U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey

Open-File Report 2006-1273

Surface Water Quality-Assurance Plan,

U.S. Geological Survey, Kentucky Water Science Center,

Water Year 2006 

Surface Water Quality-Assurance Plan,

U.S. Geological Survey, Kentucky Water Science Center,

Water Year 2006 

By Michael S. Griffin

Open-File Report 2006–1273 

U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey
U.S. Department of the Interior

DIRK KEMPTHORNE, Secretary

U.S. Geological Survey

P. Patrick Leahy, Acting Director

U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia: 2006

For product and ordering information:

World Wide Web: http://www.usgs.gov/pubprod

Telephone: 1-888-ASK-USGS

For more information on the USGS--the Federal source for science about the Earth, its natural and living resources, 

natural hazards, and the environment:

World Wide Web: http://www.usgs.gov

Telephone: 1-888-ASK-USGS

Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the 

U.S. Government.

Although this report is in the public domain, permission must be secured from the individual copyright owners to 

reproduce any copyrighted materials contained within this report.

Suggested citation:

Griffin, M.S., 2006, Surface Water Quality-Assurance Plan, U.S. Geological Survey, Kentucky Water Science Center, 

Water Year 2006: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2006-1273, 50 p.
iii

Contents

Abstract...........................................................................................................................................................1

Introduction.....................................................................................................................................................1

Kentucky Water Science Center Organization and Responsibilities ....................................................1

Organization...........................................................................................................................................1

Responsibilities .....................................................................................................................................3

Collection of Stage and Streamflow Data .................................................................................................5

Gage Installation and Maintenance ..................................................................................................5

Measurement of Stage ........................................................................................................................5

Gage Documents...................................................................................................................................8

Levels ....................................................................................................................................................8

Site Documentation..............................................................................................................................9

Station descriptions ....................................................................................................................9

Photographs..................................................................................................................................9

Direct Measurements ..........................................................................................................................9

Depth Criteria for Meter Selection ...........................................................................................9

Number of Measurement Subsections..................................................................................10

Other Direct Methods of Measuring Discharge...................................................................10

Computation of Mean Gage Height ........................................................................................10

Check Measurements...............................................................................................................10

Corrections for Storage ............................................................................................................11

Questions.....................................................................................................................................11

Field Notes ..................................................................................................................................11

Acceptable Equipment..............................................................................................................11

Spin Tests ....................................................................................................................................11

Alternative Equipment...............................................................................................................12

Indirect Measurements .....................................................................................................................12

Peak Files .............................................................................................................................................13

Crest-Stage Gages..............................................................................................................................13

Artificial Controls ................................................................................................................................13

Flood Conditions..................................................................................................................................14

Low-Flow Conditions..........................................................................................................................15

Cold-Weather Conditions ..................................................................................................................15

Processing and Analysis of Streamflow Data ........................................................................................16

Processing of Real-Time Streamflow Data ....................................................................................16

Webpage Presentation Format.........................................................................................................16

Review of Real-Time Streamflow Data ...........................................................................................16

Error Handling......................................................................................................................................17

Data-Qualification Statements .........................................................................................................17

Measurements and Field Notes .......................................................................................................17

Continuous Record .............................................................................................................................17

Records and Computation.................................................................................................................17

Procedures for Working and Checking Records..................................................................18

Gage Height .......................................................................................................................18
iv

Levels ................................................................................................................................18

Rating ................................................................................................................................18

Datum Corrections, Gage-Height Corrections, and Shifts.........................................18

Hydrographs ......................................................................................................................19

Station Analysis ................................................................................................................19

Winter Records .................................................................................................................20

Unit-Value and Daily-Value Estimates....................................................................................20

Hydra and MISTE.......................................................................................................................20

Furnished Records............................................................................................................20

Daily-Values Table ............................................................................................................21

Manuscript and Annual Water-Data Report ................................................................21

Kentucky Water Science Center Checklist ...........................................................................21

Review of Records.....................................................................................................................21

Crest-Stage Gages..............................................................................................................................21

Office Setting................................................................................................................................................22

Work Plan.............................................................................................................................................22

File Folders for Surface-Water Stations .........................................................................................22

Field-Trip Folders.................................................................................................................................23

Levels ..................................................................................................................................................23

Station Descriptions...........................................................................................................................23

Discontinued Stations........................................................................................................................23

Map Files..............................................................................................................................................23

Archiving ..............................................................................................................................................23

Communication of New Methods and Current Procedures ........................................................24

Collection of Sediment Data ......................................................................................................................24

Sampling Procedures.........................................................................................................................24

Field Notes ..................................................................................................................................25

Equipment....................................................................................................................................25

Sample Handling and Storage.................................................................................................25

High-Flow Conditions .........................................................................................................................25

Cold-Weather Conditions ..................................................................................................................25

Site Documentation............................................................................................................................25

Processing and Analysis of Sediment Data ............................................................................................26

Sediment Laboratory..........................................................................................................................26

Sediment-Station Analysis................................................................................................................26

Sediment-Analysis Results ...............................................................................................................26

Sediment-Data Storage .....................................................................................................................26

Database Management ..............................................................................................................................27

Publication of Surface-Water Data ..........................................................................................................27

Publication Policy ...............................................................................................................................27

Types of Publications .........................................................................................................................27

Review Process...................................................................................................................................28

Safety ...........................................................................................................................................................28

Training ..........................................................................................................................................................28

Summary........................................................................................................................................................28
References Cited..........................................................................................................................................29

Appendixes:

1. U.S. Geological Survey Technical Memorandums Cited..........................................................32

2. Hydrologic Data Section Surface-Water Electronic Archiving Layout .................................33

3. Example of a Kentucky Water Science Center Station Description ......................................34

4. Example of a Kentucky Water Science Center Station Analysis ...........................................36

5. Examples of Records Processing Forms

5a. Level Summary Form...........................................................................................................38

5b. Record Computation Tracking/Checker Form.................................................................39

5c. Annual Surface-Water Data Reviewer Form..................................................................40

5d. Discharge Measurement/Shift Corrections Form..........................................................41

5e. Datum/Level Corrections Form..........................................................................................42

5f. Slope-Station Computations Form.....................................................................................43

5g. Measurement Log Sheet Form..........................................................................................44

5h. Average Discharge Form....................................................................................................45

6. Hydroacoustic Instrumentation – Standards, Policies, and Procedures..............................46

Figures

1. Organizational chart of the U.S. Geological Survey, Kentucky Water Science Center, 2006........2

2. Map showing streamflow stations in Kentucky, fiscal year 2006......................................................6

Conversion Factors and Abbreviations

Inch/Pound to SI

Multiply By To obtain

Length

inch (in.) 2.54 centimeter (cm)

foot (ft) 0.3048 meter (m)

mile (mi) 1.609 kilometer (km)

mile, nautical (nmi) 1.852 kilometer (km)

Area

square mile (mi2) 2.590 square kilometer (km2) 

Flow rate

foot per second (ft/s) 0.3048 meter per second (m/s)

cubic foot per second (ft3/s) 0.02832 cubic meter per second (m3/s)
vi

Abbreviations

ADAPS – automated data processing systems

ADCP – acoustic Doppler current profiler

CAP – Culvert Analysis Program

CSG – crest-stage gage

DCP – data collection platform

EDI – equal discharge increment

EWI – equal width increment

FRC – Federal Records Centers

GIS – geographic information system

HDR – high-data-rate

HSS – Hydrologic Surveillance Section

HIS – Hydrologic Investigations Section

HWM – high-water marks

KWSC – Kentucky Water Science Center

MEWI –multiple equal width increment

NARA – National Archives and Records Administration

NWIS – National Water Information System

NWS – National Weather Service

OSW – Office of Surface Water

OWQ – Office of Water Quality

PZF – point-of-zero-flow

QA – quality assurance

QA Plan – KWSC Surface-Water Quality-Assurance Plan

Qm – discharge measurement

RMs – reference marks

SAC – Slope Area Computation Program 

SEWI – single equal width increment

TWRI – Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations

USACE – U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

USGS – U.S. Geological Survey

UWI – unequal width increment

WRD – Water Resources Division/Discipline

WSPRO – Water-Surface Profile

WWG – wire-weight gage measure
Abstract

This Surface Water Quality-Assurance Plan documents 

the standards, policies, and procedures used by the Kentucky 

Water Science Center for activities related to the collection, 

processing, storage, analysis, and publication of surface-water 

data.

Introduction

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) was established by 

an act of Congress on March 3, 1879, to provide a permanent 

Federal agency to perform the systematic and scientific “classification of the public lands, and examination of the geologic 

structure, mineral resources, and products of the national 

domain.” Surface-water activities in the Kentucky Water Science Center (KWSC) are part of the USGS overall mission 

of appraising the Nation’s water resources. Surface-water 

information, including streamflow, stage, and sediment data, is 

used at the Federal, State, and local levels for resources planning and management.

The purpose of the KWSC Surface Water Quality-Assurance Plan (QA Plan) is to document the standards, policies, 

and procedures used by the KWSC for activities related to 

the collection, processing, storage, analysis, and publication 

of surface-water data. This plan identifies responsibilities for 

ensuring that stated policies and procedures are implemented. 

The plan also serves as a guide for all KWSC personnel 

involved in surface-water activities and as a resource for identifying memorandums, publications, and other literature that 

describe, in more detail, associated techniques and requirements.

The scope of this report includes discussions of the policies and procedures followed by the KWSC for the collection, 

processing, analysis, storage, and publication of surfacewater data. Specific types of surface-water data include stage, 

streamflow, sediment, and basin characteristics. In addition, 

issues related to the management of the computer database and 

employee safety and training are presented. Although procedures and products of interpretive projects are subject to the 

criteria presented in this report, specific interpretive projects 

are required to have a separate and complete quality-assurance 

plan.

Throughout the QA Plan, various Water Resources 

Division (currently (2006) Discipline) (WRD) and Office of 

Surface Water (OSW) memorandums are cited; these memorandums are listed in Appendix 1.

This QA Plan is reviewed and revised at least once every 

3 years in order that responsibilities and methodologies are 

kept current and that the ongoing procedural improvements 

can be effectively documented.

Kentucky Water Science Center 

Organization and Responsibilities

Quality assurance (QA) is an active process. Achieving 

and maintaining high-quality standards for surface-water data 

is accomplished by specific actions implemented by specific 

persons. Errors and deficiencies can result when individuals 

fail to carry out their responsibilities. Clear and specific statements of responsibilities promote an understanding of each 

person’s duties in the overall process of assuring surface-water 

data quality.

Organization

The KWSC has three offices (fig. 1). The main office 

is in Louisville with two field offices in Paducah and Williamsburg. The main office is organized into operational 

sections and support units. The operational sections include 

the Hydrologic Surveillance Section (HSS) (data section) and 

the Hydrologic Investigations Section (HIS). The support units 

include the Administrative Section and the Computer Applications Section. The two field offices are organized and managed 

under the under the leadership of the HSS chief.

Surface Water Quality-Assurance Plan,

U.S. Geological Survey, Kentucky Water Science Center,

Water Year 2006

By Michael S. Griffin
OFFICE OF T

HE DIRECT

O

R

MAAyers Director-15 RLUlery Hydrologist-13 

Hydrologic Surveillance Section

MSGriffin* Asst. Director-13 BLCochran Civil Eng-09 (TERM) 

Hydrologic

Data

&

Support Unit

Louisville office 

DLMcClain Supv Hyd Tech-12 GKMcCombs Hyd Tech-11 BLMoore Hyd Tech-11 DWEichert Hyd Tech-09 PJBruenderman Hyd Tech-08 ZHensley Hyd Tech-08 SJCouts Hyd Data Asst-07 TSLeMaster Hyd Tech-08 HCAllen Comp Asst-05 

Paducah field office 

RSDarnell Hyd Tech-11 JDFilbeck Hyd Tech-09 DWKeeling Hyd Tech-08 

Williamsburg field office 

CRMoses Hyd Tech-11 SBPickard Hyd Tech-11 JHurst Hyd Tech-06 DAKidd Hyd Tech-02 (STEP) 

Sedim

e

nt La

boratory

EAShreve Hyd Tech-11 DRAllen Phy Sci Tech-02 

Administrative Services Unit

DMHuntsman Admin Officer-12 LKVertrees Budget Analyst-09 JAGreen Admin Ops Asst-06 

Systems Analysis and Operations Unit

LGKloft† Info Tech Spec-12 

Hydrologic Investigations Section

DWEvans† Section Chief-13 KROdom* Hydrologist (SW)-13 ASCrain* Hydrologist-12 CJTaylor* Hydrologist-12 MDUnthank† Hydrologist-12 GRMartin Hydrologist-11 REPuckett Hyd Tech-11 TNWilliamson Hydrologist-11 (TERM) DDZettwoch Hyd Tech-11 ACDowns*† Geographer-09 HLNelson Geographer-09 PLFaith† Comp Asst-08 KSSmith Hyd Tech-03 (STEP) 

UUSSGGSS

K Keennttuucckkyy

W WaatteerrS Scciieennccee

CCeenntteerr

*District Spe

cialists

Ground Water Chuc

k Taylor

Instrumentation Mike

Griffin

Surface Water Kenneth OdomWater Quality Angie CrainWater Use Aimee Do

wns

†District Co

ordin

ators

Quality of Work Life Aimee Do

wns

Safety Dan 

Evans

System Administration Loren KloftTraining Paula Faith

Revised 08-21-06

 Figure 1. Organizational chart of the U.S. Geological Survey, Kentucky Water Science Center, 2006. 

   Surface Water Quality-Assurance Plan, U.S. Geological Survey, Kentucky Water Science Center, Water Year 2006
Responsibilities

Surface-water data-collection personnel within the 

KWSC are located in the two field offices and the main office 

in Louisville. All individuals involved in surface-water activities are responsible for implementing quality assurance. Three 

field office chiefs assume much of the responsibility; however, the HSS chief and the KWSC Director have the overall 

responsibility. The following is a list of responsibilities of 

KWSC personnel involved in the collection, processing, storage, analysis, and (or) publication of surface-water data.

The KWSC Director is responsible for— 

Managing and directing the KWSC program, 

including all surface-water activities;

Ensuring that surface-water activities in the 

KWSC meet the needs of the Federal Government, the KWSC, State and local agencies, other 

cooperating agencies, and the public;

Ensuring that all aspects of this QA Plan are 

understood and followed by KWSC personnel. 

This is accomplished by the Director’s direct 

involvement or through clearly stated delegation 

of this responsibility to other personnel in the 

KWSC;

Implementing USGS and KWSC safety policies;

Keeping KWSC personnel briefed on procedural 

and technical communications from Regional 

offices and Headquarters; and

Ensuring that all publications and other technical communications released by the KWSC 

are accurate and are in accordance with USGS 

policy. 

The KWSC HSS chief (Assistant Director) is responsible 

for—

Managing the data-collection program by serving as the principle contact between cooperators 

and the USGS;

Managing the HSS budget to assure the datacollection program operates in a fiscally responsible manner;

Ensuring that surface-water data-collection and 

analysis activities associated with the Kentucky 

surface-water gaging network conform to the 

goals and polices of the USGS, the OSW, and 

the KWSC;

Developing the work plans designed to accomplish the work of collecting, processing, analyzing, and storing Kentucky surface-water data; 

publishing that data in the annual data report; 

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

1.

2.

3.

4.

and communicating the contents of those work 

plans to personnel in the HSS;

Ensuring that records for all surface-water data 

stations are computed correctly, checked, and 

reviewed;

Ensuring that any identified deficiencies associated in the collection, analysis, or publication of 

surface-water data are corrected and ensuring 

that improved methods are implemented;

Ensuring that all personnel in the KWSC 

involved in the collection, analysis, and publication of surface-water data receive a copy of 

the QA Plan and that they are familiar with its 

contents;

Serving as or assigning a Flood Coordinator;

Ensuring that the Peak-Flow file is maintained 

properly by reviewing yearly peaks for each 

gage;

Ensuring that supervised personnel receive 

appropriate training;

Ensuring that supervised personnel are aware of 

and operate in accordance with safety policies 

established by the USGS and the KWSC;

Ensuring that the surface-water databases are 

properly maintained and updated;

Reviewing all indirect streamflow measurements performed by KWSC personnel;

Associated software and writing configurations 

for telemetry equipment and data loggers; and

Inspecting cableways annually.

The KWSC Surface-Water Specialist is responsible for—

Working with the HSS chief by evaluating surface-water data-collection and analysis methods 

that are applied in the KWSC and discussing 

needed improvements of those methods with the 

HSS chief.

The KWSC Water-Quality Specialist is responsible for—

Being knowledgeable of policies and procedures 

pertaining to the collection, processing, analysis, 

storage, and publication of sediment data;

Reviewing techniques used by KWSC personnel 

in the collection of sediment data and correcting 

any deficiencies that are determined;

Ensuring that sediment data are correctly stored 

in the water-quality database; and

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

•

1.

2.

3.

Kentucky Water Science Center Organization and Responsibilities 
Providing guidance and recommendations to 

ensure needed equipment is available and properly maintained in the HSS vehicles. 

The KWSC field office chiefs (Paducah and Williamsburg) are responsible for—

Managing and directing the surface-water data 

program assigned to the field office;

Ensuring that all aspects of the QA Plan are 

understood and followed by field office personnel;

Providing guidance and approval of site selection, installation, and operation of all surfacewater gaging stations for their respective field 

office;

Performing technical reviews of surface-water 

activities performed by their respective field 

office;

Providing resolution of any conflicts or disputes 

related to surface-water activities in their respective field office; and

Overseeing that their respective field office follows the KWSC safety polices. 

The KWSC field office chief (Louisville) is responsible 

for—

Assisting the HSS chief in the development of 

work plans;

Being fully conversant with the polices and 

procedures presented in this report;

Ensuring that the collection and analysis of 

surface-water data are done accurately and with 

minimal loss of data;

Ensuring that field visits are scheduled to allow 

for adequate numbers of measurements to 

promote the accurate computation of streamflow 

records;

Reviewing hydrographers field notes after each 

trip;

Annual inspections of HSS vehicles to ensure 

needed equipment is available and properly 

maintained and the vehicles are in good condition. A copy of the inspection reports should be 

filed with the field-trip review forms;

Annual inspections of KWSC boats to ensure 

needed equipment is available and properly 

maintained and the boats are in good condition. 

A copy of the inspection reports should be filed 

with the field-trip review forms; and

4.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Overseeing the production of the KWSC annual 

data report.

The KWSC HSS Hydrologic Technicians are responsible 

for—

Collecting streamflow measurements at high, 

medium, and low flows to develop and verify 

ratings;

Ensuring that streamflow-gaging stations operate in a manner that results in minimal loss of 

stage record;

Correctly and accurately making streamflow 

measurements of various types; 

Installing, servicing, and repairing instruments 

at streamflow-gaging stations;

Storing all data retrieved in the Automated Data 

Processing Systems (ADAPS) database;

Developing ratings, computing streamflow 

records, and writing station descriptions and 

analyses in a timely manner;

Reviewing data from field stations that are 

displayed on the website on a daily basis when 

in the office.

Maintaining their assigned field vehicle;

Helping construct streamflow-gaging stations;

Surveying station levels and establishing and 

periodically confirming elevations of appropriate reference marks in accordance with USGS 

surveying procedures; and

Being fully conversant with polices and procedures presented in this report.

The KWSC Surface-Water Database Administrator is 

responsible for—

Ensuring software is properly maintained, 

including updates;

Creating all new site files in the database; and

Checking the function of ADAPS, remote data 

access software, and the Internet data-presentation programs. 

The KWSC Safety Officer is responsible for—

Assisting the Director in implementing USGS 

and KWSC safety policies;

Being a resource for KWSC personnel seeking 

safety-related information; and

Assisting the Director in making safety information and training available to KWSC personnel.

8.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

1.

2.

3.

1.

2.

3.

 Surface Water Quality-Assurance Plan, U.S. Geological Survey, Kentucky Water Science Center, Water Year 2006
Collection of Stage and Streamflow 

Data 

Many of society’s daily activities including industry, agriculture, energy production, waste disposal, and recreation, are 

closely linked to streamflow and water availability; therefore, 

reliable surface-water data are necessary for planning and 

resource management. The collection of stage and streamflow data is a primary component of the ongoing operation of 

streamflow-gaging stations (hereinafter referred to as gaging 

stations) and other water-resource studies performed by the 

USGS and the KWSC (fig. 2).

