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South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

Welcome to USGS South Atlantic Water Science Center's (SAWSC) Website. We offer water information for Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

News

Wildfires continue to burn in Georgia, North and South Carolina

Wildfires continue to burn in Georgia, North and South Carolina

USGS experts responding simultaneously to two major natural hazards

USGS experts responding simultaneously to two major natural hazards

Hurricane Helene Weakens to Tropical Storm, Brings Flooding to Georgia and Western Carolinas

Hurricane Helene Weakens to Tropical Storm, Brings Flooding to Georgia and Western Carolinas

Publications

Tapwater exposures, residential risk, and mitigation in a PFAS-impacted-groundwater community

Tapwater (TW) safety and sustainability are priorities in the United States. Per/polyfluoroalkyl substance(s) (PFAS) contamination is a growing public-health concern due to prolific use, widespread TW exposures, and mounting human-health concerns. Historically-rural, actively-urbanizing communities that rely on surficial-aquifer private wells incur elevated risks of unrecognized TW...
Authors
Paul M. Bradley, Kristin M. Romanok, Kelly Smalling, Lee Donahue, Mark P. Gaikowski, Randy K. Hines, Sara E. Breitmeyer, Stephanie Gordon, Keith Loftin, R. Blaine McCleskey, Shannon M. Meppelink, Molly L. Schreiner

Statewide cumulative human health risk assessment of inorganics-contaminated groundwater wells, Montana, USA

Across the United States, rural residents rely on unregulated and generally unmonitored private wells for drinking water, which may pose serious health risks due to unrecognized contaminants. We assessed the nature, degree, and spatial distribution of cumulative health risks from inorganic contaminants in groundwater. Our analysis included nearly 84,000 data points from 6500+ wells...
Authors
Margaret J. Eggers, W. Adam Sigler, Nicklas Kiekover, Paul M. Bradley, Kelly Smalling, Albert E. Parker, Robert K.D. Peterson, John LaFave

Ecohydrological response of a forested headwater catchment to a flash drought in the Southeastern U.S.

Flash droughts differ from traditionally defined droughts in their rapidity of intensification and often associated high vapor-pressure deficit. These droughts can lead to declines in streamflow and water table depth and induce water stress to vegetation at a greater rate than droughts that manifest over longer periods. However, little is known regarding the response of forested...
Authors
Jeffrey W. Riley, Luke A. Pangle, Michael Forster, Brent T. Aulenbach

Science

Beneath the Surface: Exploring PFAS and Drinking Water on French Island, Wisconsin

The growing concern of finding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water has led USGS scientists to conduct more comprehensive analyses that encompass an extensive list of compounds that can be found in drinking water. These analyses will develop a more complete drinking water contaminant list that managers can use to make more informed public health decisions.
link

Beneath the Surface: Exploring PFAS and Drinking Water on French Island, Wisconsin

The growing concern of finding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water has led USGS scientists to conduct more comprehensive analyses that encompass an extensive list of compounds that can be found in drinking water. These analyses will develop a more complete drinking water contaminant list that managers can use to make more informed public health decisions.
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Hurricane Monitoring Information for Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina

Hurricane Information for Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
link

Hurricane Monitoring Information for Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina

Hurricane Information for Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
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Decoding Harmful Algal Blooms: Unraveling the Mystery

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a significant environmental concern due to their potential effects on health, ecosystems, and economies. Algal toxins, which are toxic compounds produced by certain species of cyanobacteria and algae, are commonly linked to these blooms. It's important to note that algal toxins can still be present even when a bloom is not visible, highlighting the need for ongoing...
link

Decoding Harmful Algal Blooms: Unraveling the Mystery

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a significant environmental concern due to their potential effects on health, ecosystems, and economies. Algal toxins, which are toxic compounds produced by certain species of cyanobacteria and algae, are commonly linked to these blooms. It's important to note that algal toxins can still be present even when a bloom is not visible, highlighting the need for ongoing...
Learn More
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