Foreword

Health problems caused by natural occurrence of causative elements, environmental contamination and emerging infectious diseases are a growing concern worldwide. Ground-water contamination, trace-metal poisoning, waterborne microbial infections --- these and other environmental threats to public health require innovative, science-based solutions.

Over the past 124 years, USGS science has provided vital information for understanding and solving many scientific and environmental problems facing this country. Our core capabilities in water quality, environmental geochemistry, wildlife disease, geospatial technology and many other fields enable USGS to be a significant partner in the area of natural science and public health as we work together to write a "Prescription for a Better Environment."