The objective of operating a gaging station is to obtain 

a continuous record of stage and discharge at the site (Carter 

and Davidian, 1968, p. 1). A continuous record of stage is 

obtained by installing instruments that measure and record 

water-surface elevation in the stream. Streamflow measurements are made at periodic intervals to define or verify the 

stage-discharge relation and to define the time and magnitude 

of variations in that relation.

All personnel involved in the collection of stage and 

streamflow data are informed of and follow the surface-water 

data-collection policies and procedures established by the 

USGS and the KWSC. The highest priority in collecting 

streamflow data is employee safety.

Each hydrologic technician running surface-water field 

trips has their field notes and streamflow measurements 

reviewed by their respective field office chief upon returning from the field. The review should be documented on the 

standard review form.

Gage Installation and Maintenance 

Proper installation and maintenance of gaging stations 

are critical activities for ensuring quality of streamflow-data 

collection and analysis. Effective site selection, correct design 

and construction, and regular maintenance of a gage can make 

the difference between efficient and accurate estimation of 

streamflows and time-consuming, poor estimations of flow. 

Sites for installation of gaging stations are selected with 

the intent to meet the purpose of each specific gage. Additionally, sites are selected with the intent of achieving, to the greatest extent possible, ideal hydrologic conditions. Criteria that 

describe the ideal gaging-station site are listed in Rantz and 

others (1982, p. 5). These criteria include unchanging natural 

controls that promote a stable stage-discharge relation, a satisfactory reach for measuring discharge throughout the range of 

stage, and the means for safe and efficient access to the gage 

and measuring location. Other aspects of controls considered 

by KWSC personnel when planning gage-house installations 

include those discussed in Kennedy (1984, p. 2).

The HSS chief, with assistance from the field office 

chiefs, is responsible for selecting sites for new gaging stations. The process of site selection includes discussions with 

cooperators on the purpose of the gage and analysis of terrain 

with the use of topographic maps, field reconnaissance, and 

a file search to determine if discontinued stations or partialrecord stations existed previously in the area. 

The HSS chief is responsible for ensuring proper documentation of agreements with property owners is obtained, 

approval of site design, and inspection and approval of the 

completed installation. The field office chiefs are responsible 

for construction of gages.

A program of careful inspection and maintenance of 

gages and gage houses promotes the collection of reliable and 

accurate data. Allowing the equipment and structures to fall 

into disrepair can result in unreliable data and safety problems. 

It is KWSC policy that all field personnel perform a 

visual inspection of sites during each visit by comparing the 

inside and outside gage readings. In addition, all equipment 

is inspected to ensure it is in proper working order. Checking 

battery conditions, the physical structure, locking mechanisms, 

and the general working order of the gage are required. 

The intakes are flushed or the orifices are purged during 

each regular visit for sites containing stilling wells or orifice 

gas-bubblers to prevent the buildup of mud or the clogging of 

intakes. Other maintenance activities performed on a regular 

basis include checking and replacing batteries and nitrogen 

cylinders; replacing the desiccant in the pumping systems; 

cleaning and painting the gage house; and cutting brush near 

the gage house, bridge, and tethered boat measurement section 

or the cableway. 

The KWSC’s goal is to achieve a continuous and complete record of stage at each gaging station. Deficiencies are 

documented orally to the field office chief or on an inspection 

sheet. It is the responsibility of each hydrographer to ensure 

that gages and gage houses are kept in good repair and that 

any deficiency documented be corrected immediately. To 

ensure these responsibilities are carried out, it is the policy of 

the KWSC that each gage is visited by at least two different 

hydrographers each year for quality-assurance purposes. It 

is the responsibility of the three field office chiefs to provide 

guidance and assistance on attaining the appropriate level of 

maintenance.

Measurement of Stage

Many types of instruments are available for measuring 

the stage at gaging stations. There are non-recording gages 

(Rantz and others, 1982, p. 24) and recording gages (Rantz 

and others, 1982, p. 32). It is OSW policy that surface-water 

stage records at stream sites be collected with instruments and 

procedures that provide sufficient accuracy to support computation of discharge from a stage-discharge relation, unless 

greater accuracy is required, because many of the uses for 

stage data cannot be predicted (Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum No. 93.07).

Collection of Stage and Streamflow Data 
Figure 2. Streamflow stations in Kentucky, fiscal year 2006. 

   Surface Water Quality-Assurance Plan, U.S. Geological Survey, Kentucky Water Science Center, Water Year 2006
In general, operation of gaging stations for the purpose 

of determining daily discharge includes the goal of col­lecting 

stage data at the accuracy of + or - 0.01 ft (Office of Surface 

Water Technical Memorandum No. 89.08). An explanation of 

WRD policy on stage-measurement accuracy as it relates to 

instrumentation is provided in Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum No. 93.07.

The types of instrumentation installed at any specific 

gage house operated by the KWSC is dependent upon the 

KWSC’s and the cooperators needs for data, telemetry, 

hydraulic conditions, frequency of update, range of stage, 

availability of power and phone lines, and other specific data 

needs associated with the station. The KWSC’s data network 

is 100 percent real-time or near real-time. Types of water-level 

recorders operated by personnel in the KWSC include those 

produced by Design Analysis and Vaisala. Other equipment 

being used to assist in the data-collection effort includes 

Handar and Design Analysis shaft encoders; Parascientific, 

Sutron, and Design Analysis pressure transducers; and Design 

Analysis Radar units. 

The hydrographers are responsible for determining the 

types of sensors and data loggers that are operating at each 

gaging station. The KWSC is in the process of standardizing 

its data-collection interval times. All USGS gages are setup 

to collect stage data at least every 15 minutes; however, many 

are setup for 5-minute intervals. The U.S. Army Corps of 

Engineers (USACE)—Louisville District has given the KWSC 

permission to change their logging intervals to 15 minutes. 

Discussions are ongoing with the USACE Huntington and 

Nashville Districts to change their sites to 15 minutes. Ensuring that new equipment has been installed correctly is the 

responsibility of the hydrographer who installed the equipment 

with guidance from the HSS chief or field office chief. Proper 

maintenance of gage instrumentation or replacement, if appropriate, of equipment is the responsibility of all field personnel 

who service the gage.

Accurate stage measurement requires not only accurate 

instrumentation but also proper installation and continual 

monitoring of all system components to ensure the accuracy does not deteriorate with time (Office of Surface Water 

Technical Memorandum No. 93.07). To ensure that instruments located within the gage house record water levels that 

accurately represent the water levels of the body of water 

being investigated, “inside” and “outside” water-level readings 

are obtained by independent means. For example, at a stilling 

well gaging station, all recording gages are calibrated to agree 

with an electric-tape gage, inside staff plate, float-tape indicator, or a reference point used for tape downs. Independent 

outside readings are made with a wire-weight gage, outside 

staff plates, or an outside reference point used for tape downs 

to the stream. At pressure transducer sites and radar sites, the 

outside gages are used to calibrate the inside gage. The inside 

gage readings do not always equal outside readings, especially 

if the gages are not in the same pool at all ranges of stage. It 

is possible during low flows that the inside and outside gages 

may not match because the different sensors may be isolated 

from each other and in different pools. It is important to document when the outside readings are taken from a different pool 

and do not match the inside readings. The relation between 

the two readings should be consistent. If there is inconsistency 

between the two readings, the problem should be investigated 

and resolved. At stations equipped with a stilling well, the 

base or reference gage usually is an instrument installed inside 

the gage house, and other gages are installed outside the gage 

house to indicate whether the intakes are operating properly 

(Rantz and others, 1982, p. 53 and 64). At pressure transducer 

and radar sites, the outside gage is considered the reference 

gage. The reference gage is identified in the station description 

at all gaging stations.

Personnel servicing the gage are responsible for comparing inside and outside readings during each site visit to 

determine if the outside water level is represented correctly by 

the gages. If a discrepancy is identified, the personnel servicing the gage are responsible for thoroughly documenting the 

problem on the field-note sheet and correcting the problem 

immediately or contacting their field office chief or the HSS 

chief so that corrective actions can be taken.

The hydrographer who services the instrumentation at 

a gaging station is responsible for ensuring that it is properly 

serviced and calibrated. This respon­sibility is accomplished 

by reviewing the field notes during the trip review or having 

someone else visit the gage in a timely manner. When deficiencies are identified, the hydrographer should correct the 

deficiency immediately or replace the faulty equipment. Each 

field person and field vehicle should be supplied with adequate 

tools, spare parts, or replacement equipment when visiting a 

troubled site. If a separate trip is required, it should be done as 

soon as is practicable. Individuals who have questions related 

to the calibration and maintenance of water-level recorders 

should contact an experienced hydrographer, the field office 

chief, or the HSS chief. All pressure-transducer sites and radar 

sites have a crest-stage gage (CSG) installed to 

verify the peak recorded by the data logger and stage sensor 

or record the peak when the data logger radar on pressure 

transducer fails. If a CSG or data logger fails to record the 

peak stage, the hydrographer should flag high-water marks 

(HWM) so that an elevation can be determined at a later date 

using surveying equipment. It is the responsibility of the 

hydrographer to check the CSG intakes and ground-cork level 

to ensure that all peaks have the capability to be recorded. All 

stilling-well sites have ‘min-max’ indicators installed on the 

float tape to help verify the range of stages between visits. The 

hydrographer is to reset these ‘min-max’ indicators during 

their scheduled site visit. 

Collection of Stage and Streamflow Data 
Gage Documents

It is KWSC policy that certain documents are placed in 

each gage house for keeping an on-site record of observations, 

equipment maintenance, structural maintenance, and other 

information helpful to field personnel. Documents maintained 

at each gage house include the following: 

a current tabular rating table

a current graphical rating curve showing shifts; measurements are to be plotted before leaving the site

the current station description listing all gages and 

reference marks at the site and associated elevations, 

locations of measurement cross sections, information 

related to extreme events including the potential for 

channel storage between the gages (slope stations), 

location of the low-water control, and other information

a log (Form 9-207) updated by field personnel during each site visit, which describes control conditions and lists gage readings, measurement values, 

location of measurement, and gage and equipment 

maintenance

a copy of the level summary sheet

a job-hazards analysis

a traffic-control plan

a calendar with Julian dates

It is the responsibility of the hydrographer who maintains 

the gage on a regular basis to exchange outdated material with 

updated gage documents, as needed. When field personnel 

visit a gage house and identify a need to update one or more 

of the documents, that individual should document the need 

using a miscellaneous note sheet and inform the field office 

chief upon his/her return to the office. Individuals having 

questions related to what documents should be kept in a gage 

house, when the documents should be replaced with updated 

documents, or appropriate methods of appending logs or plotting measurements should contact the field office chief or the 

HSS chief.

Levels

The various gages at a gaging station are set to register 

the height of water surface above a selected level reference 

surface called the gage datum. The gage’s supporting structures—stilling wells, backings, shelters, bridges, and other 

structures—tend to settle or rise as a result of earth movement, 

static or dynamic loads, vibration, or battering by floodwaters 

and flood-borne ice or debris. Vertical movement of a structure 

makes the attached gages read too high or too low and, if the 

errors go undetected, may lead to increased uncertainties in 

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

streamflow records. Leveling, a procedure by which surveying 

instruments are used to determine the differences in elevation 

between points, is used to set the gages and to check them 

from time to time for vertical movement (Kennedy, 1990, 

p. 1). Levels are run periodically to all bench marks, reference marks, reference points, and gages at each station for the 

purpose of determining if any datum changes have occurred 

(Rantz and others, 1982, p. 545).

It is KWSC policy that level information including sea 

level elevations is collected at newly established gaging stations at the time of construction and is run each year for the 

first 3 years. If stability is not seen during the first 3 years, 

then annual levels will continue for the next 2 years. Levels 

are run at established gaging stations and CSG’s every 3 to 

5 years if the stations have proven to be stable. Gages are reset 

to agree with levels when the levels indicate a 0.015-ft or more 

vertical change. When gages are reset, field personnel document the reset by writing the “found” and “left” gage readings 

on the level-note sheet and the time associated with each reading. Outside water-surface elevations and the associated time 

are determined with level-instrument readings each time levels 

are run at a gaging station and are written on the note sheet.

When levels are run, each gage or established mark must 

have two independent shots, requiring a minimum of two 

instrument setups to complete a loop or circuit. The level loop 

must close to the starting elevation within 0.003-ft times the 

square root of the number of turning points (see Kennedy, 

1990, p. 4), or the level run is considered invalid and the entire 

set of levels must be run again. No matter how many turning 

points there are, the level loop must close to within 0.015 or 

the level loop is considered invalid and the entire set of levels 

must be run again. 

Levels are run by use of field methods and documentation methods described in Kennedy (1990). Level procedures 

followed by KWSC personnel pertaining to circuit closure, 

instrument reset, and repeated use of turning points are 

described in Kennedy (1990) and in Office of Surface Water 

Technical Memorandum No. 93.12. When practical, at least 

three reference marks (RMs) are established for all gaging 

stations. At least one of the RMs should be established away 

from the bridge, cableway, and the gage-house foundations. 

When a gaging station is established, a “reference” or “base” 

gage will be designated; all gage heights will be referred to 

this gage. The level instruments are kept in proper adjustment 

by ensuring accuracy using the peg test described in Kennedy 

(1990, p 13). The peg tests are done before each set of levels 

is run or at the beginning of a leveling trip. Results of the peg 

tests are kept in a logbook, which is housed in the HSS. A 

copy of the latest peg tests should be kept with the instrument; 

if the instrument fails the peg tests, another instrument will be 

used in its place. 

It is the responsibility of the field crew chief or the field 

office chief to ensure that all field-level notes are checked. The 

level information is entered in the level-summary form by the 

person working that station’s records or the field office chief. 

Ensuring that levels are run correctly, all level notes are com-

 Surface Water Quality-Assurance Plan, U.S. Geological Survey, Kentucky Water Science Center, Water Year 2006
pleted correctly, and levels are run at the appropriate frequency 

is the responsibility of field office chief. The level-summary 

sheet is stored in the station computation folder and should be 

reviewed annually. 

Site Documentation

Thorough documentation of qualitative and quantitative 

information describing each gaging station is required. This 

documentation, in the form of a station description and photographs, provides a permanent record of site characteristics, 

structures, equipment, instrumentation, elevations, location, 

and changes in conditions at each site. Information pertaining to where these forms of documentation are maintained is 

discussed in the section of this report titled “Office Setting.”

Station descriptions

A station description is prepared for each gaging station 

and becomes part of the permanent record for each station. It 

is KWSC policy that the station description is written during 

the first year of operation. It is the responsibility of the field 

office chief to ensure that station descriptions are prepared 

correctly and in a timely manner. Station descriptions are 

updated annually if needed. It is the responsibility of the field 

office chief or hydrographers checking or reviewing the station records to ensure that station descriptions are updated as 

described. 

Station descriptions are written to include specific 

types of information in a consistent format (Kennedy, 1983, 

p. 2). An example of a KWSC station description is shown 

in Appendix 3. Types of information included in the station 

description are location, when gage was established, drainage 

area, road logs, datum, cooperator identification, descriptions 

of equipment and gage structure, the history of the gage, reference marks, bench marks, and is the site affected by regulation 

and diversion. The latitude, longitude, and drainage area are 

determined by the KWSC’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) unit or from a 7.5-minute topographic map. The 

gaging station is plotted on a master set of topographic maps 

maintained by the KWSC as master file maps. Each station is 

assigned a downstream-order number. The HSS chief or the 

Louisville field office chief is responsible for assigning these 

numbers to all USGS sites in Kentucky. All current station 

descriptions are written using Microsoft Word and stored in 

a central computer sub-directory (stat.desc) under the home 

directory Data/kyproj, which is accessible by all KWSC 

personnel. Paper copies are kept in the station file in each field 

office. Station descriptions are written by the hydrographer 

working the station’s surface-water records and checked or 

reviewed by other hydrographers or the field office chief; station descriptions are updated annually.

Photographs

Photographs of gaging stations, control sections, reference marks, cableways, upstream and downstream views, 

road pull-offs for vehicles, and any other pertinent information 

are made by field personnel for the purpose of documentation. 

A complete set of photographs is taken during the construction 

of a gage; each photograph that becomes part of the station 

record is identified by placing a hardcopy of the photograph 

in the station file with the name of the site and date marked 

on the back. Each hydrographer has a digital camera and is 

encouraged to use it. The files are downloaded to a central 

computer and backed up weekly. 

Direct Measurements

Direct measurements of discharge are made with any one 

of a number of methods approved by the USGS. 

A current-meter measurement is the summation of the 

products of the subsection areas of the stream cross section 

and their respective average velocities (Rantz and others, 

1982, p. 80). Procedures used for current-meter measurements 

are described in Rantz and others (1982, p. 139), Carter and 

Davidian (1968, p. 7), and Buchanan and Somers (1969, p. 1).

When personnel make measurements of stream discharge, 

attempts are made to minimize errors. Sources of errors are 

identified in Sauer and Meyer (1992). These include random 

errors such as depth errors associated with soft, uneven, or 

mobile streambeds or uncertainties in mean velocity associated 

with vertical-velocity distribution errors and pulsation errors. 

These errors also include systematic errors, or bias, associated 

with improperly calibrated equipment or the improper use of 

such equipment.

To minimize these errors, each field trip is assigned to a 

single hydrographer who runs the trip on a regular basis. At 

times, two hydrographers will run the field trip, especially the 

field trips where the acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) 

is used to measure streamflow. At least once during the year, it 

is the desired practice of the HSS to have a different individual 

run the field trip and thereby identify and minimize the potential systematic errors. Field trips are rotated between hydrographers every 2 to 3 years. 

KWSC policies related to the measurement of discharge 

by wading the stream or by the use of a boat are in accordance 

with USGS policies, include the following: (see Appendix 6, 

Hydroacoustics Instrumentation – Standards, Policies, and 

Procedures).

Depth Criteria for Meter Selection

Kentucky personnel select the type of current meter to 

be used for each discharge measurement based on criteria 

provided by Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum 

No. 85.14. Meters are used with caution when a measurement 

must be made in conditions outside the ranges of the method 

Collection of Stage and Streamflow Data 
provided by OSW. Any deviations from those criteria are 

noted and the measurement accuracy is downgraded accordingly.

The Sontek Flowtracker is the primary tool used for most 

wading measurements. The depth-sampling convention is the 

same as the Price AA meter. Flowtrackers, however, do not 

have a minimum-depth requirement (with the exception that 

the probes must be totally submerged). Furthermore, singlevelocity samples (.6) are used for depths below 2.5 ft, and 

double-velocity samples (.2 and .8) are used for depths greater 

then 2.5 ft. Therefore, a Flowtracker can be used for all depth 

scenarios for wading measurements in place of the Price AA 

and pygmy meters.

The Flowtracker may not work in weed- or leaf-choked 

channels or in clear streams where small signal-to-noise ratios 

may be a factor. KWSC personnel carry conventional meters 

(Price AA and pygmy) and use them when situations like these 

occur. The Flowtracker should be used when velocities in 

more than five sample sections of a measurement are less than 

.2 ft/s.

The ADCP is used in manned boats or with the tetheredboat system when flows are greater than can be safely waded. 

Normally, depths greater than 3 ft are measured from a bridge 

using a boom truck equipped with conventional meters or from 

a tethered boat using the ADCP. A manned boat, equipped 

with an ADCP, is used on larger rivers to make discharge 

measurements. 

Hydrographers carry a pygmy and Price AA meter for 

wading and (or) bridge/cableway measurements. These meters 

are to be maintained and spin-tested according to the policies described in the “Acceptable Equipment” section of this 

QA Plan. For a conventional meter, the following criteria 

should be followed. The Price AA meter may be used to make 

direct streamflow measurements when depths average 1.5 ft 

or greater. When depths are less than 2.5 ft, a single velocity measurement is taken at 0.6 total depth. When depths are 

greater than 2.5 ft, 0.2 and 0.8 measurements are used. These 

guidelines all assume standard velocity profiles. If the bottom velocity is greater than the top velocity, a standard profile 

does not exist. In that case, a non-standard profile of 0.2, 0.6, 

and 0.8 measurements should be taken to determine the mean 

velocity for that vertical. When average depths are less than 

1.5 ft, the pygmy meter or Flowtracker is used. Meter selections are based upon the guidance found in Office Surface 

Water Technical Memorandum No. 85.14, Buchanan and 

Somers (1969), and Rantz and others (1982).

