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Ecological surveys in the USGS's National Water-Quality Assessment Program

Project Abstract
By Tom F. Cuffney

Abstract

The National Water-Quality Assessment Program (NAWQA) is a new program of the U.S. Geological Survey designed to describe the status and trends in the quality of the Nation's surface- and ground-water resources. Integrated physical, chemical, and biological investigations will be conducted in 60 study-units (delineated by river-basin or major aquifer-system boundaries) throughout the United States to provide a framework for national and regional water-quality assessments. Ecological surveys will be a part of the biological investigations in study units with a significant surface-water component. These ecological surveys will examine the effects of water-quality parameters on lotic aquatic communities (fish, invertebrates, and algae). Ecological surveys will consist of three parts: (1) broad spatial characterization of the distribution of aquatic organisms within the basin, (2) temporal characterization of aquatic organisms at a subset of sites, and (3) case studies focusing on specific water-quality issues. Pilot studies have been conducted in two basins: Yakima River, WA and the Upper Illinois River basin, IN, IL, WI. Based on the pilot study experiences, protocols for site selection, habitat evaluation, and sampling methods are being refined for national consistency in order to facilitate comparisons both within and among basins.