Ground Water:
An Overview
CED-77-69: Published: Jun 21, 1977. Publicly Released: Jun 21, 1977.
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Ground water presently supplies about 20 percent of fresh water used in the United States, and although it is plentiful, little more than one quarter of it is available for use with present extraction techniques. Dependence on ground water varies according to locality, with 2 percent of Montana's water and 62 percent of Arizona's coming from ground water.
In many areas, ground water is being used faster than it is being replenished, and to some extent, soil subsidence and saltwater seepage are occurring. The problem is most acute in the High Plains region of western Texas and eastern New Mexico. Ground water management by local and State governments in Western States has emphasized administering and protecting water rights. State water rights laws and lack of sufficient geological data have prevented more intensive management. The Federal Government's contributions are data gathering, research, technical assistance, and water resources development. The Geological Survey has provided data on aquifer systems to managers through its Federal/State cooperative program, but more data are needed. The President indicated that he was recommending major policy reforms in water conservation. Questions posed related to the role of the Government in ground water management, water rights, priorities for Federal assistance, unified management of ground and surface waters, transfer of water from one river basin to another, and possible incentives for decreasing irrigation. These questions warrant consideration by Congress, Federal and State agencies, and private institutions when developing major policy reform for better ground water management.
Dec 15, 2020
The Nation's Fiscal Health:
Information on the Spending and Revenue Implications of Potential Debt TargetsGAO-21-211: Published: Dec 15, 2020. Publicly Released: Dec 15, 2020.
Oct 7, 2020
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The Nation's Fiscal Health:
A Long-Term Plan Is Needed for Fiscal SustainabilityGAO-21-161T: Published: Oct 7, 2020. Publicly Released: Oct 7, 2020.
Sep 23, 2020
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The Nation's Fiscal Health:
Effective Use of Fiscal Rules and TargetsGAO-20-561: Published: Sep 23, 2020. Publicly Released: Sep 23, 2020.
Jan 23, 2020
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Federal Trust Funds and Other Dedicated Funds:
Fiscal Sustainability Is a Growing Concern for Some Key FundsGAO-20-156: Published: Jan 16, 2020. Publicly Released: Jan 23, 2020.
Dec 19, 2019
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State and Local Governments' Fiscal Outlook:
2019 UpdateGAO-20-269SP: Published: Dec 19, 2019. Publicly Released: Dec 19, 2019.
Nov 14, 2019
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Certificated Expenditures:
Executive Office of the President FY 2018 Certificated Expenditures Were Spent for Authorized PurposesGAO-20-139R: Published: Nov 14, 2019. Publicly Released: Nov 14, 2019.
Oct 16, 2019
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Civilian Personnel:
Additional Guidance and Consistent Data Reporting Could Help Improve the Marine Corps' Budget ManagementGAO-20-148: Published: Oct 16, 2019. Publicly Released: Oct 16, 2019.
Jun 26, 2019
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The Nation's Fiscal Health:
Actions Needed to Achieve Long-Term Fiscal SustainabilityGAO-19-611T: Published: Jun 26, 2019. Publicly Released: Jun 26, 2019.
Apr 10, 2019
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The Nation's Fiscal Health:
Action Is Needed to Address the Federal Government's Fiscal FutureGAO-19-314SP: Published: Apr 10, 2019. Publicly Released: Apr 10, 2019.
Mar 27, 2019
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Fiscal Exposures:
Federal Insurance and Other Activities That Transfer Risk or Losses to the GovernmentGAO-19-353: Published: Mar 27, 2019. Publicly Released: Mar 27, 2019.
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