Water

Of the water on the Earth's surface, 97% is in the oceans and 3% is freshwater, of which 2.5% is unavailable: locked up in glaciers, polar ice caps, atmosphere, and soil. As warmer temperatures increase the demand for water, the amount of freshwater available may decline and increase competition for water resources in some areas. The better we understand the ecosystems and environments that protect our essential water resources, the more effectively we can take steps to protect them.

Education

The Watershed Sleuth Challenge

In this Watershed Sleuth Challenge, you will learn more about your watershed—what it is, why it’s important, and what you can do to help protect it.

Take the Challenge

Wetlands of the United States

Found on every continent save Antarctica, wetlands come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes—and hydrological, ecological and geological conditions!

Learn More

Long-billed Curlew foraging in a river estuary

America's Estuaries

Estuaries are found around the world, offering productive habitat to thousands of species of animals.

Learn More

Water Quality Backyard Activity Guide

Use this activity guide to explore the topic of water quality. It's perfect for your next environmental investigation!

Do Your Part to Protect Water Quality

Give these tips a try to protect water quality where you live.

Learn More

Conservation

The Increasing Demand and Decreasing Supply of Water

In many areas of the US, the demand for freshwater is likely to increase while supplies decrease due, in part, to a changing climate.

Learn More

Groundwater and the Rising Seas

Changes in precipitation and rising sea levels may reduce the availability of freshwater for coastal communities by saltwater infiltration.

Stirring up the Seven Seas

By riding the global ocean conveyor belt, seawater may have traveled the planet—and the seven seas—supporting the global food chain on its way.

Sea Level Rise

Global sea levels are rising at an accelerating rate, and climate change is likely to speed up the rate of sea level rise over the next century.

Learn More

A Warming Ocean

The average global sea surface temperature has increased about 1.5°F since 1901 impacting weather systems, migrations, and ocean circulation patterns.