Water resources data for the 1973 water year for Arizona include records of data for the chemical and physical characteristics of surface water. Data on the quality of surface water (chemical, temperature, and sediment) were collected from designated sampling sites at predetermined intervals, such as once daily, weekly, monthly, or less frequently; at some sites, data were collected continuously by means of automatic recording devices. Records are given for 81 sampling stations, of which 48 are continuous record stations, 6 are partial-record stations, and 27 are miscellaneous sampling stations. Locations of surface water-quality stations are shown in figures 1 and 2. A few pertinent stations in bordering States are also included. The records were collected 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.
The Geological Survey has published records of chemical quality, water temperatures, and sediment since 1941 in an annual series of water-supply papers entitled, "Quality of Surface Waters of the United States." Beginning with the 1964 water year, water-quality records have been released by the Geological Survey in annual reports on a State boundary basis. These reports are for limited distribution and are designed primarily for rapid release of data shortly after the end of the water year. These records will be published later in Geological Survey water-supply papers.
