The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) strongly supports the work performed by United States Geological Survey (USGS) in the areas of:

• Geologic and geohydrologic research,
• National mapping and
• Water resource data collection and dissemination

The USGS functions related to geologic and hydrologic research and mapping are critical to the continued development and management of our water resources on a long-term and consistent basis. The USGS is the only agency in the country that is dedicated to the unbiased and accurate collection and dissemination of water resource data. This agency works cooperatively with all states and many local governments to make information available in a competent and consistent manner. The USGS is the leading developer of ground water models, continuing to improve and develop those models through research and application. There are no other agencies that are currently set up to collect and analyze the data required to maintain this critical system of water resources information. Developing this capability in other federal agencies dilutes the science used to analyze the data. Distributing this responsibility to the states eliminates the consistency in collection techniques, collection and distribution.

NGWA also recognizes the value of the pool of ground water experts in USGS who are available to cooperatively advise other federal agencies - especially U.S. EPA in its ground water protection and restoration responsibilities. In addition, NGWA members and others in the private sector involved in water supply, water resource assessment and ground water cleanup rely on USGS information, modeling codes and maps to carry out their responsibilities.

NGWA acknowledges federal budgetary realities and understands that all government agencies may have to accept reductions. These reductions, however, should not jeopardize the core functions performed by the Survey that advance the responsible use and protection of our nation's water resources. The USGS does currently perform some activities, such as drilling and wellhead protection delineation, that could be done by the private sector. A review should be undertaken to identify similar activities and as appropriate, some functions, such as drilling, should be contracted out by the USGS; while others, such as wellhead protection, should become a function of the private sector.

Excerpted from Funding of USGS Supporting Document approved by the National Ground Water Association's Government Affairs Committee on May 8, 1995.