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Water Resources and Quality

Water resources and quality covers the nation's rivers, lakes, groundwater, coasts, and drinking supplies, and the work of keeping them plentiful and clean. Federal agencies, states, tribes, and local utilities share responsibility. Their decisions affect public health, farming, industry, wildlife, and whether communities have enough water when they need it.

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December 27last updated

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Topics in Water Resources and Quality

Sources and supply

Surface and Groundwater covers rivers, lakes, and underground water and who may use them. Coastal and Marine Waters covers the ocean areas along the shore, and Wetlands covers marshes and other soaked land that filter water.

Keeping water clean

Water Quality and Pollution covers what harms water and how standards respond. Water Pollution Prevention covers ways to stop contaminants before they spread, Water Quality Monitoring covers sampling and testing, and Drinking Water Protection covers the programs that keep tap water safe.

All Articles on Water Resources and Quality

U.S. Water Quality and Safety

Turn on the tap, and water flows. For most Americans, this simple act represents one of the greatest public health achievements in human history.…

39 Min Read

Understanding U.S. Maritime Zones: Territorial Waters vs. Exclusive Economic Zones

The ocean covers more than 70% of Earth's surface, but not all waters are created equal under international law. When you see a U.S.…

60 Min Read