Water resources investigations in Tennessee: Programs and activities of the U.S. Geological Survey, 1987-1988

Ferdinand Quinones; B.H. Balthrop; E.G. G. Baker

doi:10.3133/ofr88322

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Water resources investigations in Tennessee: Programs and activities of the U.S. Geological Survey, 1987-1988

Ferdinand Quinones·B.H. Balthrop·E.G. G. Baker

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Abstract

This report summarizes the principal programs and activities of the Water Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey in Tennessee during the last 12 months. It has been an exciting period of many varied activities, projects, and investigations. The variety of these activities is a reflection of the complexity of the water issues in Tennessee and points out the need for a strong ongoing water-resources research program. The USGS is in a position to meet this challenge with an outstanding staff, necessary resources, and pertinent programs in partnership with other county, state, and federal agencies that participate in the District cooperative programs. During the last year, we have witnessed a significant shift in the orientation of the projects and investigations we conduct. Ground water has emerged as one of the most important environmental issues in the Nation and the State. In Tennessee, ground water provides about 51 percent of the drinking-water supplies, and its use is increasing at a faster rate than surface-water supplies. Several communities, including Memphis and Jackson, depend entirely on ground water as their source of drinking water. There are significant concerns among the people and government officials about the quality, quantity, and occurrence of ground water in Tennessee. The USGS is meeting these concerns through assigning higher priorities and additional funds to investigations involving ground-water issues. In the years to come, this trend will continue. The mission of the USGS in Tennessee is to provide timely, accurate, and unbiased water-resources information to citizens and government officials, We intend to continue meeting the goals of this mission by maintaining excellence in our staff and programs. We feel proud of the accomplishments of the last year. I wish to share these successes with the cooperating agencies and organizations that have made these programs possible.

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Source-reported bounding extent: 34.982972° to 36.678118° latitude; -90.309877° to -81.6469° longitude. This indicates report coverage, not an exact sampling location. View area on OpenStreetMap.

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Ferdinand Quinones, B.H. Balthrop, E.G. G. Baker. 1988. Water resources investigations in Tennessee: Programs and activities of the U.S. Geological Survey, 1987-1988. https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr88322

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