When using conventional meters, it is recommended that 

a meter change is not made during a measurement in response 

to the occurrence of two or more subsections in a single measurement cross section that exceed the stated ranges of depth 

and velocity. If the streamflow in the affected area represents 

less than 10 percent of the total streamflow, then the error 

associated with these few subsections will not affect the error 

of the measurement. The hydrographer making the measurement will use his/her discretion whether to change meters in 

situations where overflow conditions create a secondary channel, which effectively creates a different measurement cross 

section. 

Number of Measurement Subsections

The spacing of observation verticals in the measurement 

section can affect the accuracy of the measurement (Rantz and 

others, 1982, p. 179). The USGS criteria are that observations 

of depth and velocity be made at a minimum of about 

30 verticals, which are normally necessary so that no more 

than 5 percent of the total flow is measured in any one vertical. 

Even under the worst conditions, the discharge computed for 

each vertical should not exceed 10 percent of the total discharge and ideally not exceed more than 5 percent (Rantz and 

others, 1982, p. 140). Exceptions to this policy are allowed 

in circumstances where accuracy would be sacrificed if this 

number of verticals were maintained, such as for measurements during rapidly changing stage (Rantz and others, 1982, 

p. 174). Fewer verticals than ideal sometimes are used for very 

narrow streams. Measurement of discharge is a sampling process, and the accuracy of sampling results decreases markedly 

when the number of samples is less than 25.

Other Direct Methods of Measuring Discharge

It is KWSC policy that USGS and OSW techniques 

and guide­lines are followed when discharge measurements 

are made with any selected method of measurement. These 

meth­ods include the use of mechanical instruments and other 

techniques. These methods might include the tracer-dilution 

method, measurements using float or volumetric techniques, 

and methods involving portable weirs and flumes. These portable devices are applied according to the methods described 

in Rantz and others (1982), Buchanan and Somers (1969), 

and Kilpatrick and Schneider (1983). When these methods 

are employed, it is the responsibility of the hydrographer to 

inform the field office chief or the HSS chief. The HSS chief 

will review the methods being used by the hydrographers to 

ensure correctness of procedures and results.

Computation of Mean Gage Height

KWSC personnel use procedures presented in Rantz and 

others (1982, p. 170) for the computation of mean gage height 

during a discharge measurement. Mean gage height is one of 

the variables used in describing the stage-discharge relation at 

a streamflow-gaging site. The mean gage height for a streamflow measurement is based on the reference gage. 

Check Measurements

A second streamflow measurement is made for checking 

a first streamflow measurement when the first measurement 

differs from the rating by more than 5 percent and the result 

of the first measurement is suspect. The results are considered 

10 Surface Water Quality-Assurance Plan, U.S. Geological Survey, Kentucky Water Science Center, Water Year 2006
suspect if the measurement does not plot within the rating 

limits, usually good (5 percent), fair (8 percent), and poor 

(>8 percent). A check measurement may not be required if you 

can document why it plotted off the rating curve. When check 

measurements are made, the potential for systematic errors are 

minimized by using methods described in Rantz and others 

(1982, p. 346). These methods include using another crosssection location, a different meter, and using verticals offset 

from the original verticals in a bridge or cableway measurement. 

Corrections for Storage

Corrections for storage applied to measured discharges 

for defining stage-discharge relations are those discussed in 

Rantz and others (1982, p. 177) and in Office of Surface Water 

Technical Memorandum No. 92.09.

Questions

Personnel who have questions concerning the appropriate procedures for making stage and discharge measurements 

should address their questions to the field office chief or the 

HSS chief.

Field Notes

Thorough documentation of field observations and 

data-collection activities performed by field personnel is a 

necessary component of surface-water data collection and 

analysis. To ensure that clear, thorough, and systematic notations are made during field observations, discharge measurements are recorded by field personnel on measurement series 

Form 9-275. Notations are made in the manner presented in 

Buchanan and Somers (1969). Original observations, once 

written on the note sheet, are not erased. Original data are corrected by crossing the value out then writing the correct value. 

Some examples of original data on a discharge-measurement 

note sheet include gage readings, depth, and times. Examples 

of information on a discharge-measurement note sheet that 

is derived from original data, but not in itself original data, 

include computed total streamflow, mean gage height, measurement number, stream width, and mean velocity. Derived 

data can be erased for the purpose of correction.

It is KWSC policy that all non-ADCP streamflow 

measurements are calculated in their entirety before the 

hydrographers leave the field site, unless emergency evacuation is required for safety reasons. Information required to be 

included by field personnel on the measurement note sheet 

includes, at minimum, the initials and last name of each fieldcrew member, date, times associated with gage readings and 

other observations, gage readings, spin-test comments, crosssection width and area, mean velocity mean gage height, and 

total streamflow. ADCP streamflow measurements have edge 

estimates and subsectioning calculated at a later time, usually 

in the office.

Notations associated with miscellaneous surface-water 

data-collection activities are documented on the standard 

miscellaneous note sheet (Miscellaneous Field Notes – Form 

9-275-D, January 1988). All miscellaneous notes are required 

to include, at minimum, initials and last name of each fieldcrew member, date, time associated with observations, purpose 

of the site visit, and a detailed description of the observations.

A review of field note sheets by the field office chief is 

required after each field trip and annually during the surface-water records review. Deficiencies found in the content, 

accuracy, clarity, or thoroughness of field notes are identified 

and communicated orally to all hydrographers in the HSS. The 

deficiencies are remedied by the field office chief providing 

specific instructions to individuals who fail to record notations 

that meet USGS and KWSC standards.

Acceptable Equipment

Equipment used by the KWSC for the measurement 

of surface-water streamflow has been found acceptable by 

the USGS through use and testing. An array of acceptable 

equipment for measuring streamflow includes current meters 

(conventional and acoustic), calculators, timers, wading rods, 

bridge cranes, tag lines, and others (Rantz and others, 1982, 

p. 82; and Smoot and Novak, 1968). Although an official 

list of acceptable equipment is not available, Buchanan and 

Somers (1969), Carter and Davidian (1968), and Edwards and 

Glysson (1988) discuss the equipment used by the USGS.

The meters most commonly used by KWSC personnel for 

measuring surface-water discharge are the Price AA current 

meter, the Price pygmy current meter, the Flowtracker, and the 

ADCP. The hydrographer using the meter is responsible for its 

condition and maintenance. Methods followed by KWSC personnel for inspecting, repairing, and cleaning these meters are 

described in Smoot and Novak (1968, p. 9); Rantz and others 

(1982, p. 93); and Buchanan and Somers (1969, p. 7). 

The ultimate responsibility for the good condition and 

accuracy of a current meter is that of the field personnel 

using it (Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum 

No. 89.07). A timed spin test made a few minutes before a 

measurement does not ensure that the meter will not become 

damaged or fouled during the measurement. Field personnel 

must assess apparent changes in velocity or visually inspect 

the meter periodically during the measurement to ensure that 

the meter continues to remain in proper operating condition. 

The KWSC follows the care and maintenance procedures of 

vertical-axis current meters as described in the Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum No. 99.06. 

Spin Tests

It is KWSC policy that timed spin tests are required 

prior to and at the end of each field trip. Spin-test results are 

Collection of Stage and Streamflow Data 11
documented in a logbook kept in the HSS. If a meter is not 

normally used, it must be checked at least once during the 

year and those results should be recorded in the logbook. 

This logbook is part of the archived data of WRD (Office of 

Surface Water Technical Memorandum No. 89.07). Repairs 

are made to meters when deficiencies are identified through 

the spin test or inspection. Quarterly review of this logbook is 

required by each field office chief. If deficiencies are observed 

during review of the logbook, appropriate field personnel are 

informed through oral and written (email) communication and 

the problems are corrected immediately. 

In addition to the timed spin tests performed prior to field 

trips, field personnel are required to inspect the meter before 

and after each measurement to ensure the meter is in good 

condition, the cups spin freely, and the cups do not come to 

an abrupt stop. Descriptive notations are made at the appropriate location on the field note sheet concerning the meter 

condition, such as “OK” or “free” or other such comments. 

To ensure that field personnel carry out their responsibilities in maintaining the equipment they use, the equipment is 

inspected annually by the field office chief. If deficiencies 

are identified, it is the responsibility of the hydrographer that 

uses the equipment in the field to correct the problem. It is the 

responsibility of the field office chiefs to determine if a deficiency affected the quality of the data collected when defective 

equipment was used. 

Alternative Equipment

The development of new technology sometimes involves 

collection of surface-water data with alternative equipment 

that has not been fully accepted by WRD. To demonstrate the 

quality of surface-water data collected with alternative equipment, thorough documentation of procedures and observations 

must be maintained. 

Alternative equipment used by the KWSC includes the 

Design Analysis Radar gage. The KWSC has many of these 

units installed at USGS and USACE gages. When possible, 

data are collected in conjunction with the equipment it was 

replacing. In most cases, the radar gage worked as well as the 

encoder or pressure transducer it was replacing.

The HSS chief is responsible for ensuring that alternative 

equipment is used correctly and documentation is comprehensive and is stored correctly.

Indirect Measurements

In many situations, especially during floods, it is impossible or impractical to measure peak discharges by use of a 

current meter or ADCP. There may not be sufficient warning 

for personnel to reach the site to make a direct measurement, 

or physical access to the site during the event may not be 

feasible. 

A peak discharge determined by indirect methods is, in 

many situations, the best available means of defining the upper 

portions of the stage-discharge relation at a site. Measurements of peak discharges by indirect methods are important 

forms of data, because extrapolation of a stage-discharge relation, or rating, more than two times the measured discharge at 

a gaging station is undesirable and may be unreliable (Rantz 

and others, 1982, p. 334).

The KWSC follows data-collection and computation 

procedures presented in Benson and Dalrymple (1967). That 

report includes policies and procedures related to site selection, field survey, identification of high-water marks, the selection of roughness coefficients, computations, and the written 

summary. The KWSC also follows procedures for measurement of peak discharge by indirect methods presented in Rantz 

and others (1982, p. 273). 

In addition to the general procedures presented in Benson 

and Dalrymple (1967), the KWSC follows guidelines presented in other reports that describe specific types of indirect 

measurements suited to specific types of flow conditions. The 

slope-area method is described in Barnes (1967) and Dalrymple and Benson (1967). The USGS applies the Manning 

equation in application of the slope-area method. Procedures 

for selecting the roughness coefficient are described in Arcement and Schneider (1989). The computer-based tool, Slope 

Area Computation Program (SAC), available to assist in 

computations of peak discharge with the slope-area method, is 

discussed in Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum 

No. 83.07. Procedures for the determination of peak discharge 

through culverts, based on a classification system that delineates six types of flow, is described in Bodhaine (1982). The 

computer-based tool, Culvert Analysis Program (CAP), available to assist in computations of peak discharge at culverts, is 

discussed in Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum 

No. 83.07. At sites where open-channel width contractions 

occur, such as flow through a bridge structure, peak discharge 

can be measured with methods described in Matthai (1967) 

and with the Water-Surface Profile (WSPRO) computation 

model (Shearman, 1990). Debris-flow conditions, which are 

most common in small mountainous basins, are discussed in 

Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum No. 92.11.

Determinations of water-surface profiles along a stream 

channel in association with selected discharges are made when 

studies are performed that involve delineations of flood plains 

or when extensions are made to stage-discharge relations at 

streamflow sites. KWSC personnel are required to follow the 

procedures associated with step-backwater methods described 

in Davidian (1984). The computer-based tool used for assisting in the computations of water-surface profiles with stepbackwater methods, WSPRO, is discussed in Office of Surface 

Water Technical Memorandum No. 87.05.

General guidelines followed by KWSC personnel when 

making indirect measurements include those discussed in 

Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum No. 92.10 

and in Shearman (1990). Violation of any one of the general 

guidelines does not necessarily invalidate an indirect measurement (Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum 

No. 92.10).

12 Surface Water Quality-Assurance Plan, U.S. Geological Survey, Kentucky Water Science Center, Water Year 2006
The responsibility for ensuring that indirect measurements are performed correctly is that of the HSS chief. A 

review by the HSS chief of procedures and documentation is 

required before the measurement is considered final. It is a 

Northeastern Region Policy that each indirect measurement 

be sent to the Regional Surface-Water Specialist for review. If 

deficien­cies are found during the review, actions taken to remedy the situation include written comments provided by the 

reviewer to the HSS chief. Measurements that are questionable and difficult to assess are reviewed by specialists outside 

the KWSC, and the HSS chief is responsible for ensuring that 

deficiencies identified by outside parties are corrected.

Determining when and where indirect measurements are 

made is the responsibility of the HSS chief. For the KWSC, it 

is a general rule that indirect measurements are made when the 

peak flow at a site is estimated to be more than two times the 

discharge of the greatest measured flow or when the upper end 

of the stage-discharge relation (rating curve) is poorly defined 

and it can be improved. 

It is the responsibility of experienced hydrographers 

and field office chiefs to identify and flag high-water marks. 

Personnel traveling in the field are required to carry nails, 

plastic markers, spray paint, paint sticks, and survey flagging 

in their field vehicles, because the best quality and clarity 

of high-water marks is soon after a flood. The stream reach 

for indirect measurements at specified ranges of stage has 

been pre-selected at some streamflow-gaging-station sites 

and that information has been included in the station description, because selection of a suitable reach of channel is an 

extremely important element in making an indirect measurement.

After each indirect measurement is computed, the graphs, 

field notes and data, plotted profiles, maps, calculations or 

computer output, and written analysis associated with the measurement are checked by a qualified hydrographer assigned 

by the field office chief or the HSS chief. The information 

is organized in a single labeled folder and is then filed in the 

cabinet designated as the indirect measurement file. Long-term 

storage of each indirect-measurement package includes all 

computations and graphs and results in a single file, which is 

maintained in the KWSC. 

Peak Files

The responsibility of maintaining the accuracy of the 

peak-flow data files, including computer database files, lies 

within the KWSC (Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum No. 92.10). It is the responsibility of the Louisville 

field office chief to ensure that appropriate indirect-measurement results are entered into the peak-flow files, and it is the 

responsibility of the HSS chief to ensure that the peak-flow 

files are correct. For further discussion on the update and 

review of peak-flow files, refer to the “Database Management” 

section in this QA Plan.

Crest-Stage Gages

CSGs are used as tools throughout the USGS for determining peak stages at otherwise ungaged sites, confirming 

peak stages at selected sites where recording gages are located, 

confirming peak stages where pressure transducers are used, 

and determining peak stages along selected stream reaches 

or other locations, such as upstream and downstream from 

bridges and culverts. The OSW requires quality-assurance 

procedures comparable to those used at continuous-record 

stations for the operation of CSGs and for the computation 

of annual peaks at CSGs (Office of Surface Water Technical 

Memorandum No. 88.07).

The operation of five stand-alone CSGs is part of the 

KWSC surface-water program. CSGs are used at recording 

gages to confirm peaks. Procedures followed by the KWSC 

in the operation of CSGs are presented in Rantz and others 

(1982, p. 9, 77, and 78). One or more CSGs are maintained 

at each selected site where peak water-surface elevations are 

required on a stream. 

Stage-discharge relations are developed in association 

with the gage based on direct high-water measurements except 

at sites where CSGs are used only to confirm or determine 

peak stages. Direct measurements are obtained, when appropriate, to verify or adjust the rating. Levels are run to the gage 

every 3 years or as soon as possible after appreciable changes 

in the gage, because of damage to the gage, reconstruction, or 

other such situation. When extremely high peaks occur, multiple outside high-water marks are located to confirm the gage 

readings, They are described on the note sheet and are flagged 

by a durable indicator so that the elevation of the high-water 

mark can be determined the next time levels are run.

Field observations are written on the CSG inspection 

note sheet. All field notes are required to include, at minimum, 

initials and last name of each field-crew member, date, time of 

observation, and the crest-stage reading. 

The responsibility for ensuring that correct data-collection procedures are used by personnel is that of the field office 

chief. This responsibility is carried out by examining all field 

note sheets. When a deficiency in data-collection activities is 

identified, the problem is remedied by oral communication 

between the hydrographer and the field office chief.

Policies and procedures for computation of peak discharges at CSGs and associated documentation are presented 

in this report in the section titled “Processing and Analysis of 

Stage and Streamflow Data.”

Artificial Controls

Artificial controls, including broad-crested weirs, 

thin-plate weirs, and flumes, are built in stream channels for 

simplifying the procedure of obtaining accurate records of discharge (Rantz and others, 1982, p. 12). Such structures serve 

to stabilize and constrict the channel at a section, reducing the 

variability of the stage-discharge relation.

Collection of Stage and Streamflow Data 13
Artificial controls are used at some gaging stations maintained by the KWSC. In situations where artificial controls 

are installed as permanent structures, it is KWSC policy that 

stage-discharge relations are determined by making currentmeter measurements throughout the range of stage, if possible. If direct methods are not possible, theoretical methods 

are used and verified by some means of direct measurement. 

KWSC personnel use portable weir plates and flumes when 

it will increase the accuracy of the data collected. These 

portable devices are applied according to methods described 

in Buchanan and Somers (1969, p. 57) and Rantz and others 

(1982, p. 263).

Ensuring the correct design and installation of artificial 

controls for the KWSC is the responsibility of the field office 

chief. When installing an artificial control, the KWSC personnel take into account the criteria for selecting the various 

types of controls, principles governing their design, and the 

attributes considered desirable in such structures (Carter and 

Davidian, 1968, p. 3; Rantz and others, 1982, p. 15 and 348; 

and Kilpatrick and Schneider, 1983, p. 2 and 44).

Specific information pertaining to control conditions is 

written on the field note sheets when field inspections of artificial controls are performed to assist in analysis of the surfacewater data. These notes include information on the condition 

of the control structure, scour or fill of the streambed immediately upstream of the control, vegetative growth, and debris on 

the control. Regular maintenance at artificial controls includes 

cleaning the control and approach section during each site visit 

as needed and shooting the top of the structure when running 

levels. When field personnel encounter problems pertaining 

to artificial controls, field notes are made to document the 

problem. The problems are corrected immediately, if possible. 

If a control needs to be cleaned or repaired, gage readings are 

taken before and after any repairs or cleaning are attempted. If 

the site is to be measured, the measurement should be collected before any work or cleaning of the control occurs. If the 

problem is too large or severe to address at the current time, 

the field office chief or the HSS chief is notified so that necessary corrective actions can be scheduled. 

Flood Conditions

Flood conditions present problems that do not occur on 

a regular basis. These problems include difficulties in gaining 

access to a streamflow gage or measuring site because roads 

and bridges are flooded, closed, or destroyed. Debris in the 

stream can damage equipment and present dangers to personnel collecting the data. Rapidly changing stage or conditions 

requiring measurements to be made at locations some distance 

away from the gage can create problems in associating a gage 

height to a measured discharge.

The KWSC maintains a flood plan so that high-priority surface-water data associated with flood conditions are 

collected properly and in a timely manner. The flood plan 

describes responsibilities before, during, and after a flood; 

informational-reporting procedures; and field-activity priorities. The flood plan serves as a central reference for emergency communications, telephone numbers for key KWSC 

personnel, and codes for accessing streamflow gages equipped 

with telemetry.

The HSS chief is responsible for ensuring that the flood 

plan includes all appropriate information and updates. The 

HSS chief reviews the flood plan and ensures a copy is provided to all field personnel in the HSS and other individuals in 

the KWSC who might assist in surface-water activities. Field 

personnel who receive a copy of the plan keep it in their field 

vehicle. The field office chiefs are responsible for ensuring 

that individuals who receive a copy of the flood plan are fully 

conversant with its content. 

