Statewide Withdrawal and Return Flow Estimates for 2005

Studies were conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey New Hampshire-Vermont Water Science Center with the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and the Vermont Geological Survey to estimate the 2005 and project the 2020 water use for each state. The first objective of these studies was to understand current water withdrawal and return flow quantities in order for the respective state agencies to compare those values with groundwater and surface-water availability. The second objective was to project future withdrawals and return flows in order for the state agencies to evaluate areas where water shortages may occur or where future demand may require new withdrawal sources. A map of the basic hydrography of the study area is shown here.

Study Area Hydrography click for full-size map

The studies incorporated procedures developed for estimating water use by the USGS as part of a detailed water-use analysis for the Seacoast region of New Hampshire (Horn and others, 2008). The studies were based on Census 2000 data and other data from the respective states. The estimates were done by census block, the smallest geographic unit of the census, so that the information could be aggregated up by watersheds or other geographic/political units. Project summaries, published reports, and 2005 water use data aggregated by town, county and watershed are provided on this web site. (2020 data will be provided in the future).

The value of water-use data
Water-use information can be used by town and county officials, planners, water supply managers, and citizens to help them understand:

• How water was used in a given year
  
• Distribution of population on household wells
  
• Distribution of population using on-site disposal systems
  
• Water withdrawal estimates by watershed
  

CONTACTS:

Laura Hayes (NH)
lhayes@usgs.gov

Marilee Horn (NH)
mhorn@usgs.gov

Laura Medalie (VT)
lmedalie@usgs.gov