Water resources data Washington Water Year 2002

INTRODUCTION The Washington Water Science Center of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with State, local, and other Federal agencies, obtains a large amount of data pertaining to the water resources of Washington each water year. These data, accumulated during many water years, constitute a valuable data base for developing an improved understanding of the water resources of the State. To make these data readily available to interested parties outside the Geological Survey, the data are published annually in this report series, entitled "Water Resources Data- Washington." This report includes records on both surface and ground water in the State. The report contains discharge records for 245 stream-gaging stations, stage-only records for 10 gaging stations, discharge measurements for 211 miscellaneous streamflow stations, and annual maximum discharge for 3 crest-stage partial-record streamflow stations; stage and (or) contents records for 36 lakes and reservoirs; water-quality records for 40 surface-water sites; water-level records for 26 observation wells; and water quality records for 16 observation wells. This series of annual reports for Washington began with the 1961 water year with a report that contained only data relating to the quantities of surface water. For the 1964 water year, a similar report was introduced that contained only data relating to water quality. Beginning with the 1975 water year, the report format was changed to present, in one volume, data on quantities of surface water, quality of surface and ground water, and ground-water levels. Prior to introduction of this series and for several water years concurrent with it, water-resources data for Washington were published in U.S. Geological Survey Water-Supply Papers. Data on stream discharge and stage and on lake or reservoir contents and stage, through September 1960, were published annually under the title "Surface-Water Supply of the United States, Parts 12, 13, and 14." For the 1961 through 1970 water years, the data were published in two 5-year reports. Data on chemical quality, temperature, and suspended sediment for the 1941 through 1970 water years were published annually under the title "Quality of Surface Waters of the United States," and water levels for the 1935 through 1974 water years were published under the title "Ground-Water Levels in the United States." These Water-Supply Papers may be consulted in the libraries of the principal cities of the United States, or if not out of print, may be purchased from the U.S. Geological Survey, Branch of Information Services, Federal Center, Box 25286, Denver, CO 80225. Publications similar to this report are published annually by the USGS for all States. These official Survey reports have an identification number consisting of the two-letter State abbreviation, the last two digits of the water year, and the volume number. For example, this report is identified as "U.S. Geological Survey Water-Data Report WA-02-1." For archiving and general distribution, the reports for 1971-74 water years also are identified as water-data reports. These water-data reports are for sale in paper copy or in microfiche by the National Technical Information Service, U.S. Department of Commerce, Springfield, VA 22161. Additional information, including current prices, for ordering specific reports may be obtained from the Information Specialist at the address given on back of title page or by telephone (253) 428-3600. The USGS is continually updating the availability of its information on the internet. Current streamflow conditions (via satellite) for Washington and other water-resource information can be found at the following Universal Resource Locator (URL): http://wa.water.usgs.gov. Nationwide information on water resources, including real- time and historic streamflow data, water-use data, publications, and USGS program activities, can be found at URL: http://water.usgs.gov