During local flooding, the HSS chief and the field office 

chief for that area coordinate flood activities. During larger 

floods, the HSS chief coordinates flood activities. The first 

responsibility of personnel that are not already in the field 

during flood conditions is to contact the HSS chief regarding 

assignments. The first responsibility of personnel already in 

the field during flood conditions is to contact the HSS chief at 

the beginning and end of each workday to provide streamflow 

information and updates on local conditions. Personnel who 

arrive at a gaging station to find that a flood has occurred are 

responsible for inspecting the site and the stage sensing equipment to establish a time and peak stage for that event; this 

may include locating HWMs if necessary. Field personnel are 

expected to use their knowledge, skills, and judgment (including safety) to prioritize their efforts when collecting the hydrologic data during flood conditions. Timely communication 

between themselves and the KWSC (HSS chief) is critical for 

the efficient use of their time during a flood. KWSC personnel 

apply methods discussed in Rantz and others (1982, p. 60) for 

determining peak stage at gaging stations.

KWSC personnel follow policies and procedures stated in 

a number of publications and memorandums when collecting 

surface-water data during floods. Techniques for current-meter 

measurements of flood flow are presented in Rantz and others 

(1982, p. 159-170). Procedures for identifying high-water 

marks for indirect discharge measurements are presented in 

Benson and Dalrymple (1967, p. 11). Adjustments applied to 

make measured flow hydraulically comparable with recorded 

gage height when discharge measurements are made a distance 

from the gaging station are presented in Office of Surface 

Water Technical Memorandum No. 92.09 and in Buchanan 

and Somers (1969, p. 54). It is the responsibility of all personnel with questions about particular policies or procedures 

related to flood activities, or who recognize their need for further training in any aspect of flood-data collection, to address 

their questions to the HSS chief. 

Review of the KWSC activities related to floods is the 

responsibility of the KWSC Director. This review includes 

ensuring guidelines and priorities spelled out in the flood plan 

are followed and that the guidelines appropriately address 

KWSC requirements for obtaining flood data in a safe and 

thorough manner. When deficiencies are iden­tified by the 

14  Surface Water Quality-Assurance Plan, U.S. Geological Survey, Kentucky Water Science Center, Water Year 2006
reviewer, deficiencies are remedied by oral communication 

to the KWSC Assistant Director. When appropriate, written 

memorandums from the KWSC Director concerning goals and 

policies are issued to all KWSC personnel. This improves the 

communication of those goals and policies within the KWSC.

Low-Flow Conditions

Streamflow conditions encountered by KWSC personnel 

during periods of low flow are typically quite different from 

those encountered during periods of medium and high flow. 

Low-flow discharge measurements are made to define or confirm the lower portions of stage-discharge relations for gaging 

stations, as part of seepage runs to identify channel gains or 

losses, and to help in the interpretation of other associated 

data. Additionally, low-flow measurements are made to define 

the relation between low-flow characteristics in one basin 

and those of a nearby basin for which more data are available 

(Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum No. 85.17).

In many situations, low flows are associated with factors 

that reduce the accuracy of discharge measurements. These 

factors include algae growth that impedes the free movement 

of current-meter buckets and larger percentages of the flow 

moving in the narrow spaces between cobbles. When natural 

conditions are in the range considered by field personnel to 

be undependable, the cross section is physically improved for 

measurement by removal of debris or large cobbles, construction of dikes to reduce the amount of non-flowing water, or 

other such efforts (Buchanan and Somers, 1969, p. 39). After 

modification of the cross section, the flow is allowed to stabilize before the discharge measurement is initiated. The control 

for the measurement section is never modified for improving 

the measurement. If the control or channel modifications affect 

the stage at the gage, stage readings and times are documented 

on the discharge measurement sheet so that the appropriate 

datum or shift can be applied at that time. 

KWSC policy requires that point-of-zero-flow (PZF) 

measurements are made by field personnel during periods of 

low flow at all gages where the low-flow control is recognizable and the stream is wadeable. Gage height of zero flow 

is determined by measuring the depth of water at the lowest 

point of the section control; this is referenced to the measurement gage height and datum.

The appropriate field office chief is responsible for 

ensuring that KWSC personnel use appropriate equipment and 

procedures during periods of low flow. The field office chief 

determines that appropriate procedures were used for data-collection activities during low-flow conditions by reviewing all 

field notes after the field trip has been completed and by the 

hydrographer that is working that station’s streamflow records. 

The HSS chief or appropriate field office chief is responsible 

for providing answers to questions from KWSC personnel 

pertaining to data collection during periods of low flow.

Cold-Weather Conditions

Surface-water activities in the KWSC include making 

streamflow-discharge measurements during cold-weather 

conditions. Cold temperatures, wind, snow, and ice can create 

difficulties in collecting data; these factors also can create dangers to field personnel. Employee safety is the highest priority 

in collecting streamflow data during winter periods.

Discharge measurements under ice cover and during 

periods of partial ice cover are useful for analysis and determination of flow throughout winter periods for gaging stations 

where the stream is subject to freezing. KWSC personnel are 

required to follow procedures for discharge measurements 

under ice cover presented in Buchanan and Somers (1969, 

p. 42). This same publication includes procedures for discharge measurements made by wading or discharge measurements from cableways and bridges when debris and ice are 

in the streamflow. KWSC personnel also follow procedures 

to collect winter streamflow data as presented in Rantz and 

others (1982, p. 124). Additionally, guidelines on equipment 

for measurement of flow under ice are provided in Office of 

Surface Water Technical Memorandum No. 84.05.

Presently (2006), OSW views the preferred metering equipment for discharge measurements for slush-free 

conditions under ice cover to be a type AA current meter 

built with a Water Survey of Canada winter-style yoke and a 

conventional metal-cup rotor. For conditions where slush ice 

is present, the OSW views the preferred metering equipment 

to be the Water Survey of Canada winter-style yoke with a 

polymer rotor (Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum No. 88.18). Although polymer rotors are not allowed 

(Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum No. 90.01) 

during all other conditions, the superior ability of the polymer rotor to shed slush ice and retard freezing in ice-covered 

streams is considered to be more important than the turbulentflow-related inaccuracies associated with the rotor (Office of 

Surface Water Technical Memorandum No. 92.04). The OSW 

also views the regular AA meters with conventional metalbucket rotors to be acceptable for use in slush-free conditions 

if cutting the required larger holes through the ice is feasible 

(Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum No. 92.04).

The KWSC uses Price AA meters and Flowtrackers to 

make measurements when the conditions allow the hydrographer to wade the stream and Price AA and ADCPs when the 

stream is above wadeable conditions. When the effective depth 

of water under ice cover is less than 1.5 ft, a pygmy meter is 

used.

The HSS chief or field office chiefs are responsible for 

ensuring the correct use of equipment and procedures for surface-water data-collection activities during winter conditions. 

This is accomplished by the same procedures as documented 

for warm-weather conditions.

Collection of Stage and Streamflow Data 15
Processing and Analysis of Streamflow 

Data

The computation of streamflow records involves the 

analysis of field observations and field measurements, the 

determination of stage-discharge relations, adjustment and 

application of those relations, and systematic documentation 

of the methods and decisions that were applied. Streamflow 

records are computed and published annually for each gaging 

station (Rantz and others, 1982, p. 544).

This section of the QA Plan includes descriptions of procedures and policies pertaining to the processing and analysis 

of data associated with the computation of streamflow data, 

including real-time streamflow data. The procedures followed 

by the KWSC coincide with those described in Rantz and others (1982) and in Kennedy (1983).

Processing of Real-Time Streamflow Data 

A necessary and critical element in maintaining accurate 

streamflow records on a real-time basis is the need for rating 

analysis, gage-height correction, and shift application as soon 

as practicable after a streamflow measurement has been made. 

KWSC policy is that rating analyses and shift applications will 

be performed using the following procedures for data disseminated on the KWSC public webpage http://ky.water.usgs.gov. 

It is KWSC policy that real-time data presented on the 

KWSC web pages are considered provisional and subject to 

revision. Website users are warned of the inherent limitations 

of the provisional data and have the opportunity to view what 

the term “provisional data” means by clicking on the explanation. The real-time data are inspected for errors and transmission inventory every day by experienced hydrographers or the 

field office chiefs. The KWSC uses the “screening thresholds” 

that ADAPS provides to help with the QA/QC of the realtime data. The KWSC is attempting to keep records worked 

current so that needed shifts and data corrections are applied 

in a timely manner to the data that is available on the Internet. 

ALL KWSC streamflow stations are equipped with telemetry. 

The field office chief and the hydrographer (after returning 

from the field) are responsible for ensuring every effort is 

made to update station information with the correct shift and 

data corrections in a timely manner. 

During high-water periods and major flooding, the realtime data are an integral part of improving and maintaining 

the upper end of the stage-discharge rating curve. The realtime data from the USGS and the projected crests from the 

National Weather Service (NWS) are used to determine which 

stations become priorities and what time personnel should be 

deployed. The KWSC is updating many of its stations with 

high-data-rate (HDR) telemetry. This gives the USGS, NWS, 

and the public hourly access to the data. It is the responsibility 

of the field personnel to call the KWSC and report measurement data to the HSS chief or the field office chief. These 

flood measurements are used to update station ratings, shifts, 

and other aspects of the real-time streamflow computations. 

Priorities for measurements at gaging stations and CSG sites 

are listed in the KWSC Flood Plan. Questions about priorities 

should be directed to the HSS chief or the field office chiefs. 

Webpage Presentation Format

Kentucky real-time data are served from computers 

located in the Louisville office and maintained by the KWSC. 

The National Water Information System (NWIS) software 

is used to conform to national USGS standards. Links to 

real-time streamflow data are displayed on the KWSC home 

page under “Real-time Data for Kentucky.” Through this link, 

access to a default table of all Kentucky surface-water stations 

is available. The KWSC Director has the ultimate responsibility of approving all content that is posted on the KWSC 

website. 

Review of Real-Time Streamflow Data

Real-time streamflow data disseminated on the public 

webpage must be reviewed frequently to ensure their quality 

and prevent the distribution of erroneous information. The 

KWSC uses both automated and manual review procedures to 

meet this objective. 

Automated procedures implemented by the KWSC 

include the setting of minimum and maximum threshold 

values for stage and discharge and their rates of change. If 

exceeded, these settings will initiate warnings of potential 

errors that will be delivered by e-mail to the appropriate 

KWSC personnel. The field office chiefs and the HSS chief 

are designated to receive and act upon these messages. 

In addition to the automated procedures, Water Resources 

Division Memorandum No. 97.17 requires frequent and 

ongoing screening and review of web data, including at least 

daily review of hydrographs during normal hours of operation. 

The KWSC requires that all web pages containing real-time 

streamflow data be reviewed regularly for accuracy and (or) 

missing data. The real-time stage and streamflow data are 

viewed each morning by experienced hydrographers or the 

field office chiefs. The primary goal is to identify stations 

that have failed to transmit the real-time data or to identify 

any problems that station may be experiencing by scanning 

the data itself. When problems are identified, the field office 

chiefs or the HSS chief initiates necessary corrective actions. 

Another goal is to view the data for situations in which special 

measurements are needed, such as high water, backwater, or 

low flows, that will improve the records working process and 

provide additional information for the streamflow network.

16 Surface Water Quality-Assurance Plan, U.S. Geological Survey, Kentucky Water Science Center, Water Year 2006
Error Handling

There are two general types of errors associated with 

streamflow data that are delivered by the real-time system and 

disseminated on the Internet. The first is persistent-type problems usually associated with some type of equipment failure 

whether in data collection or transmission, but could also be 

related to other effects. They occur on a continuing basis for 

more than a single recording interval because of the nature of 

the problem. The second is the intermittent-type problems, 

which are often the result of a data-transmission error. These 

often show up as either a zero or an unreasonably large value. 

When these errors occur, it is KWSC policy that they are 

corrected as soon as possible as other work priorities allow. 

The KWSC attempts to get all problems resolved within 24 

to 48 hours (during the work week) of identifying the problem. The field office chief in consultation with the HSS chief 

is responsible for deciding when data are removed from the 

webpage; posting of real-time data on the Internet is resumed 

after repairs are made. 

Data-Qualification Statements

Water Resources Division Memorandum No. 95.19 

requires that streamflow data made available on the Internet 

be considered provisional until the formal review process 

has been completed. Data qualification statements must be 

included at key locations with a clickable heading “Provisional 

Data Subject to Revision” on all real-time data pages to ensure 

that everyone who accesses data from the Internet is aware of 

this.

Measurements and Field Notes

Gage-height information, discharge information, control 

conditions, and other field observations written by personnel 

onto the measurement note sheets and other field note sheets 

form the basis for records computation for each gaging station. 

Measurements and field notes that contain original data are 

required to be stored indefinitely (Hubbard, 1992). 

Measurements and other field notes for the water year 

that is currently being computed are filed in the current water 

year filing cabinets; each file is labeled by its station number. 

Measurements and notes for previous water years are back 

filed in each field office.

KWSC policy is that all streamflow measurements are 

checked. All conventional and Flowtracker measurements 

are checked by a HSS member, and all ADCP measurements are checked by someone that has completed the USGS 

Hydroacoustics training. The measurements are checked by 

reviewing the mathematics and other items listed in 

Kennedy (1983, p. 7).

Continuous Record

Surface-water gage-height data are collected as continuous record (60-, 30-, 15-, or 5-minute values) in the form of 

electronic transmissions by satellite or telephone and their 

back-up electronic data files. Streamflow records are computed by converting gage-height record to discharge record 

through application of stage-discharge relations. Ensuring the 

accuracy of gage-height record is, therefore, a necessary component of ensuring the accuracy of computed discharges.

Gage-height record is assembled for the period of analysis in as complete a manner as possible. Periods of inaccurate 

gage-height data are identified then corrected (see the section 

“Datum corrections, gage-height corrections, and shifts”) or 

deleted. Items included in the assembly of gage-height record 

and procedures for processing the data are discussed in Kennedy (1983, p. 6) and Rantz and others (1982, p. 560 and 587).

All surface-water data transmitted by satellite or phone 

are automatically entered into ADAPS through DECODES. 

All surface-water data stored or backed up on a compact 

flash card are manually transferred and entered into ADAPS 

through DECODES. Since the KWSC surface-water data 

network is 100 percent telemetered, most of the data brought 

in from the field is back-up data. Copies of the “raw data” are 

archived in the “raw_data” directory on the UNIX computer 

system; the “raw data” files are maintained unaltered for 

future reference. The hydrographer is responsible for loading 

the back-up data into the primary data-descriptor to ensure 

that if there are gaps in the primary data set, he/she will have 

access to the back-up data. The hydrographer should review 

all stage data by using the graphical routines (HYDRA) within 

ADAPS. 

Records and Computation

Each field office is responsible for maintaining their 

surface-water station files. These files are located in an easily 

accessible area and are clearly labeled by their station number 

or station name. The responsibility for working continuous 

records for each station is assigned by each field office chief to 

a specific hydrographer each year. It is the goal of the KWSC 

that records are assigned to the same individual who operates 

and maintains the field station. Only part of the records are 

assigned to the gaging station operator because of the number 

of stations and the amount of other project work he/she is 

assigned. Records computation is done on a continuing basis 

to improve the accuracy of the real-time data. The responsibility of checking and reviewing the continuous records is 

assigned to other hydrographers from within the same field 

office, another field office, or another Water Science Center. 

The Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio Water Science Centers check 

and review records for each other each year on a rotational 

basis. 

Processing and Analysis of Streamflow Data 17
Procedures for Working and Checking Records

Procedures for ensuring the thoroughness, consistency, 

and accuracy of streamflow records are described in this section of the QA Plan. The KWSC has a records computation 

checklist for each station that is used to track the steps completed in the computation process. The goals, procedures, and 

policies presented in this section are grouped in association 

with the separate components that are included in the recordscomputation process. 

Gage Height

The accuracy of surface-water discharge records depends 

upon the accuracy of discharge measurements, accuracy of rating definition, and the completeness and accuracy of the gageheight record (Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum No. 93.07). Computation of streamflow records includes 

ensuring the accuracy of gage-height record by comparisons 

of gage-height readings made by use of independent reference 

gages, comparison of inside and outside gages, examination of 

high-water marks, comparisons of the redundant recordings of 

peaks and troughs by use of maximum and minimum indicators, examination of data obtained at CSGs, and confirmation 

or updating of gage datums by levels.

Records computation includes examination of gageheight record to determine if the record accurately represents 

the stage of the body of water being monitored. Additionally, 

it includes identifying periods during which inaccuracies have 

occurred and determining the cause for those inaccuracies. 

When possible and appropriate, inaccurate gage-height record 

is corrected. When corrections are not possible, the erroneous gage-height data are removed from the set of data used 

for streamflow records computation. The missing data are 

documented in the Station Analysis as to the reason why they 

are missing.

Gage height or stage data that accurately reflect the 

stream level are kept. Any data that do not follow that statement are reviewed and then removed from the working database. A copy of all raw data is kept within the NWIS database. 

Each station has a primary data set, which are data that are 

transmitted via satellite and a back-up data set, which are the 

data retrieved manually from the field. In the case of bad or 

missing primary record, if the back-up gage height is available 

and correct, it should be used. The back-up data should be 

copied to the primary data descriptor and noted in the station 

analysis. The hydrographer computing the record is responsible for ensuring that the final record contains all the corrections needed, and assigned checkers verify that the correct 

procedures were followed.

Levels

Errors in gage-height data caused by vertical changes 

in the gage or gage-supporting structure can be measured by 

running levels. Gages can be reset or gage readings can be 

adjusted by applying corrections based on levels 

(Kennedy, 1983, p. 6).

Procedures for computing records for each station include 

adjusting the gage-height values based on the current level 

data. Other procedures include ensuring that the front sheet 

has been completed for each set of levels, checking the level 

notes for mistakes, ensuring that the level information is listed 

correctly in the historical level summary, and ensuring that 

datum corrections were applied appropriately. The individual 

computing the record is required to check field notes for indications that the gages were reset correctly. If the gages were 

not reset correctly, the hydrographer computing the record 

should inform the field office chief and the field personnel 

responsible for the mistake so that corrective actions can be 

taken. The individual computing the records makes appropriate adjustments to the gage-height record by applying data 

corrections. All changes are noted in the station analysis and 

station description.

Rating

The development of the stage-discharge relation, also 

called the rating, is one of the principal tasks in computing discharge record. The rating is usually the relation between gage 

height and discharge (simple rating). Ratings for some special 

sites involve additional factors such as rate of change in stage 

or fall in slope reach (complex ratings) (Kennedy, 1983, p. 14).

KWSC personnel follow procedures for the development, 

modification, and application of ratings that are described in 

Kennedy (1984). KWSC personnel follow guidelines pertaining to rating and records computation that are presented in 

Kennedy (1983, p. 14) and in Rantz and others (1982, chap. 

10-14 and p. 549).

For each gaging station, the most recent digital rating 

table or graphical rating curve can be obtained by producing a 

printout from ADAPS. A current paper copy of each is kept in 

the station file for the current water year. A copy of the most 

recent rating table and curve is kept at each gaging station. 

All old rating tables and curves are kept in the back files. New 

discharge rating curves developed by the hydrographer computing the record are considered “working” ratings until either 

the field office chief or the HSS chief approves them. Once 

approved, the field office chief or HSS chief must change the 

“working” flag to an “approved” flag so that the conversion 

of stage to discharge will be allowed when running a primary 

computation in ADAPS. 

Datum Corrections, Gage-Height Corrections, and Shifts

A correction applied to gage-height readings to compensate for the effect of settlement or uplift of the gage is 

usually measured by levels and is called a “datum correction” (Kennedy, 1983, p. 9). Datum corrections are applied 

to gage-height record in terms of magnitude (in feet) and in 

terms of when the datum change occurred. In the absence of 

any evidence indicating exactly when the change occurred, the 

change is assumed to have occurred gradually from the time 

18  Surface Water Quality-Assurance Plan, U.S. Geological Survey, Kentucky Water Science Center, Water Year 2006
the previous levels were run, and the correction is prorated 

with time (Rantz and others, 1982, p. 545). Datum corrections are applied when the magnitude of the vertical change is 

greater than 0.015 ft.

A correction applied to gage-height readings to compensate for differences between the recording gage and the base 

gage is called a “gage-height correction” (Rantz and others, 1982, p. 563). These corrections are applied in the same 

manner as datum corrections by use of the same computer 

software. Gage-height corrections are applied so the recorded 

data are made to agree with base-gage data. These corrections 

are applied when the difference between the recording gage 

and the base gage is equal to or greater than 0.02 ft. Corrections should be made at discrepancies of .01 ft if the effect of 

the change in stage creates a greater-than 5-percent change in 

discharge. 

