Extensive areas of irrigated land in Colorado have become salinized and their associated water supplies have become similarly degraded. The Arkansas River is well known for the degree of its progressive downstream salinization only in relatively recent few years has it been recognized that the Lower South Platte River and associated irrigated lands are becoming increasingly salt affected. Substantial programs have not been implemented to rejuvenate...

The producing formations of the Denver-Julesburg Basin are currently being economically recovered in the Greater Wattenberg Area (GWA) of north-central Colorado for gas and oil condensate. Production has occurred mainly in southwestern Weld County. Data and trend analysis were performed to assess the distribution and long-term changes in the groundwater quality in the GWA. The intent of the analysis was to identify any short or long-term trends that...

The purpose of this document is to present an overview of the assessment methodology used by the Colorado Source Water Assessment and Protection (SWAP) Program. This methodology was used to evaluate all public drinking water systems in Colorado that have surface water sources or ground water sources that are under the direct influence of surface water. Topics addressed in this document include: 1) background information on the SWAP Program; 2) an...

Sustainable use of water is a priority for Colorado today. The state's rapid and continued growth and its popularity as a tourist destination has focused attention on the natural resources required to sustain its wildlife, communities, businesses, and recreational sites. Demands on Colorado's water supply are dominated by agricultural, domestic, and industrial use but also increasingly include requirements for recreation and ecosystems. Groundwater...