than 20% of the country’s population – may rely on groundwater that contains detectable concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, for their drinking water supplies. These findings are according to a U.S Geological Survey study published Oct. 24. The […]
U.S. Geological Survey names Bill Werkheiser Associate Director for Water Resources Mission Area
The U.S. Geological Survey is pleased to announce the selection of Bill Werkheiser as the new Associate Director (AD) for the Water Resources Mission Area (WMA), starting Monday, July 15th. For the past five years, Werkheiser has served as the Department of the Interior’s (DOI) Senior Science Advisor and Scientific Integrity Officer. Before moving to […]
New study estimates lithium in groundwater that can be used for drinking water
The first national estimates of naturally occurring lithium in groundwater that can be used for drinking water were recently published by the U.S. Geological Survey. The USGS-led study focuses on groundwater that supplies water to both public and private wells. Ongoing research by health organizations has linked the low-level occurrence of natural lithium in drinking water […]
Research brings new focus to strategic monitoring of wildfire impacts on water supplies
Wildfires are a natural process in many ecosystems, but they are increasing in size, severity and frequency in many areas across the United States.
USGS research brings new focus to strategic monitoring of wildfire impacts on water supplies
After a wildfire, loss of canopy vegetation and changes to soil properties can occur, which leads to more water flowing over land during rainfall. This can lead to flooding, erosion, and the movement of sediment, ash, pollutants and debris to surface water. The range of water quality impacts after a wildfire varies, from no noticeable […]
USGS provides new database with critical ecological information for U.S. lakes
The dataset can be used to track lake productivity across macroscales and decades.
Studies reveal presence and distribution of PFAS in New Mexico’s water resources
PFAS chemicals have been detected in groundwater and surface water resources across the state of New Mexico, with urban areas being the most significant contributor, according to two recent studies by the U.S. Geological Survey done in cooperation with New Mexico Environment Department (NMED). Frequently called ‘forever chemicals,’ PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals […]
How climate and irrigation influence salinity of waters in the Upper Colorado River Basin
A newly published study from the U.S. Geological Survey explains how salinity in the Upper Colorado River Basin has changed over the past few decades and shows how climate, irrigation and flow of groundwater contribute to salinity in the watershed. The study correlates overall salinity declines in the river basin since the 1980s with a transition from wet to dry conditions.