District Chief U.S. Geological Survey

A century of activity and publication of more than 860 water-resources related reports for the State of Arizona demonstrate an historical role for the U.S. Geological Survey in the hydrologic community. These reports continue to serve as the foundation of hydrologic knowledge for the State. Additionally, hydrologic historians will note (1) the evolution and sophistication of the investigative and interpretive tools used to collect and transfer hydrologic data knowledge to the water-user community and (2) a strong and steadfast nonregulatory stance in the midst of highly controversial and political issues. The justification for this stance is simple the need has existed and will continue to exist for an unbiased entity such as the U.S. Geological Survey to produce credible scientific information. Major national water issues for the Water Resources Division during fiscal years 1986-91 correspond well to water issues in the State of Arizona. These issues are (1) water availability and competition for this water, (2) quality of water, and (3) management of water and land resources. Studies being conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey and described in this publication are, for the most part, in support of providing data and interpretation to address these issues. As an agency, we are aware of and dedicated to the premise that credible data are obtaine