Surface-water records for the 1972 water year for Arizona, including records of streamflow or reservoir storage at gaging stations, partial-record stations, and miscellaneous sites, are given in this report and their locations shown in figures 1, 3, and 4. Records for a few pertinent gaging stations in bordering States also are included, The records were collected and computed by the Water Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey under the direction of H. M. Babcock, 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 Arizona.
Through September 30, 1960, the records of discharge and stage of streams and canals and contents and stage of lakes or reservoirs were published in an annual series of U.S. Geological Survey water-supply papers entitled "Surface Water Supply of the United States."
Beginning with the 1961 water year, surface-water records have been released by the GeologicalSurvey in annual reports ona State-boundarybasis. Distribution of these reports islimited; theyare designed primarily for rapid release of data shortly after the end of the water year to meet local needs. The discharge and reservoir storage records for 1961-65 also have been published in a Geological Survey water - supply paper series entitled "Surface Water Supply ofthe United States 1961-65. "