The U.S. Geological Survey's National Water-Use Program (formerly the National Water-Use Information Program) is responsible for compiling and disseminating the nation's water-use data. Established by USGS in 1978, the USGS National Water-Use Program builds on the legacy of the Estimated Use of Water in the United States report series, begun in 1950 and produced every 5 years. The National Water-Use Science Project is a part of the National Water Census (NWC), which supports research focused on improving methods of collection and estimation of water-use data. Water use is a key component of the water-budget approach of the NWC. Goals of the National Water-Use Program: Analyze the source, use, and disposition of water resources at [...]
Summary
The U.S. Geological Survey's National Water-Use Program (formerly the National Water-Use Information Program) is responsible for compiling and disseminating the nation's water-use data. Established by USGS in 1978, the USGS National Water-Use Program builds on the legacy of the Estimated Use of Water in the United States report series, begun in 1950 and produced every 5 years.
The National Water-Use Science Project is a part of the National Water Census (NWC), which supports research focused on improving methods of collection and estimation of water-use data. Water use is a key component of the water-budget approach of the NWC.
Goals of the National Water-Use Program:
Analyze the source, use, and disposition of water resources at local, State, and national levels
Reply to water-use information requests from the public
Document trends in water use in the United States
Cooperate with State and local agencies on projects of special interest
Develop water-use data bases
Publish State and national water-use data reports
A number of guidelines and methods reports are available for the USGS water-use compilations and related work, both for specific categories of water use and for more recent compilations as a whole.