Future Water Priorities for the Nation: Directions for the U.S. Geological Survey Water Mission Area
English
By (author): and Medicine Committee on Future Water Resource Needs for the Nation: Water Science and Research at the U.S. Geological Survey Division on Earth and Life Studies Engineering National Academies of Sciences Water Science and Technology Board
Solving problems related to use of water resources will be of paramount importance in coming decades as increasing pressure from growing populations, climate change, extreme weather, and aging water-related infrastructure threaten water availability and quality.
The Water Mission Area (WMA) of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has a long-established reputation for collecting and delivering high-quality, unbiased scientific information related to the nation's water resources. WMA observations help inform decisions ranging from rapid responses during emergencies such as hurricanes, floods, and forest fires, to the long-term management of water resources.
Produced at the request of USGS, this report identifies the nation's highest-priority water science and resources challenges over the next 25 years. Future Water Priorities for the Nation summarizes WMA's current water science and research portfolio, and recommends strategic opportunities for WMA to more effectively address the most pressing challenges.
Table of Contents- Front Matter
- Summary
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Water Science and Resources Challenges for the Next 25 Years
- 3 Priority Questions and Recommendations
- References
- Appendix A: The U.S. Geological Survey Water Mission Area
- Appendix B: Biographical Sketches of Committee Members and Staff
- Appendix C: People Who Provided Input to the Committee
- Appendix D: Prioritization Rubric