Water is one of Missouri’s most abundant and precious resources. Missouri’s lakes, rivers, streams, springs, wetlands and groundwater provide drinking water, recreational and tourism opportunities, wildlife habitat, water for agriculture and industrial uses, and more. Groundwater is a main source of drinking water for most Missourians and provides much of the water used to irrigate crops.
We at the Missouri Department of Natural Resources help protect our water by monitoring its quality and quantity, setting standards and controlling what goes into it. Protecting our water resources will also protect human health, our ecosystems and Missouri’s economy.
A losing stream is a stream where a significant amount of its water flows underground
The department partners with USGS to support the network of streamgages in Missouri
Providing communities needed information to ensure their safety and protect property