PDF version
This investigation will help you to:
- Water Source - EPA
This site reviews the distribution of water on Earth and how water is used in the United States, including agricultural, industrial, and household usage. - "Natural Processes of Groundwater and Surface water Interaction: The Hydrologic Cycle and Interactions of Ground Water and Surface Water" - USGS Circular 1139
Site reviews the basics of the water cycle, with a focus on the movement of water between and within ground and surface water reservoirs. Includes several full color illustrations. Additional information can be obtained by clicking on "Box" links. - "Challenges and Opportunities" - USGS Circular 1139
Site discusses the issues related to water management and policy, including water supply, water quality, and characteristics of aquatic environments. - "Water on Tap: A Consumer's Guide to the Nation's Drinking Water" - EPA
This online booklet provides information on a variety of topics related to drinking water, including the quality of drinking water in the U.S., where water comes from, how much drinking water is used in the typical home, the future of water resources in the U.S., and steps that can be taken to protect the nation's drinking water. - "Water-Managing a National Resource" - USGS
Reviews steps the USGS takes to be efficient in managing the nation's water supply.
- Internet access (or printouts of monthly temperature and precipitation data for the community):
- World Climate.com
Go to site and type in the name of your city (do not enter the name of your state). This will open a page with a list of places with the same name. Select your community from the list to view data. Available data will vary with county. - National Regional Climate Centers
Click on your region. This will open a new page. Pages for each of the climate centers differ, so a little searching and looking around may be required. Try to find a link to climate data.
- World Climate.com
- Graph paper
- The Ogallala Aquifer - Water Encyclopedia
Reviews the initial formation of the aquifer and the current problems facing the aquifer's use as a supply for water. - High Plains Regional Ground Water (HPGW) Study - USGS