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Water Supply
 Websites presented in alphabetical order 2003: International Year of Freshwater 
 The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 2003 as the "International Year of Freshwater" in order to provide "an opportunity to accelerate the implementation of the principles of integrated water resources management." The Web site includes information on the program and associated events, and has links to worldwide resources on water. Available in English, French, and Spanish. http://www.wateryear2003.org/en/ Topics: Water Last updated Dec 1, 2003 Analysis of Water Banks in the Western States
"This report provides an analysis of water banking legislation, policies, and programs in 12 Western states. A primary purpose of the review is to identify banking programs and structures that promote ... environmental trades." Covers Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Also provides general information about water banking, including purpose, definitions, and formats (such as groundwater banking). From the Washington State Department of Ecology. http://www.ecy.wa.gov/biblio/0411011.html Topics: Water Last updated Mar 2, 2009 California's Drought: 2009 Drought Water Bank
This 2008 document provides background about the operation of a water bank for California for the projected 2009 drought. For this water bank, the California Department of Water Resources "will purchase water from willing sellers from water suppliers upstream of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. This water will be transferred ... to water suppliers that are at risk of experiencing water shortages." Opens directly into a PDF file. From the California Department of Water Resources. http://www.water.ca.gov/drought/docs/2009water_bank.pdf Topics: Water Last updated Mar 2, 2009 Colorado Water Knowledge
Facts and statistics on Colorado's water system, rivers and aquifers, watersheds, geology, and related concepts. Features glossaries, information about water agencies in the state, and FAQs on water rights, water quality, and septic systems. Includes many related links. From Colorado State University. http://waterknowledge.colostate.edu/ Topics: Water Last updated Feb 3, 2005 Consumer Factsheet On: Thallium
Questions and answers related to the presence of thallium, "a metal found in natural deposits as ores containing other elements," in the drinking water supply. Discusses safe levels of thallium according to the Safe Drinking Water Act, health and environmental effects of thallium, and related topics. From the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). http://www.epa.gov/safewater/contaminants/dw_contamfs/thallium.html Topics: Public Health & Safety, Water Last updated Dec 20, 2006 Consumer Guide to Water Filters
A guide to help you determine what type of water filter might be right for your home. "Some filters aim to produce clearer, better-tasting water, while others work to remove contaminants that could affect your health." Topics include specific types of filters (activated carbon filter, cation exchange softener, distiller, reverse osmosis filter, ultraviolet disinfection filter), and filter maintenance. In English and Spanish. From the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC). http://www.nrdc.org/water/drinking/gfilters.asp Topics: Beverages, Water Last updated Jun 18, 2007 Everglades Restoration
Information on efforts to restore natural areas of South Florida, including the Everglades generally and the Kissimmee River Basin and Lake Okeechobee. Includes documents on wetland restoration, invasive species, legislation, the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), land acquisition, current land use and water waste statistics, and links to more information on South Florida ecosystems. From Audubon of Florida, an affiliate of the National Audubon Society. http://www.audubonofflorida.org/specialplaces_glades.html Topics: Environment, Law by Place (U.S. States & non-U.S.), Water Last updated Jan 5, 2007 Florida's Springs: Protecting Nature's Gems
Information about Florida's springs including how springs are formed, spring life forms, recreational uses, and protection of these "natural wonders." Features a presentation of "how water travels through the aquifer, springs and downriver to the Gulf of Mexico. . . . [A]lso identifie[s] sources of pollution and reasons for concern." The site also includes activities for students and teachers grades 1-12, a map for locating springs, a glossary, and related links and resources. http://www.floridasprings.org/ Topics: Water Last updated Jan 26, 2003 The Hetch Hetchy Study
In 2005 the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) and the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) are reviewing existing studies on the impacts of restoring the Hetch Hetchy Valley (near Yosemite, California) that would entail removing the Hetch Hetchy dam and reservoir, which currently supply water and power to the San Francisco Bay Area. The site includes an overview of the restoration study scope and process, documents, and links to related information. http://hetchhetchy.water.ca.gov Topics: Electrical Energy, Energy, Parks, Water Last updated Mar 22, 2005 History of New York City's Water Supply System
History of this public service from the first well in 1677 to the present. From the New York City Department of Environmental Protection. http://www.nyc.gov/html/dep/html/drinking_water/history.shtml Topics: Science, Science, Technology, Water Last updated Aug 7, 2007 Home Water Treatment Devices
Information for consumers about selecting home water purification and filtration systems. Describes treatment technologies (such as adsorption, softeners, ultraviolet treatment, reverse osmosis, and distillers), types of devices (point-of-entry and point-of-use), and drinking water treatment and homeland security. Includes a link to a product database and to related websites. From NSF, a nonprofit organization that develops consumer safety standards. http://nsf.com/consumer/drinking_water/dw_treatment.asp?program=WaterTre#technologies Topics: Beverages, Water Last updated Jun 18, 2007 International Decade for Action: Water for Life, 2005-2015
