The U.S. Geological Survey has the principal responsibility within
the Federal Government to provide the hydrologic information and
understanding needed by others to achieve the best use and management
of the Nation's water resources. To accomplish this mission, the
Water Resources Division, in cooperation with State, local, and
other Federal agencies,
- Systematically collects and analyzes data to evaluate the
quantity, quality, and use of the Nation's water resources and
provides results of these investigations to the public.
- Conducts water-resources appraisals describing the occurrence,
availability, and physical, chemical, and biological characteristics
of surface and ground water.
- Conducts basic and problem-oriented hydrologic and related
research that aids in alleviating water resources problems and
provides an understanding of hydrologic systems sufficient to
predict their response to natural or human-caused stress.
- Coordinates the activities of Federal agencies in the acquisition
of water resources data for streams, lakes, reservoirs, estuaries,
and ground water.
- Provides scientific and technical assistance in hydrologic
fields to other Federal, State, and local agencies, to licensees
of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and to international
agencies on behalf of the Department of State.
- Administers the State Water Resources Research Institutes
Program and the National Water Resources Research Grants Program.
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