USGS scientists deploy SPMD and POCIS samplers to collect waterborne contaminants in Manoa Stream on Oahu, Hawaii.

Noteworthy

Press Releases

• USGS Uses State-of-the-Art Science to Estimate Nutrient and Suspended-Sediment Loads in the Klamath Basin (1/24/2017)
• The Quality of the Nation's Groundwater: Progress on a National Survey (1/19/2017)
• Nation's River Quality Data Could Power Deeper Science Insights (1/09/17)

Featured Science:

• Spatial variability of harmful algal blooms in Milford Lake, Kansas, July and August 2015
• Using Data to Build a Sustainable Water Future
• Why Monitor Water Quality? [1.7MB PDF]

Past featured science...

Water Quality Data

Today's Water Conditions

Get continuous real-time water-quality measurements from Water-Quality Watch maps.

Water Quality Portal (WQP)

Get current and historical USGS and EPA water-quality data at the WQP.

BioData

Get stream ecosystem aquatic bioassessment data from BioData.

For More Data

View a complete list of USGS water-quality data resources.

USGS Water Science Areas

• Water Resources
• Groundwater
• Surface Water
• Water Quality
• Water Use

USGS Water-Quality Information Pages

The U.S. Geological Survey provides scientific and technical expertise, leadership, and coordination in addressing issues concerning the quality of the Nation's water resources. Our scientists:

• Collect, analyze, and interpret water-quality data.
• Engage in field and laboratory research and methods development.
• Work with local, State, and Federal agencies and the citizenry to identify and understand environmental issues and concerns.

Water-Quality Basics Why Monitor Water Quality? [1.7MB PDF] What is water quality? Where can I find information about water hardness or alkalinity in the United States? Water science for schools More water-quality questions & answers Assessing Our Nation's Water Quality Map of median concentrations of sodium in groundwater in New Hampshire, using well data reported in 1995 and 2005. Regional Assessments on Water-Quality Status and Trends Selected National and Regional USGS Water-Quality Maps Applied Research on Toxic Substances in Water USGS Programs that Investigate National Water-Quality Conditions and Issues Emerging Contaminants in the Environment Methods: Data Collection, Analysis, & Interpretation National Field Manual: Sampling equipment, procedures, measurements Factsheet: Water-Quality Sampling by the USGS — Standard Protocols and Procedures Chapter A2 Selection of Equipment for Water Sampling, Version 3.1 [35KB PDF] Section 6.6 Alkalinity and Acid Neutralizing Capacity, Version 4 Section 5.6.4.A Arsenic Speciation, Version 2.0 [2.52MB PDF] Lakes and Reservoirs: Guidelines for Study Design and Sampling Continuous Water-Quality Monitors USGS Laboratories Quality Assurance Software for Geochemical & Water-Quality Applications More Water-Quality Methods... For More Information View the Office of Water Quality contact information page. For general USGS questions, Ask USGS online or call 1-888-ASK-USGS (1-888-275-8747).

USGS Responds to Water-Quality Hazards The USGS responds to major events, including natural hazards, that can affect our Nation's water quality by working with local, State, and Federal agencies and the citizenry to identify, quantify, and understand environmental issues and concerns. December 2015 Floods: Continuous Water-Quality Monitoring 2015 Gold King Mine Release: USGS Water-Quality Data and Activities Chemicals in Elk River Spill Lingered Longer, Traveled Farther Briefing Paper on the Effects of Wildfire on Sourcewater and Fisheries USGS Measures Fallout from Fukushima in US NADP Precipitation Samples Learn More... Water-Quality Topics USGS collects data and information on topics such as the transport, fate, and remediation of contaminants. Learn more about: Hydraulic Fracturing Wildfires 2010 Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Agriculture & Livestock Arsenic, Mercury Drinking water Groundwater & Aquifers Heavy Metals Mining Nutrients Pesticides & Herbicides Petroleum Products Radionuclides Surface & Recreational Waters Viruses & Other Pathogens Water-Quality Standards More water quality topics... USGS in Your Area Learn more about local water quality by visiting the web site for the USGS Water Science Center located in your state: