Surface-water records for the 1972 water year for Kentucky, including records of streamflow or reservoir storage at gaging stations, partial-record stations, and miscellaneous sites, are given in this report. The location of all gaging stations is shown in figures 1 and 2. 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 R. V. Cushman, 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 Kentucky.
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." Since September 30, 1960, the records have been or will be published in a series of Geological Survey water-supply papers on a 5-year basis.
Beginning with the 1961 water year, surface-water records have been released by the Geological Survey in annual reports on a State-boundary basis. Distribution of these reports is limited; they are designed primarily for rapid release of data shortly after the end of the water year to meet local needs.