U.S. Geological Survey Water Use

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has estimated water use for the United States every 5 years since 1950. Estimates are provided for groundwater and surface-water sources, for fresh and saline water quality, and by sector or category of use. Estimates have been made at the State level since 1950, and at the county level since 1985. Water-use estimates by watershed were made from 1950 through 1995, first at the water-resources region level (HUC2), and later at the hydrologic cataloging unit level (HUC8). Understanding streamflow dynamics, watershed systems, and their relation to terrain characteristics is essential for describing and planning water supply, water use, and related land use activities.

With data from over 1.5 million sites and monitoring stations established for over 100 years, USGS and the National Water Information System (NWIS) are the nation’s repository of such water resources information. These data are used by government and non-governmental organizations to estimate future conditions and to assess risks such as flooding and drought. Planners and engineers use the data for designing systems for water supply, flood control, environmental protection, and recreation.