http://gallery.usgs.gov/images/logos/usgs_only.jpg USGS Multimedia Gallery for Audio Tag: drinkingwater http://gallery.usgs.gov/ en-us OC_Web@usgs.gov (Office of Communications Web Group) http://gallery.usgs.gov/images/USGS.gif USGS http://gallery.usgs.gov/ <![CDATA[Organic Carbon and the World around Us]]> http://gallery.usgs.gov/audios/446 In this episode, we talk about organic carbon. The benefit of studying carbon extends to many issues, including tracing mercury contamination or investigating disinfection by-products in drinking water treatment. It is amazing what can be discovered by monitoring the volume and flux of carbon through the environment. Learn about the biogeochemistry of carbon from USGS research chemists George Aiken and Brian Bergamaschi, only in this episode of the USGS Oregon Science Podcast.

]]> <![CDATA[U.S. Using Less Water Than It Did 35 Years Ago]]> http://gallery.usgs.gov/audios/318 The United States is using less water than during the peak years of 1975 and 1980, according to USGS water use estimates for 2005. Despite a 30 percent population increase during the past 25 years, overall water use has remained fairly stable.

So what else do we know--and not know--about water use in the U.S.? Learn from a USGS scientist and partners, and hear what they're going to talk about at a water use briefing on Capitol Hill.

]]> <![CDATA[Contaminants in 20 Percent of U.S. Private Wells]]> http://gallery.usgs.gov/audios/251 More than 20 percent of private, domestic wells contain at least one contaminant at levels of potential health concern. About 43 million people—or 15 percent of the Nation's population—use drinking water from private wells, which are not regulated by the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act.

USGS scientist Leslie Desimone discusses the new study, the contaminants found, and the implications for society.

]]> <![CDATA[Man-Made Chemicals Found in Drinking Water at Low Levels]]> http://gallery.usgs.gov/audios/78