A shift is a correction applied to the stage-discharge 

relation, or rating, to compensate for variations in the rating. 

Shifts indicate that stage-discharge relations are not permanent but vary from time to time, either gradually or abruptly, 

because of changes in the physical features that form the 

control at the gaging station (Rantz and others, 1982, p. 344). 

Shifts can be applied to vary in magnitude with time and with 

stage (Kennedy, 1983, p. 35). The KWSC uses the “variablestage shift” philosophy to make temporary changes to the 

rating based on the most recent “in-stream” measurement and 

the stage associated with it. Different shifts are applied to field 

measurements based on their quality rating. A measurement 

rated “GOOD” allows the discharge to plot within 5 percent of 

the rating without requiring a shift. A measurement of “FAIR” 

allows the discharge to plot within 8 percent of the rating 

without requiring a shift. Any measurement rated “POOR” 

(greater than 8 percent from the rating) should be looked at 

individually to determine how much shift is needed or if the 

measurement will be used at all for the shifting analysis. Shifts 

are documented by magnitude and time. They are described in 

the station analysis using a shift paragraph, which is a narrative that describes how shifts-by-stage were distributed, and 

entered into the measurement summary file. The shift-diagram 

points are plotted on the working rating so the hydraulic logic 

of the shift curve can be seen. 

Datum corrections, gage-height corrections, and shifts 

for each station are entered into the standard USGS data-processing software (ADAPS) and are stored as finalized data 

upon completion of the KWSC’s records-working process. 

The hydrographer who works the station records ensures that 

recorded gage heights and computed streamflows represent a 

logical and smooth transition between water years; the checker 

and reviewer verify this process. Datum corrections, gageheight corrections, and shifts are documented in the station 

analysis, and associated graphs and computer printouts are 

attached to the station analysis as part of the permanent record. 

This documentation is maintained indefinitely for future reference. 

Hydrographs

A discharge hydrograph is a plot of daily mean discharges versus time. The date is aligned with the horizontal 

axis, and the discharge is aligned with the logarithmic vertical axis. In the process of computing station records, this 

hydrograph is a useful tool in identifying periods of erroneous information, such as incorrect shifts or datum corrections. Additionally, hydrographs are helpful when estimating 

discharges for periods of undefined stage-discharge relation, 

such as during backwater or ice conditions, and in estimating 

discharges for periods of missing record.

The following information, at a minimum, is placed on 

the hydrograph for each station: station name, station number, 

water year, date the hydrograph was plotted, drainage area, 

plot of daily mean discharge data, plots of measurements, 

indications of datum corrections and shifts, streamflow stations with which the hydrograph was compared, periods of 

missing record, periods of ice effect, estimated discharges for 

missing record, and the maximum instantaneous discharge for 

the water year. All hydrographs are plotted using the standard 

format with five cycles, which allows comparison of one station to another. 

Hydrographic comparison with one station to those of 

nearby stations is an effective means to evaluate the validity of shift, datum, or gage-height correction applications. It 

can be used to identify periods of faulty gage-height data and 

estimating discharges for periods of missing record or periods 

of no stage-discharge relation. Hydrographic comparisons, as 

described in Rantz and others (1982, p. 575), is a component 

of records computation for each streamflow-gaging station in 

Kentucky. Hydrographs for the current year are maintained in 

separate filing drawers and labeled by their station name. After 

records are computed, checked, and reviewed, each hydrograph is filed in a station folder, backfiled, and maintained for 

future reference. 

Station Analysis

A complete analysis of data collected, procedures used 

in processing the data, and the logic upon which the computations were based is documented for each year of record for 

each station to provide a basis for review and to serve as a reference for possible future questions (Rantz and others, 1982, 

p. 580). Topics discussed in detail in the station analysis may 

include equipment, hydrologic conditions, gage-height record, 

datum corrections, rating, discharge, ice-affected periods, 

special computations, remarks concerning data quality, recommendations, and hydrographic comparison. The station analysis is written by the hydrographer who works the streamflow 

records. All station analyses are written using Microsoft Word 

and stored in the “KYPROJ” directory on the UNIX server. A 

hard copy is kept in the current water year station file. Station analyses from previous years are backfiled and kept in 

separate folders based on water year and station number. An 

electronic copy is stored and backed up on the UNIX server. 

It is the responsibility of the hydrographer working the record 

Processing and Analysis of Streamflow Data 19
to ensure that the computation process is comprehensive and 

complete and that all aspects of the process are documented 

fully in the station analysis and associated material. The 

checker and reviewer responsibilities are to ensure that all 

aspects of the records-computation process for the station were 

carried out correctly and completely and that the documentation is clear, complete, and accurate. If a difference of opinion 

arises between the preparer of the record and the checker, 

the difference is resolved by the field office chief or the HSS 

chief. The field office chiefs are responsible for ensuring that 

the station analyses are prepared properly and filed correctly. 

Winter Records

Computing gaging-station records for winter periods 

involves different procedures than those that are used other 

times of the year. The formation of ice in stream channels 

or on section controls affects the stage-discharge relation by 

causing backwater; the effect varies with the quantity and 

nature of the ice, as well as with the discharge (Rantz and 

others, 1982, p. 360). During some conditions, the recorded 

gage-height data may be accurate, although the actual stagedischarge relation may be undeterminable and unstable. An 

example of this condition is when surface ice forms on the 

stream, but the stilling well remains unfrozen and the water 

level in the stilling well represents the backpressure caused by 

the ice in the channel. During other conditions, the recorded 

gage-height data are inaccurate, resulting in periods of missing 

gage-height record. An example of the latter would be a stilling well or the intakes to the stilling well are frozen.

The individual computing the station record is responsible for identifying ice-affected periods and documenting 

the periods in the station analysis and on the hydrograph. The 

individual estimates daily mean discharges for the period, 

identifies periods of faulty or missing gage-height record, and 

enters the estimated discharge into the daily-values computer 

file. The individual who checks the winter records is responsible for confirming that the determinations of ice-affected 

periods, the estimates of daily discharge, and the data entered 

into the daily-values computer file are correct. If the checker 

agrees with the periods of faulty gage-height record, they are 

responsible for deleting the faulty unit-value data or marking 

the data erroneous from the unit-values computer file. If the 

checker disagrees, the field office chief or the HSS chief will 

make the final determination. 

In general, the checker is responsible for making corrections to data files and documentation; however, the original 

worker is responsible for broad-scale changes. 

Hydrographers who work station records for winter periods use a combination of recorded gage-height data, precipitation and temperature data, and other environmental information that may be available. Although ice-affected discharge 

measurements are representative only for a specific site at a 

specific time, those measurements are helpful for determining 

a general range of discharge for estimating daily means for a 

selected period for certain nearby gaging stations.

Unit-value plots are used for identifying streamflow 

patterns associated with the occurrence of ice. Hydrographic 

comparison, using the daily value hydrographs, with nearby 

gaging stations is useful in estimating daily mean discharges. 

Nearby gaging stations are useful, particularly in hydrographic 

comparison for winter periods when those stations tend to 

remain unfrozen because of large amounts of ground water 

entering the flow system, heat from power plants or similar 

facilities entering the flow system, or warmer outflows being 

released from reservoirs. Records from nearby gaging stations 

are useful if the discharges are computed by an acoustical gage 

and are considered poor for days that discharges are determined by estimation.

Unit-Value and Daily-Value Estimates

In general, unit-value gage height should not be estimated 

unless there is a high degree of confidence that little or no loss 

of accuracy will result from the estimation, and the period to 

be estimated is less than 12 hours. In this case, the resultant 

daily mean discharge computed from this record is not labeled 

“estimated.” Daily mean discharges may be estimated in the 

same manner that estimated record has been done traditionally. 

The hydrographer estimating the daily mean discharge must 

plot the original daily mean values from the primary record 

printout onto the hydrograph so that the checker and reviewer 

can see the original rating-produced discharge along with the 

estimated discharge.

Hydra and MISTE

Hydra and MISTE are new powerful tools in ADAPS that 

can be used to expedite record estimation. Hydra allows the 

data to be presented in graphical and tabular forms and can be 

used to modify or delete unit and daily values. MISTE resides 

inside Hydra and can be used to create regression-curve estimates of daily discharges. MISTE is useful when the original 

data are missing, and an estimate must be made. Data created 

by MISTE can be loaded into Hydra as a reference curve; data 

from the reference curve can be copied into the original data 

set and used to fill in the missing gaps. The data values automatically are flagged as estimated data. If used correctly, these 

programs are a time saver in estimating data. 

Furnished Records

Surface-water data collected under the supervision of 

other agencies, organizations, or institutions are received by 

this office. These data are used for publication in the annual 

data report. Gate-opening, turbine, and lockage data from 

USACE high-lift dams on the Ohio River are provided to the 

KWSC and used to compute flow at these high-lift dams. The 

daily streamflows are published in the annual data report, and 

the agency that furnished the data is identified.

20 Surface Water Quality-Assurance Plan, U.S. Geological Survey, Kentucky Water Science Center, Water Year 2006
Daily-Values Table

A discharge value is determined and stored for each 

day for each gaging station operated by the USGS, with few 

exceptions. The daily values table generated by use of the 

records-computation software represents what discharge values are stored for each day of the water year. 

At present, daily mean discharges are the major product 

of the records-computation process. It is the responsibility of 

the hydrographer working the records to verify the accuracy 

of the daily mean discharges and to use the daily values table 

to cross check values written on primaries or plotted on the 

hydrograph. The hydrographer ensures that proper daily mean 

discharge values have been stored; the daily values table is 

used to check the final manuscript before the data are published. Paper copies of the daily values table are stored for 

future reference in the current year station files and the backfiles for each station. The field office chiefs are responsible for 

properly back filing all information pertinent to the station file 

in a given year. Daily values tables that have been finalized are 

initialed by the checker or reviewer before being added to the 

manuscript.

Manuscript and Annual Water-Data Report

When records computation for the water year is complete 

and the data collected and analyzed by KWSC personnel have 

been determined to be correct and finalized, the surface-water 

data for that water year are published along with other data in 

the KWSC annual data report. The annual data report is part of 

the series titled “U.S. Geological Survey Water-Data Reports.” 

Information presented in the annual data report includes daily 

discharge values during the year, extremes for the year and 

period of record, and various statistics. Additionally, manuscript station descriptions are presented in the annual data 

report. Information contained in the manuscript includes 

physical descriptions of the gage and basin, history of the 

station and data, and statements of cooperation. Manuscripts 

for publication in the annual data report are produced using 

scripts, which were created by USGS personnel. Using these 

scripts, the final daily mean discharge table, including final 

streamflow statistics, is loaded directly into the manuscript 

files. Potential data-transfer errors are minimized by use of 

these automated scripts. Finally, the lead author and the HSS 

chief review the entire report. In preparing the annual waterdata report for publication, the KWSC follows the guidelines 

presented in the report titled, “WRD Data Reports Preparation Guide,” by Charles E. Novak, 1985 edition and Office 

of Water Information Technical Memorandum No. 2003.02, 

“Guidelines for the Release of the Annual State Water Data 

Reports,” January 2003.

Kentucky Water Science Center Checklist

The status of progress on records computation for each 

gaging station in Kentucky is posted in each field office on a 

single highly visible white board. Each white board contains 

a gaging-station list based on the respective field office area. 

Each gaging-station name is followed by a series of blanks; 

the blanks are for the hydrographer’s initials to indicate the 

work, check, and review completion rate based on annual 

quarters. The KWSC uses a gaging-station records-computation checklist to track the status of records computations for 

each station and to ensure that errors do not occur by omitting 

the necessary procedural steps. The checklist is designed to 

step a person through the process of working and checking a 

record; there is a separate checklist for the reviewer. After the 

station is completed, the checklists are backfiled with the rest 

of the station information that is not needed in the next water 

year. During the water year, monthly status reports are sent to 

the Northeastern Region Surface-Water Specialists.

Review of Records

After streamflow records for each station have been computed and checked, records for the majority of the KWSC’s 

gaging stations are reviewed by experienced hydrographers, 

field office chiefs, and senior hydrographers from other 

Water Science Centers. The goal of the review is to ensure 

that proper methods were applied throughout the process of 

obtaining the surface-water data and computing the records. 

Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, and occasionally West Virginia 

Water Science Centers participate in a rotational trip each year 

that allows each Water Science Center to check and review 

a substantial amount of records for each other. The results 

of the rotational review are shared with the Water Science 

Centers hydrographers in a wrap-up session at the end of the 

week. The comments are put in writing and given to each Data 

Section chief to keep as reference and training tools for future 

records computations. The goal of the KWSC is to publish a 

product that is as free of errors as is humanly possible while 

being fiscally responsible. The HSS chief is responsible for 

ensuring that any deficiencies identified in the review are corrected and that actions are taken to prevent their recurrence. 

Crest-Stage Gages

Records for CSGs are computed with goals and procedures similar to those for other gaging stations. The field 

notes are examined for correctness and accuracy. Peak stages 

recorded by CSGs are cross referenced with other available 

information; the dates of the peaks are determined by analyzing available precipitation data and peak data from recording 

gages within the same basin or from nearby basins.

A discussion on the policies and procedures used for field 

aspects of collecting data at CSGs is included in this report in 

the section “Collection of Stage and Streamflow Data.” The 

discussion in this section describes the analysis and office 

documentation of crest-stage data. This section does not pertain to data collected at CSGs installed solely for confirming 

peak stages at sites where pressure-transducer gages are used.

Processing and Analysis of Streamflow Data 21
At sites where CSGs are used to compute peak discharges, an initial stage-discharge relation, or rating, is developed for the site by direct or indirect high-water measurements. The rating is verified or adjusted based on subsequent 

direct or indirect high-water measurements.

For each station, a list of all measurements is maintained 

and each measurement is assigned a chronological number. 

For each station, a graphical plot of the current rating along 

with each recent and each notably high stage-discharge 

measurement is made readily available to those who check 

and review the station record by pulling the information from 

ADAPS. Current station descriptions and a summary of levels 

are maintained in the station file. A brief station analysis is 

written each year describing computation of the annual peak, 

identifying which rating was used and the type of flow condition, describing how the dates of the peaks were determined, 

and explaining any shift that may have been applied. Computing peak discharges and updating the manuscripts for each 

CSG is the responsibility of the hydrographer assigned to the 

station.

The field office chief is responsible for assigning personnel for each CSG station. Computations are checked by 

another experienced hydrographer and reviewed by the field 

office chief. 

The field office chief is responsible for ensuring the correct computation of annual peaks at CSGs. Review of the CSG 

computations is done by the field office chief. When incorrect actions or procedures are identified during the review, the 

problems are remedied by addressing the deficiencies with the 

hydrographer that computed the record and providing in-time 

training.

A hydrographer within the KWSC is responsible for 

updating the Peak-Flow File promptly after peak data have 

been finalized. A current listing of annual peaks is maintained 

in the station folder for review purposes (Office of Surface 

Water Technical Memorandum No. 88.07).

Office Setting

Maintaining surface-water data and related information 

in a systematic and organized manner increases the efficiency 

and effectiveness of data-analysis and data-dissemination 

efforts. Good organization of files reduces the likelihood of 

misplaced information; misplaced data and field notes can lead 

to analyses based on inadequate information, with a possible 

decrease in the quality of analytical results.

This section of the QA Plan includes descriptions of how 

station folders, reference maps, levels documentation, and 

other information related to surface-water data are organized 

and maintained. Additionally, this section provides an overview of how work activities are designed to be carried out 

within the office setting.

Work Plan

It is the responsibility of the three field office chiefs to 

assign duties associated with the collection, analysis, storage, 

and publication of surface-water data, unless the data are for 

a separate project. This includes the scheduling of field work 

and day-to-day office work. Stations are assigned to field 

offices or individuals and are grouped into field trips. Field 

trips are assigned to individual field personnel who are responsible for all site visits as well as reviewing the real-time data 

from those sites. KWSC hydrographers do more than collect 

basic data; they are involved in many projects within the HIS. 

The hydrographers assigned to the HSS are used by project 

chiefs from the HIS. The HSS chief, HIS chief and (or) project 

chiefs are responsible for resolving any scheduling conflicts 

involving the use of HSS hydrographers. Field office chiefs are 

responsible for ensuring that field personnel have the required 

office time needed to complete their surface-water records 

computations. Field personnel are responsible for using their 

office time wisely and efficiently to work on their surfacewater records. Each employee has a performance plan, which 

outlines their primary responsibilities and the criteria that are 

used to evaluate their performance.

File Folders for Surface-Water Stations

This section of the QA Plan describes the location and 

structure of hard-copy files associated with surface-water data. 

Information pertaining to files maintained in computer storage 

can be found in the “Database Management” section of this 

report.

For each gaging station, a separate set of file folders 

is maintained in a set of filing cabinets located in the HSS. 

Files are arranged by station number in chronological downstream order. Folders containing long-term information are 

grouped with folders containing current information. Each 

current folder includes station descriptions, station analyses, 

shift analysis, stage-shift diagrams, ratings, datum correction 

sheets, measurement summary, level summary, primary computation sheets, hydrographs, and checklists for tracking the 

work process. Extraneous items are removed from the current 

files after records for all gaging stations are determined by the 

HSS chief to be finalized for that water year. Backfile folders for previous water years are stored by station number and 

separated from current files. Field office chiefs are responsible 

for ensuring that appropriate documentation is filed correctly 

and unnecessary notes and work sheets are discarded.

The set of current files in each office for each station are 

grouped as follows:

Station Folders—The station folders contain primarycomputation printouts and working unit-value plots. They 

contain recent measurements, field notes, inspection sheets, 

in-progress station analysis, discharge rating table, station 

description, variable-shift diagrams, photos, level summary, 

shift and datum printouts, the Form 9-207 of the measurement 

22 Surface Water Quality-Assurance Plan, U.S. Geological Survey, Kentucky Water Science Center, Water Year 2006
list, and the checklist being used to track the work progress on 

the station.

Graphs of Ratings—The master graphs of ratings (rating 

curves) in current use are stored, unfolded, in a series of wide 

file drawers. The rating curves are filed by station name in 

alphabetical order. Once a rating curve is updated or changed, 

the previous version is backfiled. The current rating as well as 

the previous rating should be plotted on the master rating; a 

new trend is to plot the shift curves on the master rating. The 

KWSC has begun reviewing this approach, but not every station will have this feature.

Discharge Hydrographs—The discharge hydrograph represents the mean daily discharge in the water year for which 

the records are being worked. They are stored, unfolded, in 

a series of wide file drawers in alphabetical order by station 

name. After the records for the current year have been finalized, the hydrograph for each station is folded and placed in 

the station backfile folder. 

The set of backfiles for each office is grouped for each 

station as follows: 

Primary History Folders—The primary history folders 

contain the history of the gage. They contain all the information about the site including construction information, old photos and diagrams, cooperator correspondence, memorandums, 

old ratings, and daily-values tables prior to the establishment 

of Water-Year Folders. 

Water-Year Folders—The water-year folders are a complete package of the information used to compute the final unit 

and daily values for that particular station. They are backfiled 

by station number and by water year. The folders may include 

primary computations, rating tables and curves, shift and 

datum worksheets, hydrographs, monthly unit value plots, and 

station analysis. The information in these folders will allow 

you to work up the surface-water data for that year.

Measurement Notes—Measurement notes are kept in 

labeled file drawers, grouped by station using the station 

number in downstream order. Each field office keeps their 

measurements indefinitely.

Station Levels—Backfiled station levels are kept in 

labeled file drawers, grouped by station using the station number in downstream order. Each field office keeps their station 

levels indefinitely.

Field-Trip Folders

Each hydrographer is responsible for maintaining field 

folders for their assigned field-trip area. The folders contain 

station descriptions, safety information, traffic control plans, 

job hazard analysis, station lists, rating and discharge measurement data, levels summaries, and other pertinent information 

for each site. Each group of stations in a field trip is kept in a 

field file along with the current flood plan and detailed road 

maps.

Levels

Level note sheets, with completed summary front sheet 

for the current year, are filed in the current primary folder. A 

summary of levels for each station is filed in the field folders. 

