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INTRODUCTION The U.S. Geological Survey is the Federal agency responsible for appraising the quantity, quality, and distribution of the Nation's surface- water and ground-water resources. Through its Water Resources Division, the Survey maintains data-collection networks, conducts interpretive studies, and supports hydrologic research in every State. It also works through cooperative programs with State, local, and other Federal agencies to help evaluate or solve regional and local water problems. Results of these activities provide a basis for many major water-management decisions. The purpose of this report is to describe the water-resources activities being done in Wyoming. The report also provides information to cooperating off)cials an~ the public about the accomplishments in the various appraisal projects durlng the fiscal year 1986 (October 1, 1985, through September 30, 1986) and planned work for fiscal year 1987. It is one phase of an effort to coordinate the water-resources activities of the Geological Survey with other water-related organizations. Most of the water-resources activities in Wyoming are cooperatively financed by local, State, and other Federal agencies; these cooperating agencies are identified throughout this report. An extensive listing of reports of results of the activities is provided at the back of this report. The activities are classified into two groups: (2) data-collection programs (projects), and (2) water-resources-appraisal projects. The data-collection programs and networks include (1) collecting records of streamflow and reservoir storage; (2) sampling and chemical analysis of water from streams; (3) sediment sampling and analysis of surface water; and (4) measuring water levels in wells. This report contains tables of monitoring sites for these four data-collection programs and networks. All four types of data collection also are done as part of many water-resources- appraisal projects; these short-term sites are not included in the tables in this report. Water-resources-appraisal projects described in this report include the projects conducted during fiscal years 1986 and 1987. Projects completed prior to fiscal year 1986, but for which final reports were in preparation at the end of fiscal year 1986, are listed separately. MESSAGE FROM THE DISTRICT CHIEF The employees of the Wyoming District, Water Resources Division, U.S. Geological Survey, contribute to the understanding of Wyoming's water resources by measuring and appraising the water resources of the State. The work we do not only benefits Wyoming, but the Nation as well, because water, whether above ground in streams and lakes or below ground in aquifers, follows no political boundaries. 2