Freshwater studies

Our scientists study freshwater environments, producing data and reports. Several data applications, maps, and dashboards describe the state of our rivers, streams, and lakes. Many reports are published each year in several categories.

Ongoing monitoring & assessment projects

Three scientists sit and stand near and in two blue rafts of the bank of a wide river.

Scientists from the Watershed Health Program assess habitat in the Snake River region

River & stream monitoring produces studies on how much water is in rivers and streams, plants and animals in stream habitats, toxic chemicals in freshwater environments, and environmental management practices.
Lake water quality monitoring contains lake information, including algae, invasive plants, and toxics.
Groundwater quality assessments covers freshwater deep under the ground.

Publications and reports on freshwater studies

River & stream publications
Rivers and Streams – Annual Water Quality Reports
Stream Bioassessments publications
Effectiveness Monitoring for Water Quality Improvement Projects (TMDLs) publications
Lakes publications
Finding groundwater studies