Cost-effectiveness of the stream-gaging program in Maryland, Delaware, and the District of Columbia

This report documents the results of a cost-effectiveness study of the stream-gaging program in Maryland, Delaware, and the District of Columbia. Data uses and funding sources were identified for 99 continuously operated stream gages in Maryland , Delaware, and the District of Columbia. The current operation of the program requires a budget of $465,260/year. The average standard error of estimation of streamflow records is 11.8%. It is shown that this overall level of accuracy at the 99 sites could be maintained with a budget of $461,000, if resources were redistributed among the gages. (USGS)