Purpose of Environmental Protection Agency

Better Assessment Science Integrating Point and Nonpoint Sources (BASINS) is a multipurpose environmental analysis system designed to help regional, state, and local agencies perform watershed- and water quality-based studies.

It was developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to assist in watershed management and TMDL development by integrating environmental data, analysis tools, and watershed and water quality models.

Screen image of analysis in BASINS

A geographic information system (GIS) provides the integrating framework for BASINS. GIS organizes spatial information so it can be displayed as maps, tables, or graphics. GIS allows the user to analyze landscape information and display relationships among data. Through the use of GIS, BASINS has the flexibility to display and integrate a wide range of information (e.g., land use, point source discharges, and water supply withdrawals) at a scale chosen by the user.

Why Use BASINS?

BASINS makes watershed and water quality studies easier by bringing together key data and analytical components in one tool. BASINS allows users to efficiently access national environmental information, incorporate local site-specific data, apply assessment and planning tools, and run a variety of proven, robust nonpoint loading and water quality models. BASINS is a useful tool for those interested in watershed management, development of total maximum daily loads (TMDLs), coastal zone management, nonpoint source programs, water quality modeling, and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NDPES) permitting.

Contact Information

BASINS Listserv: Join this online community of BASINS users to exchange questions and answers regarding the use of BASINS.

The following email commands can be used to handle most end-user functions, instead of the web interface. More information on email commands is available at Browse to the "Email Commands" section in the navigation bar on the left side.

• Search past list messages:
  If you are a member of a mailing list, you can search past messages of the mailing list, and the messages that match your search specification will be sent back to you via email. Send email to [email protected] In the body of the message, use the command
  search basinsinfo search words
  Replace search words with the words you are searching for. ListManager will search for messages which contain any of the given search words. If multiple messages match your search, the search results will be organized so that the messages that matched more of your search terms appear at the top, and messages with equivalent search scores are organized with the newest messages first.