Water resources data for the 1972 water year for West Virginia 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. In Part 1, records are included for 126 gaging stations of which 119 are streamflow discharge stations, 1 is stage only streamflow station, and 6 are reservoir or lake stations; also included are records for 7 low-flow partial record stations, 42 crest-stage partial-record stations, and 12 miscellaneous sites. Locations of gaging stations are shown in Figure 1. In Part 2, data on the quality of surface water (chemical, temperature, and sediment) were collected from designated sampling sites at predetermined intervals, such as once daily, weekly, monthly, or less frequently, and at some sites data were recorded on punched paper tape at 15-, 30-, or 60-minute intervals. Records are given for 30 sampling stations of which 18 are continuous record stations, and 12 are partial-record stations. Locations of water-quality stations are shown in Figure 1. A few pertinent stations (not included above) in bordering States are also included in this report. The records were collected and computed by the Water Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey under the direction of Edwin E. Harris, 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 West Virginia.

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. Water-quality records beginning with the 1964 water year have been similarly released either in separate reports or in conjunction with streamflow records. These reports are for limited distribution and are designed primarily for rapid release of data shortly after the end of the water year.

Records of discharge and stage of streams, and contents and stage of lakes and reservoirs are published in a series of U.S. Geological Survey 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 since then are in a 5-year series. Records of chemical quality, water temperatures, and suspended sediment have been published since 1941 in an annual series of water-supply papers entitled, "Quality of Surface Waters of the United States." More information is given under the headings "Publications" on pages 15 and 20.