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USGS Groundwater Watch

USGS maintains a network of active wells to provide basic statistics about groundwater levels.

USGS in Your State

USGS Water Science Centers are located in each state.

USGS scientist checks groundwater monitoring equipment. The USGS monitors water-levels in thousands of wells across the Nation.

Groundwater Basics: Resources & Introductory Information

How do I find ...

• groundwater level data?
• information on aquifers?
• information about water use?
• information about groundwater quality?
• USGS publications and products on groundwater topics?
• other introductory information about groundwater?

How do I find groundwater level data?

The USGS monitors groundwater levels in thousands of wells across the U.S. To find groundwater level data, visit the following resources:

• USGS Groundwater Data for the Nation (NWIS)
• Your State USGS Water Science Center (WSC)
• USGS Groundwater Watch
• State & Local Agencies (See USA.gov for local government and state government web sites.)
  • State water resource agencies may collect water-level data.
  • Local or state environmental regulatory agencies can help you determine if there are any publicly available environmental reports that might include water-level data for your area.

For more background information on water levels:

• Ground Water and the Rural Homeowner
• Effects of Drought on Groundwater Resources
• Water Science for Schools: groundwater wells (Agua subterránea)

How do I find information on aquifers?

For data and information on principal aquifers in the United States:

• The Ground Water Atlas (GWA) of the United States
• The National Atlas - Principal Aquifers

The USGS does not have a centralized source of local aquifer data. For data and information on local aquifers, visit the following resources:

• Your State USGS Water Science Center (WSC): Your state USGS WSC may have publications, maps, or GIS datasets that include local aquifer information. The WSC web site also may link to other sources of local and regional aquifer information.
• Search all USGS publications.
• Search USGS Water Resources maps and GIS information.

For background information on aquifers:

• Aquifer basics.
• Water Science for Schools: groundwater aquifers (Acuíferos subterráneos).

How do I find out about water use?

The USGS collects data on U.S. water use at five-year intervals.

How do I find out about groundwater quality?

For information on USGS water-quality data, information, and programs, refer to the USGS Water Quality Information web site.

How do I find USGS publications and products on groundwater topics?

There are many ways to find USGS publications and products:

• See popular USGS groundwater publications.
• Visit the web site for your state USGS Water Science Center.
• Search the USGS Publications Warehouse.

Where can I find other basic information on groundwater?

Additional USGS resources that might be of interest include:

• Introductory groundwater publications
• Water Science for Schools (La Ciencia del Agua para Escuelas; 水科学)
• Additional sources of water information
• Glossary of common hydrology terms
• Water resources information for students and teachers

Links to resources outside the USGS:

• Window to My Environment (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency -- Ground Water and Drinking Water
• Wellowner.org