"The United Nations General Assembly, in December 2003, proclaimed the years 2005 to 2015 as the International Decade for Action 'Water for Life.'" This website provides background and news about activities related to this proclamation (including World Water Day, occurring annually on March 22) and reference material on water-related issues such as scarcity, sanitation, and pollution. From the United Nations (UN). http://www.un.org/waterforlifedecade/ Topics: Water Last updated Mar 14, 2007 Las Vegas and Water in the West
This site provides access to hundreds of photographs relating to the history of water in Las Vegas. The site features a large sample of images concerning the planning and construction of Hoover Dam. Searchable, or browsable by topic such as Black Canyon, Colorado River, and tunnels. From the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Libraries. http://digital.library.unlv.edu/water/ Topics: Photograph Collections: Regional: United States, U.S. History By Place, Water Last updated May 23, 2008 Los Angeles Aqueduct Photographs
A collection of over 20 photographs compiled by Joseph Barlow Lippincott, dated 1906 through 1914, documenting the construction of the Los Angeles Aqueduct. Includes biographical information on Lippincott. From the Water Resources Center Archives, University of California, Berkeley. http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/WRCA/aqueduct.html Topics: Notable People, Science, Technology, Water Last updated Aug 10, 2003 Preparing for California's Next Drought
Full-text report, dated July 2000, examining the drought of 1987-1992 and discussing changed conditions since then and actions to take to prepare for a drought. From the California Department of Water Resources and the Governor's Advisory Drought Planning Panel. http://www.water.ca.gov/drought/nextdrought.cfm Topics: Water, Weather Last updated Sep 9, 2008 Rain Barrel Information and Sources
This site provides do-it-yourself instructions for setting up a rain barrel system to collect water for garden irrigation. Includes fact sheets on rain barrel and cistern systems and links to other rainwater harvesting resources. Also features a list of Seattle-area and online suppliers of rain barrels. From King County (Washington state) Natural Resources and Parks, Wastewater Treatment Division. http://www.kingcounty.gov/environment/stewardship/nw-yard-and-garden/rain-barrels.aspx Topics: Water Last updated Dec 12, 2008 Sick City: Maps and Mortality in the Time of Cholera
This 2006 review of a book about cholera epidemics in the 19th century discusses how English doctor John Snow discovered that this disease was often communicated through people drinking contaminated water (rather than through coming in contact with "noxious miasmas," as many postulated). Topics addressed include the prevalence of cholera among the poor, development of water supply companies, and the use of mapping in epidemiology. From The New Yorker. http://www.newyorker.com/archive/2006/11/06/061106crbo_books Topics: Infectious Diseases, Water Last updated Nov 5, 2007 UNICEF: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene
Background and updates on drinking water and sanitation issues around the world, focusing on child and family health, hygiene, and access to sanitation facilities. Features stories about the impact of sanitation improvement activities, water and sanitation country profiles, statistics, video clips, and general and technical documents. From UNICEF. http://www.unicef.org/wash/ Topics: Public Health & Safety, Water Last updated Sep 22, 2009 USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Irrigation Page
Geared toward the needs of the full-scale farmer faced with the challenge of bringing water to arid fields, this searchable resource provides downloadable water management software; irrigation mailing lists and equipment suppliers; information on irrigation training, hydrology, and drainage engineering; and facts, figures, and trends. Also features links to government agencies, agricultural statistics, and related sites. Includes irrigation photos and a discussion group. http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/nrcsirrig/ Topics: Agriculture, Gardening, Photograph Collections, Photograph Collections: Nature & Wildlife, Water Last updated Feb 9, 2005 USGS Drought Watch: Washington
Features information on today's streamflow conditions in Washington state. Includes an interactive map providing streamflow information for specific locations. Offers drought definitions, resources, and a FAQ. Provides a hydrology primer, list of online water resources, publications, and links to USGS articles on drought, groundwater, rain, and the hydrologic cycle. From the U.S. Geological Survey and Water Resources of Washington State. http://wa.water.usgs.gov/news/drought/ Topics: Geography, Water, Weather Last updated Mar 16, 2005 Washington State University (WSU) Extension: Drought Alert
"Access WSU Extension publications and news releases about drought concerns and issues, a list of experts on related subjects, and a list of useful links from other organizations and agencies." Publications and experts are listed under categories such as crops, irrigation, livestock, home, and garden. Links include state and federal agencies, weather forecasting, monitoring, fire, irrigation, indoor water conservation, emergency assistance, hydroelectric power, and other university resources on drought. http://drought.wsu.edu Topics: Agriculture, Water, Weather Last updated Mar 14, 2005 Water Calculator
This site helps you calculate residential water use per day. Covers source of water supply, and water use in the bathroom, kitchen, and outdoors (including landscaping, washing a car, and swimming pools). Results include suggestions for reducing water use. Also includes links to water conservation tips and related material. From the National Wildlife Federation. http://www.nwf.org/water/watercalculator.cfm Topics: Water Last updated Jun 3, 2008 Water Conservation
Describes water conservation practices for homes and businesses and explains why water conservation is important even in Washington state. Features a chart representing typical household water use and explains how lack of water endangers wildlife. From the Washington State Department of Ecology. http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wr/ws/wtrcnsv.html Topics: Water Last updated Jun 26, 2009 Water for Profit: How Multinationals Are Taking Control of a Private Resource
