New World Bank report outlines how water scarcity could impact us in the future

The report projects that water scarcity will increase globally and impact economies, migratory patterns of populations, and create geopolitical conflict.

National Academies Roundtable holds workshop on use of flowback and produced waters from the oil and gas industry

The National Academies’ Unconventional Hydrocarbon Roundtable held a two-day workshop on “Use of Flowback and Produced Waters: Opportunities and Challenges for Innovation”.

Briefing highlights need for investment in water infrastructure

The National League of Cities (NLC) and Value of Water Coalition (VWC) held a briefing on water infrastructure and security across the United States on May 19, 2016, with examples of solutions from multiple cities.

Future of the Arizona Geological Survey

American Institute of Professional Geologists

Association of American State Geologists

National Association of State Boards of Geology

The Arizona Legislature recently zeroed-out funding for the Arizona State Geological Survey (AZGS) and has moved it into the University of Arizona.

Interactive map of dams in Nebraska

The Nebraska Department of Natural Resources provides information about dams in the state in interactive map form. The map shows all dams more than 25 feet high or with a maximum storage capacity greater than 50 acre-feet.

Dams are color-coded according to the potential hazard they pose, with symbols designating existing dams, breached dams, and dams under construction. Specifications are available for each dam, including height, storage capacity, maximum discharge, surface area, and drainage area.

Interactive map of well logs in Iowa

The Iowa Geological Survey's GeoSam application allows users to access all available well log data in Iowa through an interactive map.

Well data can be obtained through a search function or by browsing the map. Over 80,000 well logs are available across the state, with a wide range of geoscientific and geotechnical information available for different wells.

Click here to access the GeoSam application.

Interactive map of streams and rivers in the United States

The U.S. Geological Survey's Streamer application allows users to explore where their surface water comes from and where it flows to. By clicking on any major stream or river, the user can trace it upstream to its source(s) or downstream to where it joins a larger river or empties into the ocean.

Which areas in the United States are most dependent on groundwater?

Groundwater use is highest in parts of the country with limited rainfall but high water needs, especially for irrigation. Most of these areas are in the western half of the country, where annual rainfall is typically much lower than in the East and where surface water supplies cannot meet the demand for water.

In 2015, groundwater provided 29% of the total freshwater used in the United States. However, eight states and at least one territory depended on groundwater for at least 50% of their freshwater supply:¹

Senate hopes to pass WRDA to support aging water infrastructure

Senators James Inhofe (R-OK) and Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Chair and Ranking Member of the Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW), introduced the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2016 (WRDA) today.

Interactive map of water and weather conditions in Texas

The U.S. Geological Survey's Texas Water Dashboard provides an instant, real-time picture of water and weather conditions in Texas. Information for streams, lakes, reservoirs, precipitation, and groundwater measurements are combined with weather and hazard conditions updated every minute, as well as recent precipitation totals and forecasts for next seven days.

Click here to access the USGS Texas Water Dashboard.

American Geosciences Institute

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