1 National Hydrography Dataset Applications Overview Symposium on Terrain Analysis for Water Resources Applications Austin, Texas December 16, 2002

The National Hydrography Dataset Provides: Rich cartographic feature content for making maps A stream addressing system for linking water-related information to the national drainage network Upstream/downstream modeling along the drainage network Infrastructure for maintenance and enhancement 1 2 3

3 NHD Modeling Components Upstream and downstream navigation Reach-to-reach relationships Computed attributes Reach drainage areas (catchments) connect the land surface to the drainage network Flow volume and velocity for dilution modeling ( Watershed and Stream Characteristics Track, 9:30 – 5:00 Wednesday )

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9 Reach Address Database WATERS (Watershed Assessment, Tracking and Environmental ResultS) Reach Characteristics Total Waters Current Planned National Hydrography Dataset EnviroMapper for Water (Web Interface) Internet Ask WATERS (Web Interface) Nutrients Impaired Waters & Total Maximum Daily Loads Water Quality Assessments Water Quality Monitoring (STORET) Water Quality Standards Non-Point Source Grants Drinking Water Supplies No-Discharge Zones Recreational Beaches Permitted Dischargers Fish Advisories 303(d) Events 305(b) Events TMDL Events STORET Events WQS Events 319 Events NHD Reach Addressing Tools

10 WATERS combines water quality information that describes the water bodies of the United States EnviroMapper for Water is an Internet tool that displays these water bodies and associated water quality information (items 2- 5). It enables users, from concerned citizens to environmental scientists, to view environmental data and make informed decisions. 1 1 The Water Quality Standards Database contains information on the designated uses for water bodies, such as drinking water, swimming, and fishing. As part of a State's water quality standards, designated uses provide a regulatory goal for the water body and define the level of protection assigned to it. 2 2 The water bodies identified through WATERS are those found on topographic maps as represented in the EPA/USGS produced National Hydrography Dataset ( The Water Quality Standards Database also contains the scientific criteria to support these designated uses. 3 3 The National Assessment Database contains information on the attainment of water quality standards. Assessed waters are classified as Fully Supporting, Not Assessed or Not Supporting their designated uses. 4 4 The Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Tracking System contains information on waters that are Not Supporting their designated uses. TMDLs are pollution budgets used to restore the health of these impaired waters. 5 5 The graphic above is for illustrative purposes only. The database reports shown do not necessarily describe actual water bodies displayed on the map.

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12 NPS Grants for Watershed Impaired Waters in Watershed Overlap of Impaired Waters and NPS Grants Report for NPS Grants vs Impaired Waters AskWATERS

13 Watershed and Stream Characteristics Track, 9:30 – 5:00 Wednesday Web Sites –NHD, see NHD Applications link –WATERS, Tommy Dewald, USEPA/Office of Water For More Information