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This investigation will help you to:
- ''Effects of Human Activities on the Interaction of Groundwater and Surface Water" - USGS Circular 1139
Reviews the effects agricultural development, urban and industrial development, drainage of the land surface, modifications to river valleys, and modifications to the atmosphere have on groundwater and surface water, including pollution and disturbance of flow paths. Site includes several color images. Includes links to case studies on the effects of irrigation, nitrate contamination, pesticide application, the increase of water levels in surface reservoirs, vegetation removal, and acid rain on water reservoirs. - "Arsenic in Groundwater Resources of the United States" - USGS Fact Sheet 063-00
This site discusses arsenic concentrations in potable water across the U.S. Includes a map that shows arsenic concentrations in groundwater of the United States. - "Ground Water Studies" - USGS Fact Sheet 058-95
Contains a review of the threats to our nation's water supply and the steps the USGS is taking to minimize the effects of natural hazards and environmental damage caused by human activities on groundwater supplies. - "National Field Manual for the Collection of Water Quality Data" - USGS
Online publication contains links that describe the basic techniques of water resource investigations, including water sampling. Click on links to open table of contents for a chapter on the particular technique. One chapter is devoted to preparations for water sampling, including tips on materials to take into the field, tips on field trip responsibilities, and advice on how to select sampling sites. There is is also a chapter that reviews the techniques involved in the actual process of collecting water samples. - "Current Drinking Water Standards" - EPA
Table outlines the EPA's standards for safe drinking water, defining levels of contaminants and listing possible sources of these contaminants. - "San Francisco Bay Program: Lessons Learned for Managing Coastal Water Resources" - USGS
Fact sheet reveiws how USGS research helped to gain a greater understanding of how humans and water use in a coastal area affected the ecosystem and steps the USGS has implemented to reduce human impacts in the Bay area.
- USGS Local Offices for Water Resources
Click on your state to find local water office - EPA Office of Groundwater and Drinking Water
Click on your state to be taken to a new page that gives an overview of your state's drinking water and links to additional information. To view your water quality report, click on the "water quality report" link to view a list of reports that are available online.