Hydrologic data for the Puerco River basin, western New Mexico, October 1, 1991, through September 30, 1992

Hydrologic data collected during October 1, 1991, through September 30, 1992, in the Puerco River Basin, Western New Mexico, are summarized. The effects of uranium mining and a 1979 tailings pond spill, in combination with naturally occurring and potentially hazardous trace elements, have created a concern that surface water and ground water in the Puerco River Basin may be unsafe for irrigation, livestock watering, and domestic use; therefore, a data collection network was established to monitor the suitability of the water resources in the Puerco River Basin. The data collection network consisted of one streamflow-gaging station, three water-well dusters, and nine streambed sites. The network is located along a reach of the Puerco River beginning near the confluence of the Puerco River and Pipeline Arroyo and ending approximately 9 miles upstream from the New Mexico-Arizona State line. Data tabulated and presented include mean daily discharge, ground-water hydrographs, water quality, and sediment chemistry and particle-size distribution.