Arkansas Basin_Water Supply and Needs

• Basin Roundtable: Arkansas
• Title: Water Supply & Needs Report for the Arkansas Basin
• Date: 6/1/2006
• Author: CDM
• Basin Roundtables - Doc Type: Needs Assessment Documents

Section 3
Physical Environment of the Arkansas Basin

Plant was built, which greatly improved water quality, but
sources still affect and degrade the soil and water quality
in the California Gulch (EPA 2003).

In addition to impaired areas, threatened and
endangered species and areas of high environmental or
recreational value require special attention when
evaluating water supply projects and use patterns in the
Arkansas Basin.

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) awards the
Gold Medal designation to waters that have high-quality
aquatic habitat, a high percentage of trout 14 inches or
longer, and the potential for trophy trout fishing and
angling success. There are no Gold Medal designated
waters in the Arkansas Basin.

The Arkansas River has become one of the state's
largest water-based recreational attractions. Areas of
high recreational value in the basin, including the
Arkansas headwaters, whitewater reaches on the
Arkansas River, Lake Pueblo State Park, and Buffalo
and Collegiate Peaks Wilderness areas, are discussed in
the environmental report provided in Section 6.

Figure 3-8 shows the locations of some of the basin's key
aq uatic species habitat.

3.2.10 Energy and Mineral Resources

The headwaters of the Arkansas have been impaired
due to intense mining of molybdenum, gold, and silver.
Waters that have been affected include most of the
drainages in the Leadville area, Lake Creek, and Chalk
Creek (Water Colorado 2003, CDPHE 2000).

Colorado Springs Utilities operates three hydroelectric
power plants in the basin capable of producing a total of
33 megawatts of electricity (Colorado Springs Utilities
2003). Xcel Energy operates a thermal-electric power
generating facility in Pueblo.

CDIVI

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