Water-Related Scientific Activities of the U.S. Geological Survey in Nevada, Fiscal Years 1989-90 Compiled by M. Teresa Foglesong MESSAGE FROM THE NEVADA DISTRICT CHIEF The U.S. Geological Survey has been collecting water-resources data in Nevada since 1890. Most of the projects that constitute the current Nevada District program can be classified as either basic-data acquisition or hydrologic interpretation. About 25 percent of the program focuses on collection and dissemination of basic data on Nevada water resources, including operation of streamflow gages and groundwater level networks, and monitoring of the quality of ground and surface water. The remaining 75 percent of our program involves interpretive hydrologic investigations and research. About 51 percent of our activities are in cooperation with State and local agencies. Technical projects and data collection supported by other Federal agencies make up about 26 percent of the program, and the remaining 23 percent consists of fully funded USGS data collection, interpretive projects, and research.

Surface-water runoff is highly variable, both areally and seasonally, throughout the State. Information is needed for surveillance, planning, design, hazard warning, and management. These data are particularly relevant to water-related fields such as water supply, hydroelectric power, flood control, irrigation, bridge and culvert design, wildlife management, pollution abatement, flood-plain management, and water-resources development. An appropriate data base is necessary to support such ongoing needs. Objectives: Data will be collected for (1) assessment of water resources, (2) operation of reservoirs and industries, (3) waste disposal and pollution control operations, (4) water-quality estimations, (5) compact and legal requirements, (6) analysis of short-term variability and long-term trends for forecasting, and (7) research. Approach: The stage (level) and discharge of lakes and streams are measured at a network of surface-water stations and sites using standard USGS methods. Data-collection intervals are determined according to the principal purpose of each site.