Data uses and funding sources were identified for the 51 continuous stream gages currently being operated in Maine. Three stream-gages were identified as having insufficient reason to continue their operation. Operation of these stations were identified as having uses specific only to short-term studies; it is recommended that these stations be discontinued at the end of the data-collection phases of the studies. The remaining 45 stations should be maintained in the program for the foreseeable future. The current policy for operation of the 45-station program would require $180,300 per year. The average standard error of estimation of streamflow record is 18.5 percent. It was shown that this overall level of accuracy at the 45 sites could be maintained with a budget of \$170,000 if the gaging resources were redistributed among the gages. A minimum budget of \$155,000 is required to operate the 45-gage program; a budget less than this does not permit proper service and maintenance of the gages and recorders. At the minimum budget, the average standard error is 26.0 percent. The maximum budget analyzed was \$350,000, which resulted in an average standard error of 9.2 percent. Large parts of Maine 's interior were identified as having sparse stream-flow data. It was recommended that this sparsity should be remedied as funds can be made available. (USGS)