"CBC Radio's special series on the privatization of water" throughout the world. Includes transcripts and audio, statistics, and information on bottled water, water treatment, water testing, well water, and related topics. From the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). http://www.cbc.ca/news/features/water/ Topics: Beverages, Water Last updated Apr 20, 2004 Water Recycling and Reuse: The Environmental Benefits
Fact sheet about water recycling, which is "reusing treated wastewater for beneficial purposes such as agricultural and landscape irrigation, industrial processes, toilet flushing, and replenishing a ground water basin." Discusses benefits to people and the environment, the future of water recycling, and suggested water recycling treatment and uses. Includes related links. From the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). http://www.epa.gov/region09/water/recycling/ Topics: Water Last updated Aug 5, 2008 Water Resources
British government information about the "proper use of water resources in England and Wales." Includes material about the Water Act of 2003 (many changes became effective April 1, 2006) and new water rights trading provisions, weekly and monthly updates about the water situation, tips for saving water at home and in the garden, news (such as the drought in southern England in 2006), and more. From the U.K. Environment Agency. http://environment-agency.gov.uk/subjects/waterres/?version=1&lang=_e Topics: Water Last updated May 16, 2006 Water Resources Data of the United States (USGS)
This site provides "access to water-resources data collected at approximately 1.5 million sites in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico." Includes data for ground water, surface water, and water quality; for historical data, select the "Period of record" box on the site selection criteria search pages. http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/ Topics: Water Last updated May 24, 2004 Water Security
"Improving the security of our nation's drinking water and wastewater infrastructures has become a top priority since the events of 9/11. ... This Web site provides resources for water utilities, state and local governments, public health officials, emergency responders and planners," and others. Features vulnerability assessments, emergency-planning tools, research, legislation, and related resources. From the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). http://cfpub.epa.gov/safewater/watersecurity/ Topics: Beverages, Terrorism, War and Peace: Resources on Iraq, Water Last updated May 19, 2009 Water Use in the United States
Reports issued every five years that compile and disseminate data on water usage by homes, farms, and industry on county, state, and national levels. From the National Water-Use Information Program, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). http://water.usgs.gov/watuse/ Topics: Water Last updated Apr 14, 2005 WaterSense
WaterSense, a partnership program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), "seeks to protect the future of our nation's water supply by promoting water efficiency and enhancing the market for water-efficient products, programs, and practices." The site provides information about specifications for products (such as bathroom sink faucets, high-efficiency toilets, landscape irrigation services, showerheads, and urinals), and background about water efficiency. Some material available in Spanish. Includes a link to a website for children. http://www.epa.gov/watersense/ Topics: Water Last updated Jun 3, 2008 WaterWatch: Current Water Resources Conditions
Track short-term and historical water levels for rivers and streams. Browse by state or topic to retrieve maps showing current flood level data, stream flow, potential drought conditions, and more. From the USGS. http://waterwatch.usgs.gov/ Topics: Water Last updated Jul 29, 2009 Western Waters Digital Library (WWDL)
"A collaborative regional project created by twelve university libraries in eight western states," containing "government reports, classic water literature, legal transcripts, water project records, personal papers, photographic collections, and video materials about the Columbia, Colorado, Platte, and Rio Grande river basins." A project of the Greater Western Library Alliance. http://harvester.lib.utah.edu/wwdl/ Topics: Photograph Collections: Regional: United States, Water Last updated Aug 7, 2007 William Mulholland (1855-1935)
A brief biography of William Mulholland, former head of the Department of Water and Power in Los Angeles, designer of the Los Angeles Aqueduct, and the man widely held responsible for the St. Francis Dam collapse. http://www.pbs.org/weta/thewest/people/i_r/mulholland.htm Topics: Notable People, Science, Technology, Water Last updated Oct 2, 2004 William Mulholland: The Man Who Built the First Los Angeles Aqueduct
A biography of "the first American engineer to utilize hydraulic sluicing to build a dam." From the Los Angeles (City) Department of Water and Power. http://www.ladwp.com/ladwp/cms/ladwp000506.jsp Topics: Notable People, Science, Technology, Water Last updated Oct 2, 2004 World Water Council
This international organization's mission is "to promote awareness, build political commitment and trigger action on critical water issues to facilitate conservation, protection, development, planning, management and use of water in all its dimensions on an environmentally sustainable basis." Site features material about council programs (such as human right to water), facts about water, reports and other publications, list of World Water Forums back to 1997, official declarations and statements, and related material. http://www.worldwatercouncil.org/ Topics: Water Last updated May 26, 2009 Yakima Basin Storage Alliance (YBSA)
Represents the views of those advocating for "an inter-basin transfer of water from the Columbia River to the Yakima River Basin. When flows in the Columbia are high, water will be pumped and stored in the Black Rock Reservoir. Water from Black Rock will then be used to compensate for water shortages in the Yakima River Basin" of Washington state. Describes the proposed reservoir and economic benefits, and offers a petition and opportunities to become involved in the project. http://www.ybsa.org/ Topics: Geography, Water Last updated May 30, 2005 |
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