After records are finalized, the outdated level note sheets are 

backfiled in a series of labeled drawers within the HSS. 

Station Descriptions

Copies of current surface-water station descriptions 

are maintained in the current station folders located in 

each KWSC office. The original descriptions are stored in 

electronic format, in the “KYPROJ” directory on the Unix 

Server. The station descriptions are created and updated using 

Microsoft Word. The hydrographer computing the surfacewater records is responsible for keeping the station description 

updated. The KWSC goal is to update station descriptions 

annually. 

Discontinued Stations

Station descriptions, station analysis, stage-discharge ratings, lists of measurements, correspondence, and other documents associated with discontinued stations are maintained in 

specific, labeled cabinets located in each KWSC office. Folders are grouped by station number and arranged by water year. 

Map Files

A set of 7.5-minute topographic maps representing coverage of the entire Commonwealth of Kentucky is maintained 

for identifying the location of all surface- and ground-water 

data-collection sites. Each observation site is plotted on the 

appropriate map. A second set of 7.5-minute topographic 

maps is maintained for delineating surface-drainage areas. No 

map from either set is allowed to be removed from the office 

unless permission is granted from the HSS chief. There are 

work maps available for field use, which are stored in wide 

file drawers within the KWSC. It is the responsibility of the 

HSS chief or the Louisville field office chief to ensure these 

map sets are updated when new stations are established. These 

maps may become an electronic database as the KWSC gets 

more involved with GIS. 

Archiving

All KWSC personnel are directed to safeguard all original field records containing geologic and hydrogeologic measurements and observations. Selected material not maintained 

in field offices are placed in archival storage. Detailed information on what records have been removed to archival centers 

should be retained in the Water Science Center or project 

office (Water Resources Division Memorandum No. 77.83). 

Office Setting 23
The types of original data that should be archived include, but 

are not limited to, recorder charts and tapes, original data and 

edited data, observers’ notes and readings, station descriptions, 

analyses, and other supporting information (Water Resources 

Division Memorandum No. 92.59 and Hubbard, 1992, p. 12). 

At this time, there is an agreement between the USGS and 

the Federal Records Centers (FRC) of the National Archives 

and Records Administration (NARA) to archive original-data 

records (memorandum from the Chief, Branch of Operational 

Support, May 7, 1993). The KWSC does NOT send surfacewater information to the FRC. 

Communication of New Methods and Current 

Procedures

The content of all new policies issued through memorandums by the USGS or the OSW are emphasized or communicated by the HSS chief. Most memorandums are transmitted 

through e-mail to all employees. The HSS chief is responsible 

for ensuring that all HSS employees are made aware of new 

policies, either by additional e-mail or verbally at section 

meetings or “in-house” training sessions. The HSS chief 

is responsible for ensuring that KWSC personnel collecting surface-water data are well informed of new and current 

procedures, and the hydrographers are responsible for asking 

questions if there is something they do not understand.

Collection of Sediment Data

Surface-water activities in the KWSC include the collection, analysis, and publication of sediment data. The KWSC 

operates in adherence to sediment-related policies set forth by 

the OSW.

Responsibility for the sediment discipline was transferred 

from the Office of Water Quality (OWQ) to the OSW in 1985 

(Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum No. 92.08). 

The policies and procedures related to sediment followed by 

the KWSC are described in selected USGS publications and in 

memorandums issued by the OSW, the OWQ, and the USGS. 

Techniques adopted by the USGS and followed by the KWSC 

are presented in Knott and others (1992). The KWSC follows 

procedures presented in three USGS Techniques of WaterResources Investigations (TWRIs): Guy (1970), Guy and 

Norman (1970), and Porterfield (1972).

Although no additional TWRI chapters have been written 

to supersede the above-mentioned reports, Edwards and 

Glysson, 1988 (USGS OFR 86-531) essentially replaces 

Guy and Norman, 1970 (TWRI book 3, chap. C2) (Water 

Resources Division Memorandum No. 71.73, Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum No. 88.17, and Office of 

Surface Water Technical Memorandum No. 93.01).

A summary of memorandums, issued since 1971, related 

to sediment and sediment transport is provided in Office of 

Surface Water Technical Memorandum No. 92.08. A summary 

of documentation that describes instrumentation and field 

methods for collecting sediment data is provided in Office of 

Surface Water Technical Memorandum No. 93.01.

Sampling Procedures

KWSC personnel collect suspended-sediment data 

by using sampling methods that include the single-vertical 

method, the Equal Discharge Increment (EDI) method, the 

Equal Width Increment (EWI) method, and the point-sample 

method. Another way to sample is by using an automatic 

sampler, which uses a pump to draw samples from the river or 

stream at scheduled intervals. For installation and use of automatic pumping-type samplers, the KWSC follows the criteria 

described in Edwards and Glysson (1988, p. 32). 

Field methods for sediment sampling are documented in 

Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum No. 93.01. 

Water samples obtained for the analysis of sediment concentration and particle size are not composited (Office of Surface 

Water Technical Memorandum No. 93.01 and Quality of 

Water Branch Technical Memorandum No. 76.17). The cone 

splitter is used for samples that are split, (Quality of Water 

Branch Technical Memorandum No. 80.17). (Currently, 

(2006), the Quality of Water Branch is referred to as the Office 

of Water Quality).

Policy for the collection and publication of bed-load data 

is provided in Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum No. 90.08. This memorandum supersedes policy and 

guidelines provided in previous Quality of Water Branch 

Technical Memorandum Nos. 76.04, 77.07, 79.17, and 80.07, 

as well as Water Resources Division Memorandum No. 77.60. 

Among the policies stated in Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum No. 90.08, which are followed by the 

KWSC, is one stating that three cross-sectional procedures are 

used for bed-load sampling: the Single Equal Width Increment 

(SEWI) method, the Multiple Equal Width Increment (MEWI) 

method, and the Unequal Width Increment (UWI) method. 

Additionally, it is stated in Office of Surface Water Technical 

Memorandum No. 90.08 that it is the responsibility of field 

personnel to select the procedure that is optimal for the local 

condition. Bed-load samples are analyzed individually or as a 

composite. All samples are required to be analyzed individually until sampling variability for a particular site is understood by those analyzing the data.

The HSS chief is responsible for scheduling sedimentcollection activities at specific sites, and the KWSC WaterQuality Specialist is responsible for ensuring that KWSC 

personnel use correct procedures to collect sediment data. This 

individual establishes whether or not correct procedures are 

being used by discussing current procedures with individuals 

involved in sediment-data collection and reviewing pertinent 

memorandums and procedures with them, when necessary. 

The KWSC Water-Quality Specialist answers questions from 

KWSC personnel concerning sediment-sampling techniques.

24  Surface Water Quality-Assurance Plan, U.S. Geological Survey, Kentucky Water Science Center, Water Year 2006
Field Notes

KWSC personnel are required to fill out a miscellaneous 

note sheet each time a site is visited for sediment sampling. 

The employee completes the note sheet in its entirety before 

leaving the site. Original observations written on the note 

sheets are not to be erased; data are corrected by crossing out 

the original observations and writing the correct information 

near the original value. The goal of placing information on the 

field note sheet is to describe the equipment and methods used 

during the site visit as well as to describe relevant conditions 

or changes (Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum 

No. 91.15). For each site visit, information included on the 

note sheet includes, at minimum, site identification number 

and name, field personnel name, date, time, gage height, 

discharge information, and sampling equipment and methods 

used.

Upon completion of each field trip, field notes are placed 

in the current folder for that station; field notes are checked 

periodically. Presently (2006), the KWSC collects samples for 

lab analysis but does not compute the sediment record. 

Equipment

Care and maintenance of the sediment-data-collection 

equipment is the responsibility of the field personnel who use 

the specific equipment. Parts replacement and repair of damaged equipment is accomplished by replacing the damaged 

part; replacement parts are obtained through the HSS chief or 

the KWSC Water-Quality Specialist. The KWSC Water-Quality Specialist is the responsible for ensuring that appropriate 

equipment is used at all sampling sites. Sampling equipment 

is selected based on the constituents that are being investigated, the type of analyses that will be performed, and site 

conditions, including velocity and maximum depth of water. 

The KWSC follows equipment-design criteria and guidelines 

referenced in Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum 

No. 93.01.

Sample Handling and Storage

The quality of sediment data provided by a sediment 

laboratory is affected by the quality of the samples received 

from the field (Knott and others, 1992, p. 2). KWSC personnel 

are required to prepare sample labels, analysis instructions, 

and sample documentation according to guidelines presented 

in Knott and others (1992).

Sample containers are tightly sealed and stored in protective crates prior to field use. During field trips and prior 

to use, sample containers are stored in the field vehicle and 

shielded from direct sunlight. After the containers are filled 

with sediment samples, they are stored in the field vehicle and 

shielded from direct sunlight for the remainder of the field 

trip. Samples are delivered to the KWSC Sediment Lab after 

the field trip.

High-Flow Conditions

High-flow conditions at most streams are associated with 

high-energy conditions, unless the streams are subject to the 

effects of backwater. The sediment load and particle sizes 

associated with high flows are appreciable factors in sediment studies performed by the KWSC. Field personnel are 

instructed by the KWSC Water-Quality Specialist to ensure 

they are aware of their responsibilities in obtaining sediment 

samples at appropriate sites during high-flow conditions. The 

HSS chief or the project chief is responsible for ensuring 

that sediment samples are obtained during high-flow conditions. The individual collecting the sample is responsible for 

ensuring that the proper sampling equipment and methods are 

used during high-flow conditions. The KWSC Water-Quality Specialist is responsible for providing answers to KWSC 

personnel who have questions concerning high-flow sampling 

equipment or sampling procedures.

Cold-Weather Conditions

Sediment-sampling activities in the KWSC include 

obtaining samples during periods of subfreezing temperatures. 

During cold-weather conditions, field personnel should take 

every precaution to ensure their personal safety. Additionally, 

field personnel should attempt to ensure that floating slabs 

of ice do not damage equipment and ice crystals do not clog 

nozzles. 

When floating slabs of ice pose the danger of damaging sampling equipment, such as during spring breakup, field 

personnel may manage only to obtain surface samples between 

the floating slabs of ice (Edwards and Glysson, 1988, p. 86). 

The procedure is noted on the field note sheet and sample 

label. When anchor ice and frazzle ice are present, it may be 

necessary to move the sampling equipment quickly through 

ice crystals to avoid clogging the nozzle. This procedure also 

is noted on the field note sheets and sample label.

Site Documentation

A station description is prepared for each new sediment-sampling site. At sampling sites where streamflow-gaging activities occur, the description of sediment activities is 

included in the streamflow-gaging-station description. A list 

of elements included in each station description, along with an 

explanation of what items are included with each element, is 

presented in the attachment to Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum No. 91.15. At sites where only sediment 

samples are collected, the station descriptions are structured 

similarly to those for streamflow-gaging stations and contain 

similar informational items (Kennedy, 1983, p. 2). At sampling sites where gage houses have been installed, station 

descriptions are stored in the gage house for providing field 

personnel with information pertinent to sediment-sampling 

procedures for that particular site. Station descriptions are 

Collection of Sediment Data 25
included in the field folder and are maintained in the office 

files. Each description includes specific information explaining where the site samples should be taken and what method 

should be used.

Field personnel assigned to specific field trips are responsible for ensuring that copies of station descriptions located at 

their gage houses are current. Station descriptions are kept current by the individual that processes the sediment-station data 

and are reviewed annually by the field office chief to ensure 

that they are current. When a deficiency is identified during a 

review of station descriptions, the deficiency is corrected by 

the reviewer. The reviewer informs the individual who worked 

the sediment record of the deficiencies and provides suggestions to correct it. The individual who worked the record is 

responsible for making the corrections. 

A log of sampling activities is stored at each sampling 

site in the gage house. 

Processing and Analysis of Sediment 

Data

Sediment and associated streamflow data are compiled to 

produce sediment records for specific sites. Data processing 

of periodic measurements consists of four steps: tabulation, 

evaluation, editing, and verification (Office of Surface Water 

Technical Memorandum No. 91.15). The KWSC follows the 

considerations and guidelines presented in Porterfield (1972), 

Guy (1969), and Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum No. 91.15 in carrying out these four steps.

Presently (2006), the KWSC does not compute any daily 

sediment records.

The field office chief is responsible for ensuring that 

appropriate procedures are correctly applied in processing 

sediment data. Field notes and work sheets for each site are 

maintained in the current station folder while current year sediment data are being processed. After the record is complete, 

field notes and work sheets are maintained in the designated 

sediment-file folder.

Sediment Laboratory

The KWSC has a full service sediment laboratory where 

analyses are performed on samples submitted by many USGS 

and non-USGS customers. The laboratory receives an onsite 

review by appropriate technical or management personnel 

from the OSW every 3 years. These reviews examine all 

aspects of laboratory operations (Knott and others, 1993, 

p. 14). The KWSC Sediment Laboratory has a published quality-assurance plan (Shreve and Downs, 2005).

The sediment laboratory chief is primarily responsible for 

ensuring that appropriate equipment and procedures are used 

in the sediment laboratory. The laboratory is operated according to procedures described in Knott and others (1992) and 

Guy (1969). KWSC personnel follow procedures for calibration and maintenance of equipment, analytical procedures, and 

documentation as described in Knott and others (1992) and 

Guy (1969).

The KWSC adheres to policies described in memorandums issued by OSW and OWQ, in addition to following 

guidelines and procedures described in Knott and others 

(1992) and Guy (1969). USGS policy on accepted methods of 

sediment-size determinations is outlined in Office of Surface 

Water Technical Memorandum No. 93.11. Fall diameter is 

analyzed in this laboratory by use of the pipet method. When 

sediment concentrations are determined by the filtration 

method, the type of filter used is Whatman 934 AH filter, as 

stated in Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum 

No. 92.05, because the use of asbestos is no longer permitted 

in a USGS sediment laboratory,

Sediment-Station Analysis

A sediment station analysis is written for each sediment 

station operated by the KWSC each water year. The sediment 

station analysis is a summary of the sediment activities at the 

station for a given year. The analysis describes the coverage 

of sampling, the types of samples and sampling, changes that 

might affect sediment transport or the record, and the methods and reasoning used to compute the record. Information 

included in the sediment station analysis is presented in a 

thorough manner so that the checker and reviewer can determine from the anal­ysis the adequacy of the activities in defining the record and in accomplishing the objectives defined for 

the station (Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum 

No. 91.15).

Elements included in each sediment station analysis 

are listed in Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum No. 91.15, along with descriptions of the elements and 

examples. The sediment-station analyses are maintained with 

the station file.

Sediment-Analysis Results

Sediment data are published in the annual water-data 

report or in individual project reports. Sediment data are organized and reported as described in Novak (1985) and Office of 

Surface Water Technical Memorandum No. 91.15.

Sediment-Data Storage

All sediment field notes and written analytical results 

from the KWSC Sediment Laboratory are stored in the station 

folder or in the SLEDS database.

26 Surface Water Quality-Assurance Plan, U.S. Geological Survey, Kentucky Water Science Center, Water Year 2006
Database Management

Surface-water data have been collected by USGS personnel and stored in computer databases for more than 20 years. 

Proper storage and maintenance of surface-water data are critical components in the effective use of those data. Descriptions 

of policies and procedures associated with these functions are 

quickly outdated because computer hardware and software 

used in the processing and storage of surface-water data are 

continually changing. 

Database management in the KWSC is done by a team of 

individuals for each different type of data. The overall process 

of storing surface-water data collected at continuous-recording 

gaging stations includes using ADAPS and the standard USGS 

database. Instantaneous peak discharges and peak stages are 

stored in the Peak Flow File. Ground-water data are stored in 

GWSI and water-quality data are stored in QWDATA. The 

HSS chief has the final responsibility for ensuring that the 

surface-water database (ADAPS) and the Peak Flow File is 

current and accurate. 

Publication of Surface-Water Data

The Act of Congress (Organic Act) that created the 

U.S. Geological Survey in 1879 established the USGS 

obligation to make public the results of its investigations and 

research and to perform, on a continuing, systematic, and 

scientific basis, the investigation of the geologic structure, 

mineral resources, and products of the National domain (Alt 

and Iseri, 1986, p. 4). Fulfilling this obligation includes the 

publication of surface-water data and the interpretive information derived from the analyses of surface-water data.

Publication Policy

The USGS has created specific policies pertaining to 

publication and interpretation of data. All personnel, including 

those of the KWSC, are required to abide by those policies. A 

brief summary of goals, procedures, and policies are presented 

in Alt and Iseri (1986, p. 4-37).

All information obtained through investigations and 

observations by USGS staff or its contractors must be held 

confidential and not be disclosed to others until the information is made available to all, impartially and simultaneously, 

through Director-approved formal publication or other means 

of public release, except to the extent that such release is mandated by law (Alt and Iseri, 1986, p. 14). With the approval of 

the Director, hydrologic measurements resulting from observations and laboratory analyses, after they have been reviewed 

for accuracy by designated USGS personnel, have been 

excluded from the requirements to hold unpublished information confidential (Alt and Iseri, 1986, p. 15).

All interpretive writings in which the USGS has a proprietary interest, including abstracts, letters to the editor, and 

all writings that show the author’s title and USGS affiliation 

must be approved by the Director before release for publication. The objectives of the Director’s review are to final-check 

the technical quality of the writing, make certain that it meets 

USGS publication standards, and ensure consistency with 

policies of the USGS and the U.S. Department of the Interior. 

Director’s approval ensures that each publication or writing 

(1) is impartial and objective, (2) has conclusions that do not 

compromise the USGS’s official position, (3) does not take an 

unwarranted advocacy posi­tion, and (4) does not criticize or 

compete with other governmental agencies or the private sector (Hansen, 1991, p. 10).

Types of Publications

Various types of book publications released by the USGS 

are available in which surface-water data and data analyses 

are presented. Publications of the formal series include the 

Water-Supply Paper, Professional Paper, Bulletin, Circular, Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, Special 

Reports, and Selected Papers in the Hydrologic Sciences (Alt 

and Iseri, 1986, p. 42). Publications in the informal series 

include the Water-Resources Investigations Report, Open-File 

Report, and Administrative Report (Alt and Iseri, 1986, p. 52). 

Included in the Open-File Report series are data reports. Surface-water data collected by the KWSC are published annually in the series titled “U.S. Geological Survey Water-Data 

Reports.” Factors considered by the KWSC when deciding 

which form of publication should be used in presenting various types of information are presented in Green (1991, p. 14).

On December 29, 2003, U.S. Geological Survey 

Manual 1100.3—U.S. Geological Survey Publication Series—

was issued with the following revised publications series’: 

Administrative Report

Circular

Data Series

Fact Sheet

General Information Product

Open-File Report

Professional Paper

Scientific Investigations Map

Scientific Investigations Report

Techniques and Methods

Detailed definitions of each new series are available 

online at 

http://www.usgs.gov/usgs-manual/1100/1100-3appendixa.pdf

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Publication of Surface-Water Data 27
Review Process

Procedures for publication and requirements for manuscript review are summarized in Hansen (1991, p. 36-41). The 

KWSC fulfills those requirements for review and approval of 

publications prior to printing and distribution. All publications 

written by USGS scientists in connection with their official 

duties must be approved by the USGS Director. At least two 

technical reviews of each manuscript are required (Hansen, 

1991, p. 36). Competent and thorough editorial and technical review is the most certain way to improve and assure the 

high quality of the final publication (Moore and others, 1990, 

p. 24). Principles of editorial review and responsibilities of 

reviewers and authors are presented in Moore and others 

(1990, p. 24-49). All Open-File Reports published by the 

KWSC receive editorial review.

For publications other than the annual water-data report, 

it is KWSC policy for authors to provide written responses 

to all significant comments and suggestions provided by the 

colleague reviewers. Colleague reviewers’ memorandums, 

authors’ response memorandums, and marked up review copies are maintained with the draft manuscript that is submitted 

for USGS Director’s approval. 

The KWSC Director is ultimately responsible for presenting complete and accurate information in the KWSC annual 

water-data report; however, the HSS chief oversees all facets 

of the data-collection, data analysis, and report-production 

process. The HSS chief depends on the three field office 

chiefs for their valuable input. The KWSC Director has been 

delegated authority to approve the annual water-data report for 

publication. 

