For the more information about water resources in the National Park Service, please visit http://www.nature.nps.gov/water/.
Water Resources Division
It is the mighty river that roars forcefully, the babbling brook that murmurs its lullaby, the aquatic life below the surface that we protect, preserve, and manage; because without it life could not endure.
Protecting Water
The Water Resources Division (WRD) is one of eight divisions that make up the Natural Resource Stewardship and Science (NRSS) Directorate of the National Park Service. WRD was established to provide servicewide program management and specialized advice and assistance to parks in the protection and management of natural resources.
The mission of WRD is to provide leadership and senior-level technical, scientific, policy, and resource management expertise in the protection, preservation, and restoration of water resources and water-dependent environments within the National Park System. WRD provides its services directly to parks through a broad range of programs in the areas of fisheries, natural resource condition assessments, information management, hydrology, planning, ocean & coastal resources, wetlands, water quality, and water rights.
The primary focus of WRD is to provide the highest level of technical assistance and advice to parks in addressing their water- and aquatic resource-related issues.
Featured Content
A Call to Action: Crystal Clear
By 2016, the National Park Service will complete at least 30 projects in parks that restore watersheds, monitor and improve water quality and wildlife habitats, and maintain opportunities to experience these treasured resources. Learn more...
Marine Ecosystem Data Viewer
This data viewer provides an interactive look at the abundance and distribution of biological, physical, and socioeconomic information within coral reef parks to support more effective management and conservation of ocean resources within these parks. Learn more...
Hydrographic Statistics
Hydrographic and Clean Water Act impairment statistics are now available for all parks based on the high-resolution National Hydrography Dataset and the latest available state 303(d) impairment lists. Learn more...
Ocean & Coastal Park Maps
The Ocean & Coastal Resources Branch has developed two new series of maps. The first depicts park boundaries, coastal bathymetry, and terrestrial and water features. The second describes seafloor habitat in several coastal national parks. A report with statistics on park shoreline length and water acreage is also available. Learn more...
Groundwater Study at Montezuma Well
A recent USGS study of sources and flow paths of groundwater to Montezuma Well gives park managers important data to make better decisions in protecting this unique resource. Learn more...
Colorado River Parks
The National Park Service administers nine parks, recreation areas and monuments along the Colorado River and its key tributaries. It is also the most protected major river corridor in the world. Learn more...
Last Updated: December 12, 2013
