Water-resources data for the 1970 water year for Louisiana, including records of streamflow or reservoir storage at gaging stations, partial-record stations, and miscellaneous sites, and records of water quality data on the chemical and physical characteristics of surface water are given in this report. Records for a few pertinent gaging stations in bordering States are also included. The records were collected and computed by the Water Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey under the direction of Rex R. Meyer, 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 Louisiana.
Through September 30, 1960, the records of discharge and stage of streams 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, streamflow records and related data 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. Records will be published in Geological Survey water-supply papers at 5-year intervals.
The Geological Survey has published records of chemical quality, suspended sediment, and water temperatures 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 also have been released on a State-boundary basis in conjunction with streamflow records or in a separate volume.