Water@PSU: Research References

Calling all water researchers! Below are some water data sources to get you started on your research efforts. This is intended to be a starting point rather than the all-inclusive list, but if you know of a great resource we’re missing, share it with us at waterpsu@pdx.edu and we’ll add it below.

Freshwater

Website	Owner	Description
Oregon Water Data Portal	Oregon Department of Environmental Quality	A data portal that addresses the growing need for accessible water data from across the state to be used by water management agencies, interested parties, universities and organizations.
Oregon Water	The Year of Water	Oregon Water Atlas (2017): An aggregation and visualization of Oregon's water data, using entirely open-source software and coding libraries. Oregon Water Stories: Stories that relate to the modern relationship between humans and water with an interactive map. Atlas of Oregon Lakes: A resource for the public, resource management agencies, and scientists to enhance management and enjoyment of our lakes. Atlas of the Pacific Northwest: Digital, fully-interactive format, designed to highlight facets of the Pacific Northwest landscape with novel approaches to data presentation.
Water Mapping Resources	Institute for Natural Resources (INR)	A collection of mapping resources developed by the INR. This includes resources for technical assistance and analysis and managing data, information and mapping tools.
Oregon State Drinking Water Data	Oregon Health Authority	A map that displays active public water systems in Oregon.
Washington State Drinking Water Data	Washington State Department of Health	A database of water systems in Washington.
Ground Water and Drinking Water	U.S. Environmental Protection Agency	A hub of ground water and drinking water reports, resources, and related topics from the EPA.
USGS National Water Dashboard	U.S. Geological Survey	A dashboard of over 13,000 real-time stream, lake, reservoir, precipitation, water quality, and groundwater stations in context with current weather and hazard conditions.
USGS Oregon Water Data Center	Oregon Water Science Center	USGS-collected data from Oregon lakes and streams, groundwater, landscapes, and ecosystems.
Water Quality Monitoring Data	Oregon Department of Environmental Quality	The Ambient Water Quality Monitoring System is the Oregon DEQ water monitoring data portal. This system allows for easier access to DEQ and partner data for rivers and streams, lakes, estuaries, beaches and groundwater resources throughout Oregon.
Statewide Wetlands Inventory (SWI) Map	Oregon Department of State Lands	A map that displays the approximate locations of wetlands and waters throughout Oregon.
Oregon Wetland Database	State of Oregon	A key component of the Oregon Wetland Explorer data portal, and serves as a framework for storing and disseminating information on the state's wetlands and
Oregon Water Resources Department Maps and Data	State of Oregon	Database of water-related inventories, documents, maps, etc. from the State of Oregon.
PDXScholar: Water (Advanced Search)	PSU	Portland Library database of water-related publications.

Water Security and Justice

Website	Owner	Description
Oregon Water Futures Justice Framework	Oregon Water Futures Collaborative	A framework that seeks to influence water policy by centering community voices as water actors and community assets.
Oregon Water Futures Justice Report	Oregon Water Futures Collaborative	A primer on how Oregon water infrastructure challenges affect frontline communities across the state.
Water Security Advisory Report	Oregon Secretary of State	An advisory report that addresses gaps in Oregon's water governance that an lead to or worsen water insecurity, and create inequitable outcomes for higher-risk communities.
American Conservation and Stewardship Atlas	U.S. Conservation	This beta version of the Atlas brings together science, data and knowledge on biodiversity, climate change impacts, and equity to help inform and inspire land, water, and wildlife conservation and restoration efforts of individuals, land managers, policymakers, and communities.
EJScreen: Environmental Justice Screening and Mapping Tool	U.S. Environmental Protection Agency	A mapping and screening stool that is based on nationally consistent data and uses environmental and demographic indicators in maps and reports.
Water Justice Hub	Water Justice Hub	An international source for water justice information.
PDXScholar: Water and Climate Justice Collection	PSU	Portland Library database of water- and climate justice-related publications.
PDXScholar: Water Racial and Gender Equity	PSU	Portland Library database of water-related publications with a focus on racial and gender equity.

Did you know?

You can search for publications in PDXScholar by faculty members, such as this search for Alida Cantor, Associate Professor of Geography and director of Geography’s Water Resources Minor. Visit the Water Faculty Directory for inspiration.

Need more help finding information? PSU’s library and librarians are a fantastic resource. You can chat online, email, text or talk to a PSU librarian directly. Learn more at Ask a Librarian.

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Updated: July 2, 2024