The goal is to have a similar appearance for each report for a Principal Aquifer (PA) using two features: (1) the color of the report cover paper and (2) the inclusion of a map showing the PA or PAs studied on the back page of each report. All reports from the same PA will have the same cover color and back map. In other words, once a cover color and back map option are selected and printed, all subsequent reports will match that selection (within reason).

The front cover is designed by the PA Lead Scientist and report lead author, but, if necessary, the PA Lead Scientist makes the final decision. In cases where a report deals with several PAs of differing lithologic types, the PA Lead Scientist decides what PA color or combination of colors to use following the general guidance.

The back cover map will show the true areal extent of the PA or PAs discussed in the report. The principal aquifer will be shown using the same color that was used for the USGS OGW Principal Aquifer map. (For example: for a report about the Cambrian-Ordovician aquifer system, the map on the back cover would show the Cambrian-Ordovician aquifer in the defined yellow-green color (cmyk 25 0 50 0)). This way we will follow the OGW lead for principal-aquifer organizational framework at the national scale.

You have a couple choices in the format of the cover ( NOTE: You can use colored (dyed) paper or you can print the color as part of the cover artwork.)

1. Use the color for the PA shown on the map explanation of the 2003 USGS OGW Principal Aquifer map. If you select this option, you may want to use option 2 for the back cover map (see below) to better distinguish the PA from the background. (example 1, example 2)
2. Use a complimentary color to the color for the PA shown on the map explanation of the 2003 USGS OGW Principal Aquifer map. You may want to select a complimentary color so that the aquifer is more distinguished from the background. this is particularly true for aquifers along the coast. (example)

1. Use a map of the U.S. with no white box around it. (example) This option would work well with a complimentary colored cover. The map will show the outline of the PA or PA's discussed in the report. Color the aquifer according to the color for the PA that is used on the 2003 USGS OGW Principal Aquifer map. To set off the PA from the background, you also may want to outline the PA in a darker color than the state outlines.
2. Use a map of the U.S. with a white box around it. (example) This option will work well if you use a cover color that is the same as the PA color. The map will show the outline of the PA or PA's discussed in the report. Color the aquifer according to the color for the PA that is used on the 2003 USGS OGW Principal Aquifer map. This option will work well if you use a cover color that is the same as the PA color.

Additional information:

• The NAWQA identifier "National Water-Quality Assessment Program" should be placed between the USGS VisID banner and the title on the report front cover. See an example
• Definition of colors shown on the map explanation of the 2003 USGS OGW Principal Aquifer map
• 2003 Principal Aquifer Map, USGS OGW - 11 in. x 17 in. size PDF format, 2Mb)
• Here is a base map (5.25 in. x 3.25 in. size, NAWQA's Albers national projection) to modify for your use:
  (CorelDraw | Adobe Illustrator | EPS)
  (if you need a different format, contact Terri Arnold)
• The USGS Visual ID banner can be a complimentary color that follows the Visual ID guidelines for publications