WSP09675

• File Number: 8041
• Description: 208 Clean Water Grant
• State: CO
• Date: 8/16/1982
• Author: CWCB
• Title: Quarterly Reports on the 208 Clean Water Grant for the Water Quality Control Division of the Coloradio Dept of Health
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Publication

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3751

Elevations range from 4,500 to 10,000 feet above sea level in the
headwaters of Plateau Creek.

The irrigation of 66,000-88,000 acres of land in the
Valley constitutes the largest use of water in this area.
1960 population of this area was approximately 75,000.

Grand
The

USGS-Professional Paper 441

For water years 1914-57, the U. S. Geological Survey
reported an average annual increase in dissolved solids of
496,700 tons for the stretch of the Colorado River between
Plateau Creek and the Dolores River, excluding the Gunnison.
Of this amount, about 52,600 tons came from natural sources and
about 444,100 tons were contributed as a result of man's
activities. Irrigation of 78,700 acres along this stretch of the
Colorado accounted for an increase in sal t load ing of
approximately 440,600 tons annually. The remainder of the man
caused contribution is associated with municipal and industrial
use of water in this area.

The U.S.G.S. produced a separate salt budget for Plateau
Creek. Of the 66,000 tons of dissolved solids yielded by this
basin annually, approximately 38,000 tons were caused by the
irrigation of 29,000 acres of land. Slightly more than 300 tons
per year were attributed to thermal springs in the headwaters of
Plateau Creek and the remaining 27,700 tons per year were the
result of natural diffuse sources.

The total salt yield for the Grand Valley Subbasin, as defined
previously, could be estimated at 562,800 tons per year. Man
caused sources accounted for 482,100 tons, while natural sources
accounted for 80,700 tons.

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