Documented here is a progress report on the first year's operation in the collection of basic water quality data by the Public Health Service under this Act. It is expected that the present limited coverage will be expanded as new arrangements and procedures evolve. The following examinations were considered to be of greatest value in meeting the objectives of the program at this time: Radioactivity, Plankton organisms, Coliform organisms, Organic chemicals, Biochemical, chemical, and physical measurements.