The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is seeking public comments on the National Ground-Water Monitoring Network (NGWMN) information collection process, which helps determine funding for agencies that collect groundwater data.

The USGS issued its second Federal Register notice on July 24, 2025, after receiving no responses to its first notice in May. The new deadline for comments is Aug. 25, 2025.

Groundwater provides drinking water for 40% of Americans and is a major agricultural resource. The NGWMN combines data from federal, state, tribal, and local monitoring networks. USGS says the feedback will help assess whether the data collection is necessary, improve the quality and clarity of collected information, confirm its practical use, and explore ways to reduce the reporting burden, including through electronic submissions.

Authorized under the 2009 SECURE Water Act, the NGWMN is also used by the Bureau of Reclamation to report on risks to western water resources. USGS provides cooperative funding to agencies that collect groundwater data and will solicit applications that describe the networks, monitored aquifers, and planned activities. Proposals can include joining the NGWMN, maintaining database connections, upgrading sites, updating well metadata, and installing continuous monitoring equipment. They must also include cost estimates and timelines. The NGWMN Program Board will review and recommend funding.

The National Ground Water Association calls the NGWMN “a first-of-its-kind network” that enables states to develop or expand public online access to groundwater data and highlights its collaborative benefits to the groundwater community nationwide.

• Comment deadline: Aug. 25, 2025.
• Docket ID: USGS–2025–0009.
• Submit via: Federal eRulemaking Portal: regulations.gov (search Docket No. USGS–2025–0009)
• Mail: USGS, Information Collections Clearance Officer, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, MS 159, Reston, VA 20192.

For more details, contact Rodney Caldwell at caldwell@usgs.gov or (406) 461–6931.