The results of a 1-year study of surface-water quality in the Village Creek Watershed are presented to document conditions before implementation of Soil Conservation Service programs. Analysis of samples collected at six sites showed that most of the concentrations found are in the range to be expected of drainage from an intensely farmed watershed. Dissolved-oxygen values range from low to medium. Arsenic was found in quarterly samples of water and bottom materials at all sites. Traces of a wide range of insecticides were found in samples of bottom materials from all sampling sites.