In 1991 the U.S. Geological Survey initiated the National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program. The long term goals of this program are to assess the status of and trends in the quality of freshwater streams and aquifers, and to provide a sound understanding of the natural and human factors that affect the quality of these resources. As part of the program, investigations are conducted within "study units" throughout the Nation to provide a framework for national and regional water-quality assessment.

Sacramento River at Freeport

Beginning in October 2004, and continuing for a period of 4 years, the NAWQA Program will again intensively investigate the quality of water resources in the Sacramento River Basin, as part of the second decadal cycle of the program. While the long term goals remain the same, the emphasis of these renewed investigations will shift from status of water quality to trends in water quality and understanding of natural and anthropogenic factors affecting water quality.

If you have questions and comments related to the Sacramento River Basin NAWQA study, contact: Joseph Domagalski (joed@usgs.gov) or write:

Joseph Domagalski
SACR NAWQA Project Chief
U.S. Geological Survey
Placer Hall, 6000 J Street
Sacramento, California 95819-6129