Why Study Brackish Groundwater?
Sources of Dissolved Solids in Brackish Groundwater
How is Brackish Groundwater Being Used?
National Brackish Groundwater Assessment - Home page
The amount of fresh or potable groundwater in storage has declined for many areas in the United States and has led to concerns about the future availability of water for drinking-water, agricultural, industrial, and environmental needs. Use of brackish groundwater could supplement or, in some places, replace the use of freshwater sources and enhance our Nation's water security. However, a better understanding of the location and character of brackish groundwater is needed to expand development of the resource and provide a scientific basis for making policy decisions. To address this need, the Department of Interior's WaterSMART initiative, through the USGS Groundwater Resources Program, is conducting a national assessment of brackish aquifers.
Last National Saline Groundwater Assessment completed 48 years ago. Map was modified from Feth and others, 1965.
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