Water

Scientists with the USGS have worked collaboratively with the Afghanistan Geological Survey (AGS) and the Afghanistan Ministry of Energy and Water (MEW) to compile hydrogeologic data on Afghanistan’s water resources, and to develop data-collection networks necessary for the understanding and management of these resources. Most hydrologic and climatic data-collection activities in Afghanistan were interrupted in the early 1980s as a consequence of war and civil strife and did not resume until 2003 or later. Because of the gap of more than 20 years in the record of hydrologic and climatic observations, investigators with the Water Project made considerable use of remotely sensed data and, where available, historical records.

The initial focus of the AGS-USGS collaboration was on building the capacity of local Afghan scientists, technicians, and officials to monitor, assess, and manage the water resources of Afghanistan. This was accomplished by providing training, equipment, and supplies, strengthening existing institutions including Ministries and local universities, and developing a national, regional, or local water-resources database. More recently, USGS researchers have concentrated their efforts on analyzing water resources and their availability in the Helmand and Kabul basins in southern and central Afghanistan, respectively, and on collecting streamflow data in central, southeastern, and northern part of the country. Stream gage data for much of Afghanistan can be accessed using the interactive map below.

Click on any stream gage (red dot) and a pop-up window will appear with the gage name and ID, along with a link to a spreadsheet containing stream flow characteristics in graphic and tabular formats.

For a list of all USGS Water Project publications, go here.