Water resources data for the 1973 water year for Missouri including records of streamflow or reservoir storage at gaging stations, partial-record stations, and miscellaneous sites, and records of water-quality data on the chemical and physical characteristics of surface water, are given in this report. In Part 1, records are included for 146 gaging stations of which 139 are streamflow discharge stations, and 7 are reservoir or lake stations; also are included records for 106 crest-stage partial-record stations. Locations of gaging stations are shown in figure 1. In Part 2, data on the quality of surface water (chemical, temperature, and sediment) were collected from designated sampling sites at predetermined intervals such as once daily, weekly, monthly, or less frequently, and at some sites data were recorded on punched paper tape at 30-, or 60minute intervals. Records are given for 114 sampling stations of which 25 are partial-record stations, and 30 are miscellaneous sites. Locations of water-quality stations are shown in figure 2. A few pertinent stations (not included above) in bordering states are also included in this report. The records were collected and computed by the Water Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey under the direction of Anthony Homyk, district chief. These data represent that portion of the National Water Data System collected by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in Missouri.
Beginning with the 1961 water year, streamflow records and related data have been released by the Geological Survey in annual reports on a State-boundary basis. Water-quality records beginning with the 1964 water year have been similarly released either in separate reports or in conjunction with streamflow records. These reports are for limited distribution and are designed primarily for rapid release of data shortly after the end of the water year.