Domestic Water Use, which includes drinking, bathing, washing clothes and dishes, flushing toilets, and other uses, accounted for less than 1 percent of the total for the estimated use of water in the United States in 2000! Find out more.
The USGS studies potential contamination of water resources from chemicals found in industry, agriculture, medical treatment, and even common household conveniences. Learn more about USGS research on pharmaceuticals, hormones, and other organic wastewater contaminants in U.S. streams, ground water, and drinking water sources.
In more than 50 major river basins and aquifers across the Nation, USGS scientists collect and interpret data about water chemistry, hydrology, land use, stream habitat, and aquatic life. Check out what's going on in your area.
Information on the quantity and timing of the streamflow in the Nation's rivers is a vital asset that safeguards lives and property and helps to ensure adequate water resources for a healthy environment and economy. Learn more about how USGS monitors and operates a network of real-time streamgages.
Find links to a wide range of monitoring, assessment, and research activities conducted by the USGS to help understand and protect the quality of our drinking-water resources. Search by topic, program, or State.
Learn all about water...where it comes from, how it's used, and much more! Visit the interactive Activity Center, and answer challenge questions and participate in questionnaires about drinking water issues. Also check out the USGS Learning Web and explore water issues through games and other activities.
This series consists of a set of briefings presented on Capitol Hill each year that are designed to highlight USGS science and its societal benefits. On May 21, USGS will present a briefing on Water Availability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about drinking water:
