Stream Discharge Measurement Alaska has the greatest surface water resources of any state in the United States. The Yukon, Kuskokwim, and Copper Rivers are among the ten largest rivers in the U.S., and the state has over 3 million lakes. The Alaska Hydrologic Survey collects, analyzes, and interprets surface water data for the citizenry of Alaska. Listed below are additional facts related to the surface waters of Alaska. Many of Alaska's lakes and streams are frozen, or partially frozen, for five-six months of the year.
Surface water is used for about half of Alaska's domestic water supply.
Flooding and erosion are responsible for millions of dollars of property damage each year. Flooding can also be caused by the rapid melting of snow and ice during volcanic eruptions. Surface water instream flow can be appropriated to support fish and wildlife habitat. The Division of Mining, Land and Water, Water Management Section, oversees the management and appropriation of Alaska's surface water. Well Surveying and Ground-water Sampling Alaska has the greatest ground water resources of any state in the United States.