Safety

Performing work activities in a manner that ensures the 

safety of personnel and others is the highest priority for the 

USGS and the KWSC. Beyond the obvious negative effect 

unsafe conditions can have on personnel, such as accidents 

and personal injuries, they also can have a direct effect on the 

quality of surface-water data and data analysis. For example, 

errors may be made when an individual’s attention to detail is 

compromised because a dangerous condition is creating a distraction. The KWSC communicates information and directives 

related to safety to all personnel by individual and group inhouse training and verbal and written communication between 

management and staff so that personnel are aware of, and 

follow, established policies and procedures that promote all 

aspects of safety. Specific policies and procedures related to 

safety can be found posted on the safety bulletin board and by 

request to the KWSC safety officer. It is the responsibility of 

each employee to attend the required safety training provided 

by the KWSC, adhere to USGS and KWSC safety policies, 

and contribute to the development of KWSC policies by communicating to their supervisor the need for improvements. 

The KWSC has a designated safety officer. The safety 

officer’s duties include assisting the Director in making safety 

policies and procedures known to KWSC personnel. 

Personnel who have questions or concerns pertaining to 

safety, or who have suggestions for improving some aspect of 

safety, should direct those questions, concerns, and suggestions to their supervisor or the KWSC safety officer.

Training

Ensuring that personnel obtain knowledge of correct 

methods and procedures is a vital aspect of maintaining 

the quality of surface-water data and analysis. The KWSC 

increases the quality of work and eliminates the source of 

many potential errors by providing appropriate training to 

personnel.

The KWSC has a training officer who ensures that all 

employees are made aware of available training opportunities. 

It also is the responsibility of each supervisor and management 

to ensure that personnel receive appropriate training. Training 

includes formal courses presented by the USGS, local universities, and other institutions. An extremely important form of 

training includes one-on-one and in-house training sessions 

provided by more experienced personnel. Part of each employee’s performance plan includes discussions about training. 

Ideally, the supervisor and employee meet 2 to 4 times a year 

to discuss the employee’s performance and needed training. 

Summary

Information included in this Surface Water QualityAssurance Plan documents the policies and procedures of 

the Kentucky Water Science Center that ensure high-quality 

collection, processing, storage, analysis, and publication of 

surface-water data. Specific types of surface-water data discussed in this report include stage, streamflow, sediment, and 

basin characteristics. The roles and responsibilities of Kentucky Water Science Center personnel for carrying out these 

policies and procedures are presented along with issues related 

to management of the computer database and issues related to 

employee safety and training.

28  Surface Water Quality-Assurance Plan, U.S. Geological Survey, Kentucky Water Science Center, Water Year 2006
References Cited

Alt, D.F., and Iseri, K.T., eds., 1986, Water Resources Division publication guide, Volume 1, Publication policy and 

text preparation (2d ed.): U.S. Geological Survey Open-File 

Report 87-205, accessed February 28, 2006, at http://pubs.

er.usgs.gov/pubs/ofr/ofr87205

Arcement, G.J., and Schneider, V.R., 1989, Guide for selecting 

Manning’s roughness coefficients for natural channels and 

flood plains: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Supply Paper 

2339, 38 p.

Barnes, H.B, 1967, Roughness characteristics of natural channels: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Supply Paper 1849, 

213 p.

Benson, M.A., and Dalrymple, Tate, 1967, General field and 

office procedures for indirect discharge measurements: 

U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources 

Investigations, book 3, chap. A1, 30 p. 

Bodhaine, G.L., 1982, Measurement of peak discharge at 

culverts by indirect methods: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, book 3, chap. A3, 

60 p. 

Buchanan, T.J., and Somers, W.P., 1969, Discharge measurements at gaging stations: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, book 3, chap. A8, 

65 p. 

Carter, R.W., and Davidian, Jacob, 1968, General procedures 

for gaging streams: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of 

Water-Resources Investigations, book 3, chap. A6, 13 p. 

Dalrymple, Tate, and Benson, M.A., 1967, Measurement of 

peak discharge by the slope-area method: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, 

book 3, chap. A2, 12 p. 

Davidian, Jacob, 1984, Computation of water-surface profiles 

in open channels: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of 

Water-Resources Investigations, book 3, chap. A15, 48 p. 

Edwards, T.K., and Glysson, G.D., 1988, Field methods for 

measurement of fluvial sediment: U.S. Geological Survey 

Open-File Report 86-531, 118 p. 

Green, J.H., 1991, WRD project and report management 

guide: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 91-224, 

152 p.

Guy, H.P., 1969, Laboratory theory and methods for sediment 

analysis: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of WaterResources Investigations, book 5, chap. C1, 58 p.

Guy, H.P., 1970, Fluvial sediment concepts: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, 

book 3, chap. C1, 55 p.

Guy, H.P., and Norman, V.W., 1970, Field methods for 

measurement of fluvial sediment: U.S. Geological Survey 

Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, book 3, 

chap. 2, 59 p.

Hansen, W.R., ed., 1991, Suggestions to authors of the Reports 

of the United States Geological Survey (7th ed.): U.S. Geological Survey, 289 p.

Hubbard, E.F., 1992, Policy recommendations for management and retention of hydrologic data of the U.S. Geological Survey: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File 

Report 92-56, 32 p.

Kennedy, E.J., 1983, Computation of continuous records of 

streamflow: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of WaterResources Investigations, book 3, chap. A13, 53 p.

Kennedy, E.J., 1984, Discharge ratings at gaging stations: 

U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources 

Investigations, book 3, chap. A10, 59 p.

Kennedy, E.J., 1990, Levels at streamflow gaging stations: 

U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources 

Investigations, book 3, chap. A19, 31 p.

Kilpatrick, F.A., and Schneider, V.R., 1983, Use of flumes in 

measuring discharge: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of 

Water-Resources Investigations, book 3, chap. A14, 46 p.

Knott, J.M., Glysson, G.D., Malo, B.A., and Schroder, L.J., 

1993, Quality assurance plan for the collection and processing of sediment data by the U.S. Geological Survey, Water 

Resources Division: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File 

Report 92-499, 18 p.

Knott, J.M, Sholar, C.J., and Matthes, W.J., 1992, Quality 

assurance guidelines for the analysis of sediment concentration by the U.S. Geological Survey sediment laboratories: 

U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 92-33, 22 p.

Matthai, H.F., 1967, Measurement of peak discharge at width 

contractions by indirect methods: U.S. Geological Survey 

Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, book 3, 

chap. A4, 44 p.

Moore, J.E, Aronson, D.A., Green, J.H., and Puente, Celso, 

1990, Report planning, preparation, and review guide: 

U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 89-275, 81 p.

Novak, C.E., 1985, WRD data reports preparation guide: 

Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, book 3, 

chap. C3, 66 p.

References Cited 29
Porterfield, George, 1972, Computation of fluvial-sediment 

discharge: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of WaterResources Investigations, book 3, chap. C3, 66 p.

Rantz, S.E., and others, 1982, Measurements and computation 

of streamflow, volumes 1 and 2: U.S. Geological Survey 

Water-Supply Paper 2175, 631 p.

Sauer, V.B., and Meyer, R.W., 1992, Determination of errors 

in individual discharge measurements: U.S. Geological 

Survey Open-File Report 92-144, 21 p.

Shearman, J.O., 1990, User’s manual for WSPRO—A 

computer model for water surface profile computations: 

U.S. Federal Highway Administration Report, 

FHWA-IP-89-027, 187 p.

Shreve, E.A. and Downs, A.C., 2005, Quality-assurance for 

the analysis of fluvial sediment by the U.S. Geological 

Survey Kentucky Water Science Center Sediment Laboratory: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2005-1230, 

accessed February 24, 2006, at http://pubs.usgs.gov/

of/2005/1230/.

Smoot, G.F., and Novak, C.E., 1968, Calibration and maintenance of vertical-axis type current meters: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, 

book 8, chap. B2, 15 p.

30 Surface Water Quality-Assurance Plan, U.S. Geological Survey, Kentucky Water Science Center, Water Year 2006
Appendixes 1 through 6

31
The following memorandums are cited in the KWSC 

Surface Water Quality-Assurance Plan. The memorandums are 

provided in their entirety in a separate report by the Office of 

Surface Water.

Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum No. 99.06 

http://water.usgs.gov/admin/memo/SW/sw99.06.html

Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum No. 93.12 

http://water.usgs.gov/admin/memo/SW/sw93.12.html

Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum No. 93.11 

http://water.usgs.gov/admin/memo/SW/sw93.11.html

Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum No. 93.07 

http://water.usgs.gov/admin/memo/SW/sw93.07.html

Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum No. 92.11 

http://water.usgs.gov/admin/memo/SW/sw92.11.html

Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum No. 92.10 

http://water.usgs.gov/admin/memo/SW/sw92.10.html

Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum No. 92.09 

http://water.usgs.gov/admin/memo/SW/sw92.09.html

Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum No. 92.08 

http://water.usgs.gov/admin/memo/SW/sw92.08.html

Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum No. 92.05 

http://water.usgs.gov/admin/memo/SW/sw92.05.html

Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum No. 92.04 

http://water.usgs.gov/admin/memo/SW/sw92.04.html

Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum No. 91.15 

http://water.usgs.gov/admin/memo/SW/sw91.15.html

Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum No. 90.08 

http://water.usgs.gov/admin/memo/SW/sw90.08.html

Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum No. 90.01 

http://water.usgs.gov/admin/memo/SW/sw90.01.html

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum No. 89.08 

http://water.usgs.gov/admin/memo/SW/sw89.08.html

Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum No. 89.07 

http://water.usgs.gov/admin/memo/SW/sw89.07.html

Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum No. 88.18 

http://water.usgs.gov/admin/memo/SW/sw88.18.html

Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum No. 88.07 

http://water.usgs.gov/admin/memo/SW/sw88.07.html

Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum No. 87.05 

http://water.usgs.gov/admin/memo/SW/sw87.05.html

Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum No. 85.17 

http://water.usgs.gov/admin/memo/SW/sw85.17.html

Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum No. 85.14 

http://water.usgs.gov/admin/memo/SW/sw85.14.html

Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum No. 84.05 

http://water.usgs.gov/admin/memo/SW/sw84.05.html

Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum No. 83.07 

http://water.usgs.gov/admin/memo/SW/sw83.07.html

Water Resources Division Memorandum No. 92.59 

http://water.usgs.gov/admin/memo/policy/wrdpolicy92.059.

html

Quality of Water Branch Technical Memorandum 

No. 80.17 

http://water.usgs.gov/admin/memo/QW/qw80.17.html

Quality of Water Branch Technical Memorandum 

No. 76.17 

http://water.usgs.gov/admin/memo/QW/qw76.17.html 

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Appendix 1. U.S. Geological Survey Technical Memorandums Cited.

32 Surface Water Quality-Assurance Plan, U.S. Geological Survey, Kentucky Water Science Center, Water Year 2006
/kyproj/raw _data/W Y 2005/

ad cp ed l aq u a_calc lev els in d irects flow tra ck ers

0121.01 0406.01

h555_030701_051401.rawesc_030701_051401.rawcam _030701_051401.rawtroll_030701_051401.rawdaa_030701_051401.rawsut_030701_051401.raw

k y10008w .000ky10008w .001k y10008r.000k y10.rw c

aqu_0321.01

lev_0106.01

ind_0515.01

N ote: h 555 (Han dar 555), esc (E SC -80), cam (Cam pbell), troll (In situ Troll), daa (D esign A n alysis), an d sut (Sutron ) refer to equipm ent,an d 030701_051401 refers to th e begin /en d date of th e data set.

Proposed file structure for archiving “R A W ” data sets (files) fo r A L L d istrict statio ns for a given W ater Y ear. T his w ill fac ilitate o ffload ing “raw ” data for an entire W Y for archival purposes. File na m ing co nventio ns w ill be ind icative o f the eq uip m ent used for the m easurem ent and /or date(s) the data set rep resents, w hich w ill facilitate screening and locating data.

k y06006w .000k y06006w .001k y06006r.002k y06.rw c

03280000 (station#)

1019.04

Station #.seria l#.ctlStation #.seria l#.disStation #.seria l#.su mStation #.seria l#.w adStation #.seria l#.dat

Appendix 2. Hydrologic Data Section Surface-Water Electronic Archiving Layout.

Appendixes  33
UNITED STATES

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

WATER RESOURCES DISCIPLINE

Revised: C.R. Moses 03/30/2005

STATION DESCRIPTION.--RED RIVER AT CLAY CITY, KY

STATION NUMBER.--03283500

LOCATION.--Lat 37o51’53”, long 83o56’01”, Powell County, Hydrologic Unit 05100204, on right bank 25 ft upstream of 

bridge on State Highway 15 at Powell County Water Plant, 0.1 nmi downstream from Skinner Branch, 0.4 nmi upstream from 

Brush Creek, 0.5 mi west of Clay City, and at mi 21.6.

ROAD LOG.--From the junction of State Road 15 and the Mountain Parkway, drive north 0.6 mi to the bridge over Red River. 

The gage is located at the pumping station on the right bank 25 ft upstream of State Highway 15 bridge.

DRAINAGE AREA.--362 mi2.

HISTORY.--Established October 21, 1930 by U.S. Geological Survey. Re-established April 26, 1938 at same site and datum. 

Moved 50 ft upstream on August 13, 1975 at same datum. Prior to August 14, 1939 non-recording gages at former site. A creststage gage was installed July 28, 1993 for peak verification. March 25, 1998, removed servo-manometer/graphic recorder/560A 

DCP and installed Sutron Accubar Pressure Sensor and 555 DCP.

GAGE.--Vaisala 555 Data Collection Platform (phone 606-663-4821) interfaced with a Sutron Accubar Pressure Sensor, housed 

in a steel-lox building 20 ft downstream of water plant and referred to a wire-weight gage attached to the downstream handrail 

of Hwy 15 bridge. Check-bar reads 35.253 ft, gage datum. The orifice is fastened to the downstream intake stand-pipe of the 

pump house. The crest-stage gage has an index elevation of 17.993 ft, gage datum.

DATUM OF GAGE.--600.47 ft above NGVD of 1929 (levels by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers).

DATE OF LAST LEVELS.--September 21, 2001.

REFERENCE MARKS.--RM-15: 2” aluminum tablet located on the left upstream handrail of bridge. Elevation, 35.911 ft, 

gage datum.

RM-16: Chiseled square on the right downstream handrail of bridge. Elevation, 35.567 ft, gage datum (origin).

RM-17: Chisled square on gage house floor at doorway. Elevation, 26.715 ft, gage datum.

RM-18: Chiseled square on top of center line of culvert 20 ft streamward from gage house upstream side of highway. Elevation, 

24.643 ft, gage datum.

Appendix 3. Example of a Kentucky Water Science Center Station Description.

34  Surface Water Quality-Assurance Plan, U.S. Geological Survey, Kentucky Water Science Center, Water Year 2006
RM-19: Top of bolt on right upstream bridge footer. Elevation, 25.734 ft, gage datum.

RM-20: Chisled square on right upstream handrail of bridge. Elevation, 35.797 ft, gage datum.

CHANNEL AND CONTROL.--The low to medium water control is a sand bar with an island midstream about 400 ft downstream of the gage. Willows growing on the island may collect drift to some extent, causing numerous shifts. Channel control 

exist in high stages. Streambed is composed of gravel and cobbles and is probably permanent. Channel is straight for 1,500 ft 

upstream and 500 ft downstream of gage. Left bank cultivated and is overflowed occasionally (see remarks in DISCHARGE 

MEASUREMENT paragraph). Right bank is high and seldom overflowed.

DISCHARGE MEASUREMENTS.--Low-water measurements made by wading in the vicinity of the control. Medium and 

high-water measurements made from downstream side of highway bridge. Station markings are painted in 5-ft intervals with 

initial point at left end of downstream handrail. One channel at low and two at high stages. During extreme high flows, road 

overflow may occur about 0.5 mi east of the gage. This flow would bypass the gage. In this instance, flow must be measured at 

the gage bridge plus any overflow. Measurement can also be obtained from the Mountain Parkway bridge crossing. See attachment for traffic control plan.

POINT OF ZERO FLOW.--Extremely variable. Determinations have varied from 0.5 to 1.0 ft.

FLOODS.--Maximum discharge, 28,800 ft3/s, December 9, 1978, gage-height, 26.75 ft.

WINTER FLOW.--Ice effect during most winters.

REGULATION AND DIVERSION.--A gas transmission compressor station, located 5.0 mi northwest of the gaging station, 

has an emergency water supply consisting of an intake structure about 75 ft upstream of the gage and a 6-in. pipe line running 

back to the plant. They estimate the capacity to be 150 gallons per minute. Any water removed from the river is either evaporated or discharged into Lulbegrud Creek, which discharges into Red River about 10.0 mi downstream of the gage. The plant is 

normally supplied from Lulbegrud Creek and an associated lake. The amount of water drawn from Red River is considered to 

be negligible.

COOPERATION.--U.S. Army Corps of Engineers–Louisville District and Kentucky River Authority.

ACCURACY.--Records good.

SKETCH.--On file in Kentucky Water Science Center, Louisville, Ky.

PHOTOGRAPHS.--On file in Kentucky Water Science Center, Louisville, Ky.

QUADRANGLE.--F-24-c.

Appendixes  35
03283500 RED RIVER AT CLAY CITY, KY

STATION ANALYSIS, 2004 WY

RECORDS.--Continuous streamflow. Discharge measurement (Qm) obtained about every 8 weeks.

EQUIPMENT.--Vaisala 555 Data Collection Platform (DCP) interfaced with a Sutron Accubar Pressure Sensor (PS) housed in 

a steel-lox building 20 ft downstream of Clay City water plant. Wire-weight gage (WWG) located on the downstream handrail 

of bridge serves as the reference gage. There is a crest-stage gage (CSG) for peak verification.

HYDROLOGIC CONDITIONS.--Flow diversions by Clay City Water Plant, which can be significant during periods of low 

flow.

GAGE-HEIGHT RECORD.--Good record was obtained throughout the current water year except Nov 13, Dec 24 to Jan 5, 

Feb 6-8, and Mar 6-7 when the pressure gage was leaking.

DATUM CORRECTIONS.--Levels run September 21, 2001 found the WWG reading .026 ft low and was reset to correct 

datum at that time. Datum corrections shown on the primaries were adjustments of the DCP readings to agree with the WWG, 

which were prorated between gage inspections unless otherwise noted. See datum correction sheets.

RATING.--The low and low to medium water control is a sand and gravel bar with an island midstream located about 400 ft 

downstream of gage, which is subject to variable shifts due to the movement of bottom material and aquatic growth. Channel 

control exists at medium and high stages.

Discharge measurements (Qms) through No. 631 were available for this analysis, of which Nos. 623-629 were made during the 

current water year. Qms ranged in stage from 2.32 ft to 4.45 ft and in discharge from 83.3 ft3/s to 618 ft3/s. Rating No. 19 was 

continued in use.

SHIFT ANALYSIS

The 2004 WY began with a -.10 ft shift as indicated by QM 623, made Oct 3. This shift was used until the rise on Oct 27 when 

the leaves were removed from the control. QM 624, made Nov 18, indicated 0 shift and no shift was used until the rise on Jan 6. 

QM 625, made Jan 14, indicated a +.10 ft shift which was put in on the Jan 6 rise and used until Feb 6 when a +.15 ft shift was 

applied due to more scour of the control. This shift was based on QM 626, made Mar 11, and was used until the rise on April 

14. QM 627, made May 25, indicated a -.13 ft shift which was put in on the recession of the April 14 rise and carried to the rise 

on May 31. The -.13 ft shift was increased to a -.18 ft shift on the recession of the May 31 rise as indicated by QMs 628 and 629, 

made July 15 and Aug 24, respectively. QM 630, made Oct 7, indicated a large negative shift and a check measurement (631) 

was made. QM 631 indicated a -.35 ft shift and was given more weight then QM 630. The .-35 ft shift was put in on the recession of the rise on Sept 18 when more sand and gravel were deposited on the control. The 2004 WY ended with a -.35 ft shift.

See variable shift values sheet, 9-213-A, and rating curve for V-diagrams used during the year.

Appendix 4. Example of a Kentucky Water Science Center Station Analysis.

