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<br />~ <br /> <br />~ <br /> <br />E. Water Quality <br /> <br />~ <br /> <br />1. Chemical and Physical Parameters <br /> <br />~ <br /> <br />Water quality information for the Rio Grande River near the points <br />of diversion into the Rio Grande and Monte Vista Canals is collected <br />on a continuing basis by the Colorado Department of Health. Since <br />1979, the CDOH has collected information on the river segment between <br />the confluence with Willow Creek and the Rio Grande/Alamosa County <br />Line. Chemical as well as physical parameters are measured 6 times <br />annually and compared to standards establ i shed for each parameter to <br />monitor the water qual i ty of the river segment. <br /> <br />~ <br /> <br />~ <br />. <br /> <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br /> <br />Standards are set for chemi cal and physical parmeters based upon <br />the water quality required for long-term health of aquatic and land <br />oranisms. Parameters are included based upon their potential for <br />adversel y affecti ng the heal th of organi sms or thei r importance in <br />contributing to health. <br /> <br />The three categories of parameters studied are; physical and <br />biological, inorganic, and metals. These physical, biological and <br />inorganic indicators are useful in determining overall water quality <br />as well as the status of instream chemical reactions. Metals in <br />stream water are derived from industrial activity and natural <br />weathering of upsteam rock. Tests for metal concentrations are impor- <br />tant because they affect aquatic organisms even at low concentrations. <br /> <br />IV - 19 <br />