The mission of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is to provide earth science information needed for the wise use and management of the Nation's resources and for hazard mitigation. The USGS has four operational disciplines: (1) Water Resources Discipline, (2) Geology Discipline, (3) National Mapping Discipline, and (4) Biological Resources Discipline (formerly National Biological Service (NBS)). These disciplines have different responsibilities in the various fields of earth science, and experts from the disciplines collaborate to address multi-discipline problems. The USGS employs scientists specializing in hydrology, geology, geochemistry, geophysics, engineering, biology, ecology, microbiology, geography, and computer technology. In addition, these scientists are supported by teams of hydrologic and geologic technicians, illustrators, editors, Geographic Information System (GIS) specialists, and other support staff. Typical products include reports, journal articles, maps, digital databases, and presentations at technical meetings.

The New Hampshire-Vermont Water Science Center of the U.S. Geological Survey is located in Pembroke, New Hampshire. A field office is located in Montpelier, Vermont. In addition to the Center's in-house resources, scientists and researchers at all levels of the organization can be accessed for expertise. About one-quarter of the USGS water resources program in NH-VT is focused on the collection of basic hydrologic data such as streamflow, water stage, rainfall, ground-water levels, and water quality. The other 75 percent of our program is comprised of interpretive studies and research designed to answer specific questions about water resources, hydrologic processes that affect them, and natural hazards that affect the two states.

Much of our work is done in cooperation with other government agencies at the local, State, and Federal levels. About 33 percent of our program is funded directly by Congressional appropriations to the USGS, whereas about 54 percent is funded on a cost-share basis with State and local agencies, and the remaining 13 percent is fully reimbursed by other Federal agencies.

• Hydrologic Data Collection
• Surface-Water Investigations
• Ground-Water Investigations
• Water-Quality Investigations
• Drilling Capabilities