The New England Coastal Basins study unit is one of more than 50 National Water Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program studies across the United States. The NAWQA Program is designed to describe the status and trends in the quality of a large, representative part of the nation's surface- and ground-water resources, and to provide a sound, scientific understanding of the primary factors affecting the quality of these resources. NAWQA will provide a basis on which regional and national level policy decisions can be based, in order to protect, use, and enhance water resources. [For more information, see the National NAWQA Program Web site].

The New England Coastal Basins (NECB) study unit includes many important New England rivers, and represents a mixture of urban and industrial areas, rapidly urbanizing areas, and large forested areas. Major rivers and their watersheds include the Kennebec, the Androscoggin, the Saco, the Merrimack, the Charles, and the Blackstone Rivers. [Study Unit Description]. Study activities in the New England Coastal Basins began in 1996. For more information about the NECB, explore the links on the list on the left, or contact Sarah Flanagan, study chief, at: sflanaga@usgs.gov.

NECB Mercury Deposition Network