Knowledge of the flow of water in the nation's streams and rivers plays a vital role in flood protection, water supply, pollution control, and environment management. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has proposed the creation of a National Streamflow Information Program (NSIP) to satisfy streamflow information needs. In addition streamgaging, the USGS envisions four components of NSIP: data collection during floods and droughts, regional and national assessments of streamflow characteristics, enhanced information delivery, and methods development and research.