Protecting Chatfield's Water Quality

Chatfield Reservoir certainly offers a lot of water-related recreational activities. Anyone who has visited it knows that. But, what many don't know is about the team of experts that constantly monitor and protect the Reservoir's water quality. They are the water professionals and environmental regulatory agencies that make up the Chatfield Watershed Authority (Authority).With a mission to protect Chatfield's water quality, while protecting our environment, the Authority collects monthly water samples in the reservoir, creeks and rivers to monitor water quality changes in accordance with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) - Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC) standards. The Authority recently announced its most current water quality data collected in 2011 demonstrated that all water quality standards for Chatfield Reservoir were met, protecting the water supply, fisheries, recreation and other uses in the reservoir.In addition, the team also works to stabilize creek and river channels flowing into Chatfield Reservoir to help avoid and minimize erosion of the stream banks that enter the reservoir. It is through their on-going research, science, data collection and reports that they are able to provide factual evidence about the quality of the water for all types of uses. With this information, the Authority helps to promote water quality protection in Chatfield Reservoir and its entire watershed.Co-Chairman of the Authority, Larry Moore said, "We are currently pursuing many good ideas that will support the high-quality water in the Chatfield Watershed and are moving ahead to implement these important projects." He continued, "Our recent grant funding from State agencies will help us continue to implement watershed improvements aimed at promoting water quality in the Chatfield Reservoir even further."Today the Authority continues to implement projects such as stabilizing eroded stream banks, protecting natural habitats, and promoting water quality enhancements in the Watershed and Chatfield Reservoir. Be assured that, behind-the-scenes, this team of water quality experts is watching over and working hard to ensure that Chatfield Reservoir and its watershed remains a great place to visit with water quality that meets the multiple uses that occur at the reservoir.To learn more about the Authority, its members, projects, and what you can do to help, please visit: ChatfieldWatershedAuthority.org.