Water Statistics for the United States

Two different sources of water quality statistics offers consumers valuable information.

The Statistical Abstract of the United States provides the first set of data in terms of six different sets of statistics covering water quality in the United States. They can all be accessed in a spreadsheet format, making them easy to see on your own computer.

• U.S. Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats by Type: 1986 and 1997
• Flows of Largest U.S. Rivers--Length, Discharge and Drainage Area
• Water Withdrawals, by Source, Type, and Use Per Day--States and Other Areas: 2000
• U.S. Water Withdrawals and Consumption Use Per Day by End-Use: 1940 to 2000
• U.S. Water Quality Conditions by Type of Water Body: 2000
• Oil Spills In U.S. Water--Number and Volume: 1998 to 2001

The second file listed, Flows of Largest U.S. Rivers, provides some fun fact statistics on the top ten longest rivers.

• Missouri River 2,540 miles
• Mississippi River 2,340 miles
• Yukon River 1,980 miles
• St Lawrence River 1,900 miles
• Rio Grande River 1,900 miles
• Arkansas River 1,460 miles
• Colorado River 1,450 miles
• Atchafalaya River 1,420 miles
• Ohio River 1,310 miles
• Red River 1,290 miles

Water statistics from the Environmental Protection Agency EPA come in many forms for industry professionals and consumers.

One very consumer friendly mapping system is called Surf Your Watershed. You can type in your zip code to find your watershed. The results page then shows links to further pollution statistics from a variety of point and non-point sources that might be affecting your local water. For example, hazardous waste discharge in local streams would be recorded. Information about local citizens groups working on watershed issues is also listed if applicable.

© 2007 Patricia A. Michaels.