PROGRAMS & PLANS--Transmittal of report "Cost-Effectiveness of the Stream-Gaging Program in Maine"




In Reply Refer To:                                          August 9, 1983
EGS-Mail Stop 415




SURFACE WATER BRANCH TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM NO. 83.04

Subject:  PROGRAMS & PLANS--Transmittal of report "Cost-Effectiveness of the
                            Stream-Gaging Program in Maine" by R. A. Fontaine,
                            M. E. Moss, J. A. Smath, and W. O. Thomas, Jr.

The U.S. Geological Survey has undertaken a 5-year nationwide analysis of
the stream-gaging program.  The objective of this analysis is to define and
document the most cost-effective means of furnishing streamflow information.
The attached subject report is the prototype for this analysis and describes
the techniques to be utilized in the analysis.  The analysis will (1) identify
the principal uses of the data and relate these uses to funding sources,
(2) identify alternate, less costly methods of furnishing the needed informa-
tion such as flow-routing or statistical regression models, and (3) define
strategies for the operation of the stream-gaging program that minimize the
uncertainty in the streamflow information for given operating budgets.

Please bring this report to the attention of those involved in the analysis
of the stream-gaging program.  Additional copies can be obtained from the
Open-File Services Section in Lakewood, Colorado (see inside of title page
for address and phone number).  The Surface Water Branch also has a limited
number of additional copies.




                                         Arthur L. Putnam
                                         Acting Chief, Surface Water Branch

Attachment

Distribution:  A, FO-L, S