Preparing for the Third Decade of the National Water-Quality Assessment Program

The first two decades of the U.S. Geological Survey's National Water Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program have provided a successful and useful assessment of U.S. water-quality conditions, how they have changed over time, and how natural features and human activities have affected those conditions. Now, planning is underway for the third decade (Cycle 3) of the Program outlined in the Science Plan, with challenges including ensuring that the NAWQA remain a national program in the face of declining resources, balancing new activities against long-term studies, and maintaining focus amidst numerous and competing stakeholder demands. The Science Plan for Cycle 3 articulates a forward-thinking vision for NAWQA science over the next decade, building on the previous cycles' data, experience, and products. Preparing for the Third Decade (Cycle 3) of the National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program explains the national needs outlined in the plan, NAWQA's need to emphasize collaboration with other USGS and external programs, other federal agencies, state and local governments, and the private sector. Table of ContentsFront MatterSummary1 Introduction2 NAWQA: Cycle 1 and Cycle 23 Assessing Accomplishments of the NAWQA Program4 The Way Forward for the Third Decade of National Water-Quality Assessment5 Coordination, Cooperation, and CollaborationReferencesAppendix A: Letter Report Assessing the USGS National Water Quality Assessment Program's Science FrameworkAppendix B: Letter Report Assessing the USGS National Water Quality Assessment Program's Science PlanAppendix C: Communicating Data and Information to UsersAppendix D: Contributors to the Report, *Preparing for the Third Decade of the National Water-Quality Assessment Program*Appendix E: Biographical Information: Committee on Preparing for the Third Decade (Cycle 3) of the National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program