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<br />Information about potential inbasin contaminants and transportation-
<br />related contaminants was compiled. Currently (1986), the greatest threat of
<br />contamination in the upper Arkansas River basin, hence Pueblo Reservoir,
<br />probably is from metal mines that discharge to the streams in the vicinity of
<br />Leadville. Flan~able liquids, combustible liquids, and fla~nable gases
<br />frequently are transported by highway; flammable liquids, combustible liquids,
<br />corrosives, oxidizers, and petroleum materials frequently are transported by
<br />rail. Depending on the specific compounds, location, and quantity of material
<br />spilled, a spill could pose a threat to the quality of water in Pueblo
<br />Reservoir.
<br />
<br />INTRODUCTION
<br />
<br />Pueblo Reservoir is the farthest upstream, main-stem reservoir on the
<br />Arkansas River and is located in Pueblo County approximately 6 mi upstream
<br />from and west of the city of Pueblo, Colo. (fig. 1). The reservoir is one of
<br />southeastern Colorado's most valuable water resources and provides municipal,
<br />industrial, and irrigation water, as well as flood control, recreation, fish
<br />and wildlife enhancement, and other beneficial uses to the region. More
<br />specifically, the reservoir is the sole source of municipal and industrial
<br />water supply for the cities of Pueblo and Pueblo West, and supplements the
<br />water supplies of St. Charles Mesa (located east of Pueblo, via the Bessemer
<br />Ditch), and Colorado Springs, Stratmoor Hills, Security, Widefield, and
<br />Fountain, which are located several miles north of Pueblo, via the Fountain
<br />Valley Pipeline. In addition, Pueblo Reservoir is one of Colorado's major
<br />recreational areas that is used extensively for fishing, boating, and primary
<br />contact recreational sports, such as swimming, water skiing, and wind surfing.
<br />The reservoir now provides water to a warm-water, cool-water, and cold-water
<br />fish hatchery that is located immediately downstream from the dam.
<br />
<br />Many of the current and future uses of the reservoir depend on maintain-
<br />ing acceptable water quality. Because Pueblo Reservoir is the farthest
<br />upstream, main-stem reservoir on the Arkansas River, it has the potential to
<br />become a sink for accidental spills and discharges that occur upstream. The
<br />close proximity of a railway and a major highway to the Arkansas River has
<br />raised concerns about effects on the reservoir from accidental transportation-
<br />related spills. The quality of water of Pueblo Reservoir may be affected by
<br />storm runoff, salt loading from irrigation-return flows, upstream discharges
<br />of municipal and industrial wastewater, and by extensive recreational use.
<br />Concerns over taste and odor problems and other potential water-quality prob-
<br />lems that may affect Pueblo Reservoir's many uses led to a 5-year comprehen-
<br />sive water-quality study of Pueblo Reservoir. The study was begun in the
<br />spring of 1985 by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Pueblo
<br />Board of Water Works, Fountain Valley Authority, Southeastern Colorado Water
<br />Conservancy District, Pueblo West Metropolitan District, St. Charles Mesa
<br />Water District, and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. The comprehensive inves-
<br />tigation will (1) Determine areal, vertical, and seasonal variations of
<br />physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of Pueblo Reservoir;
<br />(2) predict reservoir response to various contaminants; and (3) evaluate
<br />management alternatives to maximize the reservoir's long-term suitability for
<br />various uses.
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