Water Resources Data--Georgia--Water Year 1998

U.S. Geological Survey Water-Data Report GA-98-1, 668 pages

INTRODUCTION

Water resources data for the 1998 water year for Georgia consists of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; stage and contents of lakes and reservoirs; and ground-water levels published in one volume. This volume contains discharge records of 119 gaging stations; stage for 22 gaging stations; stage and contents for 18 lakes and reservoirs; water quality for 249 continuing-record stations; peak stage and discharge only for 76 crest-stage partial-record stations; and water levels of 24 observation wells. These data represent that part of the National Water Data System collected by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in Georgia.

Records of discharge and stage of streams, and contents or stage of lakes and reservoirs were first published in a series of U.S. Geological water-supply papers entitled, "Surface-Water Supply of the United States." Through September 30, 1960, these water-supply papers were in an annual series and then in a 5-year series for 1961-65 and 1966-70. Records of chemical quality, water temperature, and suspended sediment were published from 1941 to 1970 in an annual series of water-supply papers entitled, "Quality of Surface Waters of the United States." Records of ground-water levels were published from 1935 to 1974 in a series of water-supply papers entitled, "Ground-Water Levels in the United States." Water-supply papers may be consulted in the libraries of the principal cities in the United States or may be purchased from the U.S. Geological Survey, Branch of Information Services, Federal Center, Box 25286, Denver, CO 80225.

For water years 1961 through 1970, streamflow data were released by the U.S. Geological Survey in annual reports on a State-boundary basis prior to the two 5-year series water-supply papers which cover this period. The data contained in the water-supply papers are considered the official record. Water-quality records for water years 1964 through 1970 were similarly released either in separate reports or in conjunction with streamflow records.

Beginning with the 1971 water year, water data for streamflow, water quality, and ground water are published in official Survey reports on a State-boundary basis. These official Survey reports carry an identification number consisting of the two-letter State abbreviation, the last two digits of the water year, and the volume number. For example, this volume is identified as "U.S. Geological Survey Water-Data Report GA-98-1." These water-data reports are for sale, in paper copy or in microfiche, by the National Technical Information Service, U.S. Department of Commerce, Springfield, VA 22161.