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

Noteworthy

Press Releases

• USGS Assessment of Brackish Water Could Help Nation Stretch Limited Freshwater Supplies
• First-of-its-kind Interactive Map Brings Together 40 Years of Water-Quality Data
• 20 Years Researching Harmful Algal Blooms Supports Sustainable Water Supply in Wichita
• The Quality of the Nation's Groundwater: Progress on a National Survey (1/19/2017)

Featured Science:

• Spatial variability of harmful algal blooms in Milford Lake, Kansas, July and August 2015
• 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 in Your Area

USGS Water Science Centers are located in each state.

Water-Quality Information -- Field Procedures

• Turbidity data collection and reporting:
  • Information Sheet [40KB PDF] and
  • Turbidity Parameter and Methods Codes [70KB XLS]

• National Field Manual for the Collection of Water-Quality Data
  • National Field Manual Errata and Comments
  • National Field Manual Overview [200KB PDF]
  • Chapter 1. Preparations for Water Sampling
  • Chapter 2. Selection of Equipment for Water Sampling
  • Chapter 3. Cleaning of Equipment for Water Sampling
  • Chapter 4. Collection of Water Samples
  • Chapter 5. Processing of Water Samples
  • Chapter 6. Field Measurements
  • Chapter 7. Biological Indicators
  • Chapter 8. Bottom-Material Samples
  • Chapter 9. Safety in Field Activities

• Guidelines and Standard Procedures for Continuous Water-Quality Monitors: Station Operation, Record Computation, and Data Reporting, Techniques and Methods 1-D3.

• Lake Monitoring Field Manual [1.3MB PDF]

• USGS Protocol for the Collection of Processing of Surface-Water Samples for the Subsequent Determination of Inorganic Constituents in Filtered Water, Open-File Report 94-539

• USGS Guidelines and Standard Procedures for Studies of Ground-Water Quality: Selection and Installation of Wells, and Supporting Documentation, Water-Resources Investigations Report 96-4233

• Toxic Substances Hydrology Program has a Searchable Bibliography

• Publications on Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations