“Welcome to the U.S. Geological Survey Water Mission Area’s Water Data Blog. Water information is fundamental to national and local economic well-being, protection of life and property, and effective management of the Nation’s water resources. The USGS works with partners to monitor, assess, conduct targeted research, and deliver information on a wide range of water resources and conditions including streamflow, groundwater, water quality, and water use and availability. The the USGS Water Mission Area has a wide variety of services available to improve the access and understanding of U.S. water information. Water Data for the Nation blog posts highlight developments, data, and applications of these services. The posts made to the blog represent non-interpretive or interpretative, but not new information. In other words, nothing posted here will be interpreting data or findings in new ways. Interpretive information from USGS is published in a more rigorous outlet, for example, a peer-reviewed scientific journal article or a USGS report. Where appropriate, primary data and scientific sources will be cited.”