USGS Groundwater Information
Groundwater Resources Program
New & Noteworthy
Press Release: Deficit in Nation's Aquifers Accelerating
Technical Announcement: How Does Groundwater Pumping Affect Streamflow?
USGS Groundwater Watch
USGS maintains a network of active wells to provide basic statistics about groundwater levels.
Other Water Topics
USGS in Your State
USGS Water Science Centers are located in each state.
Contents | Introduction | Importance of Ground Water to the Nation | Evolving Ground-Water Issues and USGS Programs | Relationship of GWRP to Other USGS Programs | Current Activities of the GWRP | Future Priorities for the GWRP | Concluding Remarks |
A Report to Congress
November 30, 1998
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has been collecting and interpreting ground-water data since the late 1800's. Ground-water issues have increased in scope and complexity as competing demands on the resource have grown. Moreover, ground-water systems change over time in response to residential, industrial, and agricultural development, and in response to natural stresses such as droughts. Aquifers cross State lines and other political boundaries, creating the need for impartial regional and national ground-water information. The USGS Ground-Water Resources Program responds to these driving forces through ongoing efforts to examine and report on critical issues affecting the sustainability of the Nation's ground-water resources.
This report discusses strategic directions of the Ground-Water Resources Program. The report is in response to a request from the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Interior Appropriations in its report to accompany H.R. 4193.