WSP04249

• File Number: 8443
• Description: Narrows Unit
• State: CO
• Basin: South Platte
• Water Division: 1
• Date: 5/9/1977
• Title: Analysis of a Ground-Water Recharge System Alternative
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

OO~~to upstream developments. Their final conclusion was that there

may be some encroachment of woody vegetation on sand bars due to the

operation of the Narrows Unit.

3. The Effects of Water Quality on Recreation

Two factors have delineated as possibly reducing the recreation

benefits to be derived from Narrows Reservoir. These include the

effects of eutrophication and excessive bacterial levels.

Tbe eutrophication potential was thoroughly analyzed in the Final

Environmental Statement. At that time, it was suggested that a nutrient.

budget might be helpful. However, a review of existing data showed

that nutrient levels in the river were sufficiently high that they were

unlikely to ever De the factor limiting algal growth. Therefore, a

nutrient budget would not provide any additional information that would

be of value in assessing the potential for eutrophication.

There.have been questions regarding the conclusion that the water

quality of the river should improve due to the implementation of the

Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments (FwPCA). This conclusion

was developed from studies conducted independent of any related to the
..

Narrows Unit. It was predicated upon the obvious improvement that

has occurred over the last several years due to a program that was

implemented prior to the FWPCA Amendments of 1972. It has become

obvious that additional measures will be implemented under the FWPCA.

Therefore, it was concluded that further improvement could be expected.

5

~.

I~----.

-.

--

,.

.
r-

>0.... .
""'-"-

,.
t ....
Ii- ."
, .
,
f
,
.

_f

i
, .
f.
\.,.
~.
\.
.

~

.......

i
i
L-