(USGS)

Surface-Water Quality-Assurance Plan for the USGS Georgia Water Science Center

Anthony J. Gotvald and Timothy C. Stamey

U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2005-1246, 45 pages (Published August 2005) ONLINE ONLY

ABSTRACT

Cover photograph: U.S. Geological Survey Hydrologic Technician making a streamflow measurement from the Georgia Highway 124 bridge over the Yellow River.The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Water Resources Discipline, has a policy that requires each Water Science Center (WSC) to prepare a Surface-Water Quality-Assurance Plan. The plan for each WSC describes the policies and procedures that ensure high quality in the collection, processing, analysis, computer storage, and publication of surface-water data. The USGS Georgia Water Science Center (GWSC) Surface-Water Quality-Assurance Plan documents the standards, policies, and procedures used by the GWSC for activities related to the collection, processing, storage, analysis, and publication of surface-water data.



TABLE OF CONTENTS

Abstract

Introduction

Responsibilities

Collection of Stage and Streamflow Data

Gage Installation and Maintenance

Measurement of Stage

Gage Documents

Levels

Site Documentation

Station Descriptions

Photographs

Direct Measurements

Field Notes

Acceptable Equipment

Alternative Equipment

Indirect Measurements

Peak-Flow Files

Crest-Stage Gages

Artificial Controls

Flood Conditions

Low-Flow Conditions

Cold-Weather Conditions

Processing and Analysis of Stage and Streamflow Data

Processing of Real-Time Streamflow Data

Web-Page Presentation Format

Review of Real-Time Streamflow Data

Error Handling

Data-Qualification Statements

Measurement and Field Notes

Continuous Record

Records and Computation

Procedures for Working and Checking Records

Records Checkoff List

Review of Records

Crest-Stage Gages

Office Setting

Work Plan

File Folders for Surface-Water Stations

Field-Trip Folders

Level Notes

Station Descriptions

Discontinued Stations

Map Files

Archiving

Communication of New Methods and Current Procedures

Collection of Precipitation Data

Gage Installation and Maintenance

Station Descriptions

Processing and Analysis of Precipitation Data

Processing of Real-Time Precipitation Data

Web-Page Presentation Format

Review of Real-Time Precipitation Data

Error Handling

Continuous Record

Records and Computation

Procedures for Working and Checking Records

Review of Records

Collection of Sediment Data

Sampling Procedures

Field Notes

Equipment

Sample Handling and Storage

High-Flow Conditions

Cold-Weather Conditions

Site Documentation

Processing and Analysis of Sediment Data

Sediment Laboratory

Sediment Station Analysis

Sediment Analysis Results

Sediment Data Storage

Database Management

Publication of Surface-Water Data

Publication Policy

Types of Publications

Review Process

Safety

Training

References Cited

Appendix A. Memorandums Cited

Appendix B. Hydrologic Monitoring and Analysis Section Surface-Water Electronic Archiving

Appendix C. Hydroacoustic Instrumentation—Standards, Policies, and Procedures

 

 


REPORT AVAILABILITY

This report is available online in pdf format: Open-File Report 2005-1246 (5.2 MB)
To view this document, you need the Adobe Acrobat® Reader installed on your computer. (A free copy of the Acrobat® Reader may be downloaded from Adobe Systems Incorporated.)


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