Evaluation of selected surface-water-quality stations in Wyoming
Water-Resources Investigations Report
82-4003
By: S.J. Rucker and L. L. DeLong
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Abstract
The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Wyoming Department of Agriculture, has conducted a surface-water-quality program in Wyoming since 1965. The purpose has been to determine the chemical quality of the water in terms of the major dissolved constituents (salinity). Changing agricultural techniques and energy development have stimulated a need for an expanded program involving additional types of data. This report determines the adequacy of the data collected thus far to describe the chemical quality. The sampling program was evaluated by determining how well the data describe the dissolved-solids load of the streams. Monthly mean loads were estimated at 16 stations throughout the network where daily streamflow and daily specific conductance were available. Monthly loads were then compared with loads estimated from daily streamflow and data derived from analyses of samples collected on a monthly basis at these same stations. Agreement was good. Solute-load hydrographs were constructed for 37 stations and from some reaches where streamflow records were available. Because stations where no discharge records are available are not amenable to this type of analysis, data collected at these stations are of limited usefulness. This report covers analyses of data for all qualifying sites in Wyoming except those in the Green River Basin, which were analyzed in U.S. Geological Survey Water Resources Investigations 77-103. The salinity in most of the streams evaluated is adequately described by the data collected. Reduced sampling is feasible, and time and money can be diverted to collecting other data. (USGS)
Suggested Citation
Rucker, S., and DeLong, L.L., 1987, Evaluation of selected surface-water-quality stations in Wyoming: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 82-4003, vi, 72 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm., https://doi.org/10.3133/wri824003.
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Evaluation of selected surface-water-quality stations in Wyoming |
| Series title | Water-Resources Investigations Report |
| Series number | 82-4003 |
| DOI | 10.3133/wri824003 |
| Year Published | 1987 |
| Language | ENGLISH |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey, |
| Description | vi, 72 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm. |