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PREFACE

This volume of the annual hydrologic data report of Massachusetts and Rhode Island is one of a series of annual reports that document hydrologic data gathered from the U.S Geological Survey's surface- and ground-water data-collection networks in each State, Puerto Rico, and the Trust Territories. These records of streamflow, ground-water levels, and quality of water provide the hydrologic information needed by State, local, and Federal agencies, and the private sector for developing and managing our Nation's land and water resources. Hydrologic data for Massachusetts and Rhode Island are contained in one volume. This report is the culmination of a concerted effort by dedicated personnel of the U.S. Geological Survey who collected, compiled, analyzed, verified, and organized the data, and who typed, edited, and assembled the report. In addition to the authors, who had primary responsibility for assuring that the information contained herein is accurate, complete, and adheres to Geological Survey policy and established guidelines, the following individuals contributed significantly to the collection, processing, and tabulation of the data:

Kimberly W. Campo
Linda Y. Comeau
Timothy R. Driscoll
Charles R. Leighton
Casimer E. Lipinski
Britt O. Stock
Dennis J. Ventetuolo
Joseph F. Whitley
Joseph L. Zanca

Anne M. Weaver was responsible for the word processing and publishing phases of the report and Mark V. Bonito prepared the illustrations and PDF files.

This report was prepared in cooperation with the States of Massachusetts and Rhode Island and with other agencies under the general supervision of Wayne H. Sonntag, Massachusetts­Rhode Island District Chief, and James B. Campbell, Subdistrict Chief, Rhode Island Office.

Water Resources Data for Massachusetts and Rhode Island, 2000
By R.S. Socolow, J.S. Whitley, Domenic Murino, Jr., and L.R. Ramsbey
INTRODUCTION

The Water Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with State agencies, obtains a large amount of data pertaining to the water resources of Massachusetts and Rhode Island each water year. These data, accumulated during many water years, constitute a valuable data base for developing an improved understanding of the water resources of the States. To make these data readily available to interested parties outside the Geological Survey, the data are published annually in this report series entitled "Water Resources Data-Massachusetts and Rhode Island."

Hydrologic data are also available through the Massachusetts­Rhode Island District Home Page on the world-wide web (http://ma.water.usgs.gov). Historical data and real-time data (for sites equipped with satellite gage-height telemeter) are also available. The home page also contains a link to the U.S. Geological Survey National Home Page where streamflow data from locations throughout the United States can be retrieved.

This report series includes records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; contents of lakes and reservoirs; and water levels of ground-water wells. This volume contains discharge records for 95 gaging stations; stage records for 2 gaging stations; month-end contents of four lakes and reservoirs; water quality for 41 gaging stations; and water levels for 139 observation wells. Locations of these sites are shown in figures 1 and 2. Short-term water-quality data were collected at 21 gaging stations and are shown in figure 3. Hydrologic data were collected at many sites that were not involved in the systematic data-collection program and are published as miscellaneous discharge measurements and miscellaneous surface-water-quality data. The data in this report represent that part of the National Water Data System operated by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

This series of annual reports for Massachusetts and Rhode Island began with the 1961 water year with a report that contained only data relating to the quantities of surface water. For the 1964 water year, a similar report was introduced that contained only data relating to water quality. Beginning with the 1975 water year, the report format was changed to present, in one volume, data on quantities of surface water, quality of surface and ground water, and ground-water levels.

Prior to introduction of this series and for several water years concurrent with it, water-resources data for Massachusetts and Rhode Island were published in U.S. Geological Survey Water-Supply Papers. Data on stream discharge and stage and on lake or reservoir contents and stage, through September 1960, were published annually under the title "Surface-Water Supply of the United States, Parts 1A and 1B." For the 1961 through 1970 water years, the data were published in two 5-year reports. Data on chemical quality, temperature, and suspended sediment for the 1941 through 1970 water years were published annually under the title "Quality of Surface Waters of the United States," and water levels for the 1939 through 1974 water years were published under the title "Ground-Water Levels in the United States." The above mentioned Water-Supply Papers may be consulted in the libraries of the principal cities of the United States and may be purchased from U.S. Geological Survey, Information Services, Box 25286, Denver Federal Center, Box 25425, Denver, CO 80225-0286.

Publications similar to this report are published annually by the Geological Survey for all States. These official Survey reports have 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 MA-RI-00-1." For archiving and general distribution, the reports for 1971­74 water years also are identified as water-data reports. 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. Additional information, including current prices, for ordering specific reports may be obtained from the District Office at the address given on the back of the title page or by telephone (508) 490-5000.


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