The National Academy of Sciences – 2012

In its first two decades, the U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) National Water Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program has provided a successful and useful assessment of U.S. water-quality conditions, how they have changed over time, and how natural features and human activities have affected those conditions.  Now, planning is underway for the third decade (Cycle 3) of the Program, as outlined in USGS's Science Plan.  The program faces many challenges, including maintaining the NAWQA program despite declining resources, balancing new activities with long-term studies, and maintaining focus amidst competing stakeholder demands.  USGS's forward-thinking vision for the next decade of the program builds on the previous cycles' data, experience, and products.  In order to meet the national needs outlined in the plan, NAWQA would need to emphasize collaboration with other USGS and external programs, with other federal agencies, state and local governments, and with the private sector.  For more information, click here.