36 Surface Water Quality-Assurance Plan, U.S. Geological Survey, Kentucky Water Science Center, Water Year 2006
DISCHARGE.--Discharges computed by applying 24 readings per day from the DCP to Rating No. 19 with indicated shifts 

and datum corrections as shown on primary computations sheets. Discharges for the year hydrographically compared with 

03282500 Red River near Hazel Green, KY. Daily discharges are stored in DD-1 “Discharge, in cfs” for statistical computations.

SPECIAL COMPUTATIONS.--For the periods of Nov 13, Dec 24 to Jan 5, Feb 6-8, and Mar 6-7 due to nitrogen leaks, discharges were estimated based on hydrographic comparison with 03282500 Red River near Hazel Green, KY, gage-height plots, 

trend of flow, and weather records. Air temperature and precipitation data for Lexington, KY obtained from the University of 

Kentucky Agricultural Weather Center web site.

REMARKS.--Records good except for those estimated, which are poor.

Prepared by: J Hurst 11/19/2004

Checked by: S.B. Pickard 12/08/2004

Reviewed by: C.R. Moses 03/30/2005

Appendixes  37
LEVEL SUMMARY 

STATION NAME _______________________________________________________ STATION NUMBER __________________________________________ 

 DATE PARTY ORIGIN* 

Remarks: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Appendix 

5a. Level summary form.

WY05

38  Surface Water Quality-Assurance Plan, U.S. Geological Survey, Kentucky Water Science Center, Water Year 2006
RECORD COMPUTATION TRACKING/CHECKER SHEET 

 ESTIMATED DAILY DISCHARGE

Worker Checker Date: Why: How:

Plot unit gage heights by month (PR-15) _________ _________ ___________ _____________ _________________________________________Delete bad unit values or verify bad unit values (PR-2) _______ _______ _________ ___________ __________________________________Check latest levels and update level summary _______ _______ _________ ___________ __________________________________Review/Verify all measurements and inspections _________ _________ _________ ___________ __________________________________All measurements entered (adaps) _________ _________ ___________ ______________ _________________________________________All measurements archived (raw_data) _________ _________ ___________ ______________ _________________________________________Apply data corrections (PR-3) _________ _________ ___________ ______________ _________________________________________Merge EDL/DCP data (if needed) (PR-2) _________ _________ ___________ ______________ _________________________________________Plot current measurements on rating curve _________ _________ ___________ ______________ _________________________________________Is rating current or does it need revising _________ _________ ___________ ______________ _________________________________________Pull shift analysis with error bars (PR-5) _________ _________ ___________ ______________ _________________________________________Compute shifts and percentages _________ _________ ___________ ______________ _________________________________________Determine shift application (develop V-diagrams) _________ _________ ___________ ______________ _________________________________________Plot final rating curve with V-diagrams (DI-10) _______ ________

List measurements on 9-207 (full version, Use IG) (IN-9) _________ _________

Run primary (historical) & write protect partial days (PR-7) _________ _________ REMARKS: 

Check gage-heights against measurements _________ _________ ______________________________________________________________________

Check CSI readings versus recorded peaks _________ _________ ______________________________________________________________________Plot hydrograph (5 log cycles) (DI-3) _________ _________ ______________________________________________________________________Compared hydrograph with: (station # _______________) _________ _________ ______________________________________________________________________Estimate missing and determine ice record _________ _________ ______________________________________________________________________Update DV table _________ _________ Review thresholds and update if necessary (PR-1) _________ _________ Run end of year (EOY) summary for peaks (PR-12) _________ _________

Edit statistics and compute (PR-8) _________ _________ Max GH__________Q_________ Date__________ Time___________

Write analysis (Word format) (on going process) (PR-17) _________ _________ Max Q___________ GH _______ Date__________ Time___________Update station description (Word format) _________ _________ Min GH__________Q _________ Date__________ Time___________

Correct manuscript (in RED) and attach final DV table _________ _________ Min Q___________ GH________ Date__________ Time___________Data aging (checker set to “In-Review”) (PR-14) _________ _________ Max Daily Q_________________ Date__________________

List missing record and peaks above base _________ _________ Min Daily Q_________________ Date__________________

Peaks above Base of ___________________ CFS and Maximum (*) Date Time CFS GH CSI Date Time CFS GH CSI Date Time CFS GH CSI

______________________________________ ____________________________________ _______________________________________ ______________________________________ ____________________________________ _______________________________________ 

______________________________________ ____________________________________ _______________________________________

Water Year ____________ Station Name_______________________________________________________ Station Number___________________ Worked by______________________________ Checked by_________________________ Levels last run________________ Rating #___________

WY05

Appendix 5b. Record computation tracking/checker form.

WY05

Appendixes  39
ANNUAL SURFACE-WATER DATA REVIEWER SHEET

STATION NUMBER ______________________ WATER YEAR ___________________

STATION NAME _______________________________________________________________________

WORKED BY: ______________ CHECKED BY:________________ REVIEWED BY: ______________

FIELD WORK

MEASUREMENTS:

GAGE-HEIGHT RECORD:

LEVELS:

PEAKS:

9-207 

SHIFTS/ PERCENT DIFFERENCES/ FILLED OUT COMPLETE:

RATING

CURRENT/ NEEDS REVISION/ DRAWN PROPERLY:

ALL MEASUREMENTS PLOTTED:

PRIMARY COMPUTATIONS

DATA CORRECTIONS DISTRIBUTION:

SHIFT DISTRIBUTION:

ESTIMATED RECORD:

HYDROGRAPH COMPARISON:

STATION ANALYSIS

STATION DESCRIPTION:

STATISTICS/ DAILY VALUES TABLE/ MANUSCRIPT

DATA AGED (set to “Approved”):

COMMENTS: 

Appendix 5c. Annual surface-water data reviewer form.

40 Surface Water Quality-Assurance Plan, U.S. Geological Survey, Kentucky Water Science Center, Water Year 2006
Appendix 5d. Discharge measurement/shift corrections form.

DISCHARGE MEASUREMENT/SHIFT CORRECTIONS

STATION NUMBER _______________________ WATER YEAR ___________________ STATION NAME__________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

MEAS. 

NUMBER DATE

GAGE 

HEIGHT 

DISCHARGE

(CFS) 

SHIFT

APPLIED 

RATING

DISCHARGE 

Rt #________ 

DIFF

(CFS) % DIFF. REMARKS

WY 05 

Appendixes  41
Appendix 

5e. Datum/level corrections form.

DATUM/LEVEL CORRECTIONS

W

Y 05 STATION NAME _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

STATION NUMBER ________________________ REFERENCE GAGE _________________________ WATER YEAR ______________________

DATE TIME 

REFERENCE

GAGE READS 

DCP

READS

CORRECTION

#1 SET

LEVEL SUMMARY

CORRECTIONS 

#2 SET 

From Levels Dated 

________________ OTHER 

CORRECTION

#3 SET REMARKS

42 Surface Water Quality-Assurance Plan, U.S. Geological Survey, Kentucky Water Science Center, Water Year 2006
Appendix 5f. Slope-station computations form.

WY 05 SLOPE-STATION COMPUTATIONS

Date 

Base G.H.

Aux G.H. Fac tor

Discharge from Rating No. 

Computed Actual Discharge 

Computed by: ____________________ Date _______________ 

Checked by: _____________________ Date _______________

 Water Year ________ Station Name _______________________________________ Station # ________________ 

Appendixes  43
Appendix 

5g. Measurement log form.

MEASUREMENT LOG SHEET (Field Folder) 

Meas.No. Date G.H. 

Discharge

Location

MaxDepth

MaxVelocity

ByWho

NitrogenTankPressure Remarks 

WY 05

 Station Name __________________________________________________ Station # _________________ 

44  Surface Water Quality-Assurance Plan, U.S. Geological Survey, Kentucky Water Science Center, Water Year 2006
AVERAGE DISCHARGE WY 05

STATION NAME ___________________________________________ STATION # ____________________ DRAINAGE AREA ______________ SQ. MILES Inches = Avg. CFS x 13.58/(DA) = Avg. CFS x ______________ 

 Acre-ft = average CFS x 724.5 

Number of 

Years Water Year Mean CFS Cumulative CFS 

Average Discharge  CFS In/Yr Computed by: Checked by: 

Appendix 5h. Average discharge form.

Appendixes  45
This addendum to the Kentucky Water Science Center (KWSC) Surface Water Quality-Assurance Plan presents polices and 

procedures used by the KWSC specifically related to hydroacoustic instrumentation. Many standards, policies, and procedures 

documented in the main body of the Surface Water Quality-Assurance Plan apply to the use of hydroacoustics. This addendum 

documents standards that are unique to the hydroacoustic instruments used by the KWSC. It is expected that this addendum will 

be updated as the use of hydroacoustics increases and as new instruments, software, and firmware are introduced. This addendum is subdivided by instrument category:

Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler

Flowtracker Handheld Acoustic Meter

General

The KWSC Hydrologic Surveillance Section (HSS) chief is responsible for—

Updating KWSC users of hydroacoustic instruments on new policies and recommending procedures pertaining to 

the use of those instruments

Updating KWSC users of hydroacoustic instruments on instrument software and hardware upgrades

Updating KWSC hydroacoustic quality-assurance documents

Making decisions about personnel training pertaining to hydroacoustics

Reviewing data, procedures, methods, and documentation regarding hydroacoustics

Designating specific KWSC personnel as qualified users of hydroacoustic instruments

Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP)

ADCPs are used by the KWSC to make all types of measurements including the entire range of streamflows. The KWSC has 

four RD Instruments (RDI) Rio Grande ADCPs (two 1,200 kHz and two 600 kHz). Two (600 and 1,200 kHz) are kept in the 

Louisville office. A 1,200 kHz is kept in the Williamsburg field office and the remaining 600 kHz is kept in the Paducah field 

office. All ADCP operators must read and become familiar with the information contained in the following reports and policy 

memorandums:

USGS Open-File Report 95-701, “Quality assurance plan for discharge measurements using broadband acoustic 

Doppler current profilers,” by S.W. Lipscomb, 1995

USGS Open-File Report 2001-1, “Discharge measurements using a broad-band acoustic Doppler current profiler,” by 

M.R. Simpson, 2002

USGS Scientific-Investigations Report 2005-5183, “Quality-assurance plan for discharge measurements using acoustic 

Doppler current profilers,” by K.A. Oberg, S.E. Morlock, and W.S. Caldwell, 2005 

OSW Technical Memorandum 96.02, Interim Policy and Technical Guidance on Broadband ADCPs

OSW Technical Memorandum 2000.03, Software for Computing Streamflow from Acoustic Profiler Data

OSW Technical Memorandum 2000.07, National Coordination and Support for Hydroacoustic Activities

OSW Technical Memorandum 2002.01, Configuration of Acoustic Profilers (RDI) for Measurements of Streamflow

1.

2.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Appendix 6. Hydroacoustic Instrumentation – Standards, Policies, and 

Procedures.

46 Surface Water Quality-Assurance Plan, U.S. Geological Survey, Kentucky Water Science Center, Water Year 2006
OSW Technical Memorandum 2002.02, Policy and Technical Guidance on Discharge Measurements using Acoustic 

Doppler Current Profilers

OSW Technical Memorandum 2002.03, Release of WinRiver Software (version 10.03) for Computing Streamflow 

from Acoustic Profiler Data

OSW Technical Memorandum 2003.04, Release of WinRiver Software (version 10.05) for Computing Streamflow 

from Acoustic Profiler Data

OSW Technical Memorandum 2005.04, Release of WinRiver Software (version 10.06) for Computing Streamflow 

from Acoustic Profiler Data

ADCP Quality-Assurance File

The HSS chief maintains the ADCP quality-assurance file. The file is placed in the HSS and contains the following information:

A list of ADCPs and serial numbers

ADCP maintenance logs

Current firmware and software for each ADCP

A list of trained operators in the KWSC

Quality-assurance logs

Archival procedures and examples

A processing and reviewing guide

Field Procedures

Prior to going to the field, the ADCP operator ensures that the ADCP is in working order with the latest approved 

firmware; their notebook computer contains the latest approved software; they have a working laser range finder 

for measuring edge distances; and they have sufficient space on a compact flash card, CD-R, or USB mediastorage device that is used for temporary backup of the data.

Each time the ADCP is used, a diagnostic test is performed and the results are recorded and stored with the 

measurement data. The filename of the diagnostic test is included on the note sheet of any measurement made 

with the ADCP.

Prior to each measurement, a moving bottom check is performed using an OSW-approved method. The moving 

bottom check is recorded and archived with the rest of the measurement-data files. The test normally takes 5 

to 10 minutes. If a moving bed is found, an OSW-approved method to correct this situation, such as using a 

differentially corrected GPS, should be used to assist with the data collection. 

Edge estimates are always measured. Distances are measured using a range finder, tag line, or rule.

When using the RDI RIO Grande with the WinRiver software, operators use the Configuration Wizard to set up 

the instrument for the measurements. If any settings other than the Configuration Wizard settings are used, the 

reasons for the user settings are explained on the measurement note sheet.

The depth to the transducer below water surface is always measured before each measurement.

In accordance with OSW requirements, if all of the first four transects are not within 5 percent of the mean of 

those four measurements, at least four additional transects will be collected. The mean of the eight transects is the 

final streamflow measurement. Note: There are exceptions for unsteady flow.

After each set of measurements, or a least at the end of the day, all measurement data, moving bed tests, and 

diagnostics tests are backed-up on removable media such as a PC Compact Flash card or a CD.

•

•

•

•

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Appendixes  47
Office Procedures (post field)

ADCP measurements are archived, processed, and reviewed within 5 working days after returning from the field. Data are 

archived in accordance with the HSS surface-water electronic archiving layout. The layout is located in Appendix 2 of the 

KWSC Surface Water Quality-Assurance Plan. 

The ADCP operator is responsible for archiving all ADCP measurement data, moving bed tests, and diagnostic files; processing 

all measurements; making sure the measurement data are entered into the KWSC database; and finding a trained ADCP operator 

to review each measurement. 

The reviewer of the ADCP measurement data is responsible for ensuring that correct methods are used to collect and process 

the measurements. The reviewer ensures that measurement notes are accurate, the data have been archived correctly, and that the 

measurement notes have been filed. If any changes are made during the review process, the changes should be discussed with the 

original ADCP operator, the database updated, and the measurement notes filed.

Flowtracker

The Sontek Flowtracker is designed for use with a standard USGS top-setting wading rod and used by the KWSC to 

make wading discharge measurements. The following is a list of recommendations contained in Office of Surface Water 

Memorandum 2004-04. 

Field Measurements 

Prior to the use of the Flowtracker, the users must familiarize themselves thoroughly with the instrument by 

reading the Flowtracker Handheld ADV Technical Documentation. Users should familiarize themselves with the 

Flowtracker handheld controller, including all keypad operations, prior to collecting field data.

Prior to and after a field trip, the users perform a full diagnostic test on the ADV, called the ADVCheck, using the 

manufacturer’s Flowtracker software. The test procedures are described in the operations manual. The software 

displays signal-strength plots for each ADV receiving transducer. The Flowtracker Operations Manual describes 

the ADV Check and provides examples of good and problem signal-strength plots. If the signal-strength plots 

indicate a possible malfunction, the Flowtracker is not used to collect field data. In all instances, every diagnostic 

test is logged to a file. All diagnostic files and measurement data are archived electronically using the HSS 

surface-water electronic archiving layout as documented in Appendix 2 of the KWSC Surface Water QualityAssurance Plan. The diagnostic and measurement files can be provided to the manufacture for troubleshooting the 

instrument if problems occur. Anytime there is a malfunction or a problem occurs, an ADVCheck is performed 

prior to further data collection.

Prior to each discharge measurement, the user checks the ADV using the handheld controller Systems Functions 

Menu. The following items are checked:

System clock – The clock displays the correct date and time.

Recorder status – There is adequate data-storage capacity for the discharge measurement or velocity data run.

Temperature data – The ADV probe is immersed in the stream and the temperature is noted. At least 

once daily, the temperature recorded by the Flowtracker is checked against a temperature reading from an 

independent source. The temperature is noted on the discharge measurement note sheet.

Battery data – The battery voltage is checked to ensure adequate capacity for the discharge measurement.

The Flowtracker is designed for mounting on a standard top-setting USGS wading rod. It is recommended that 

an offset bracket available from the manufacturer or the Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF) be used to 

mount the Flowtracker probe head to the wading rod. The KWSC uses the offset bracket, which allows the sample 

volume to be located about 2 in. from the wading rod. The bracket was designed to move the sample volume as 

close to the wading rod as possible while remaining outside the flow disturbance caused by the wading rod. 

1.

2.

3.

•

•

•

•

4.

48  Surface Water Quality-Assurance Plan, U.S. Geological Survey, Kentucky Water Science Center, Water Year 2006
The Flowtracker probe head should be oriented so that the longitudinal axis passing through the centertransmitting transducer is parallel to the tagline, and the receiving arm with the red band should be downstream. 

Every effort is made to hold the wading rod level so the sample volume does not strike a boundary such as the 

streambed.

The minimum recommended velocity threshold for the Flowtracker is 0.1 ft/s; the instrument velocity error at 

0.1 ft/s is approximately 4 percent. If measured velocities are less than 0.1 ft/s, the measurement is not rated better 

than “fair.”

The measurement data from the Flowtracker after each set of measurements, or a least at the end of the day, 

including all measurement data, temperature tests, and the ADV Check diagnostic tests are backed-up on 

removable media such as a PC Compact Flash card or a CD.

Standard USGS measurement note sheets may be used to document the discharge measurement.

Measurement Documentation

For each set of discharge measurements, a file with the .WAD extension is generated and stored on the handheld controller. The 

.WAD file is downloaded from the controller, then the Flowtracker software is used to extract the following four files from the 

.WAD file: 

.CTL file – an ASCII file containing the Flowtracker configuration

.DAT file – an ASCII file containing 1-second velocity component and signal-to-noise ratios

.SUM file – an ASCII file containing station information and summary statistics from each measurement 

.DIS file – an ASCII file containing a discharge-measurement summary

A paper copy of the .DIS file is printed and attached to the measurement note sheet for filing. All four extracted electronic files 

plus the .WAD file are archived, processed, and reviewed within 5 working days after returning from the field. Data are archived 

in accordance with the HSS surface-water electronic archiving layout. The layout is located in Appendix 2 of the KWSC Surface 

Water Quality-Assurance Plan.

Measurement Quality Assurance

The following is a list of recommendations for using Flowtracker parameters to help assess the quality of the discharge 

measurements. Guidelines for using the parameters are—

Velocity standard error – If the average standard error for the measurement exceeds 8 percent of the mean 

measurement velocity, the measurement is rated no better than “fair.” If the standard error exceeds 10 percent of the 

mean measurement velocity, the measurement is rated no better than “poor.”

Boundary flag – There are four possible flags assigned to each station: “best,” “good,” “fair,” and “poor.” A 

boundary flag of ‘best’ does not guarantee a lack of boundary interference (see the Flowtracker Technical 

Documentation). If the ADV sample volume was striking a solid boundary, a ‘best’ flag likely would be displayed, 

but the measured discharge could be biased toward zero.

Velocity spikes – An excessive number of velocity spikes (more than 10 spikes per measurement) could be reason to 

downgrade the quality of the measurement.

Flow angles – A good measurement section shows some flow-angle variations. Angles less than 20 degrees depict a 

good measurement.

DatView – The use of the DatView software is used prior to making streamflow measurements, and the information 

collected during this test is logged and archived with the raw measurement data. 

5.

6.

7.

8.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Appendixes  49
Periodic Quality-Assurance Checks

Each Flowtracker is checked for discharge-measurement accuracy annually and after any hardware or firmware changes. The 

check consists of making a discharge measurement at a site where the Flowtracker-measured discharge is compared with a 

known discharge derived from some other source. Appropriate sources of comparison discharge would be discharge obtained 

from a stable discharge rating or discharge measured with a second Flowtracker or mechanical meter known to meet USGS 

calibration standards. 

50 Surface Water Quality-Assurance Plan, U.S. Geological Survey, Kentucky Water Science Center, Water Year 2006

Michael S. Griffin—Surface Water Quality-Assurance Plan, U.S. Geological Survey, Kentucky Water Science Center,

Water Year 2006—Open-File Report 2006-1273

Printed on recycled paper