The Water Resources Division (WRD) of the National Park Service works to conserve, protect and restore water resources in America's national parks. WRD provides assistance, expertise, and guidance for aquatic ecosystem stewardship in national parks, so that current and future generations can experience healthy aquatic ecosystems for years to come.
The Water Resources Division is one of eight divisions that make up the Natural Resource Stewardship and Science (NRSS) Directorate of the National Park Service.The division is comprised of nine programs: Fish, Floodplains & Hydrology, Information Management, Natural Resource Condition Assessments, Ocean & Coastal Resources, Water Rights, Water Quality, Wetlands, and Wild & Scenic Rivers.
What We Do
The Water Resources Division was established to provide science to parks for the protection and management of water and aquatic resources.

Fish Program
NPS fisheries management policies emphasize sustainability and preservation.

Floodplains & Hydrology
The Hydrology program provides technical and policy advice regarding hydrologic issues for rivers, streams, lakes, and reservoirs.

Information Management
The Information Management program supports parks in analysis and archiving of hydrologic data.

Natural Resource Condition Assessment
NRCA provides funds and oversight for preparation of resource condition assessments in parks.

Ocean and Coastal Resources
The Ocean and Coastal Resources Program works to advance ocean and Great Lakes stewardship in the National Park System.

Water Rights
The National Park Service seeks to protect and conserve surface waters and groundwaters in park units as integral components of water and la

Water Quality
The Water Quality program coordinates aspects of water quality protection in national parks.

Wetlands
The Wetlands program provides expertise for protection and management of over 20 million acres of NPS wetlands.

Wild and Scenic Rivers
WSR aims to protect and enhance river resources under the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.
Last updated: May 16, 2022