Laserfiche WebLink
<br /> <br />- <br /> <br />Due to the wide variety of sources utilized in producing this report much of <br /> <br />the information contained herein is subjective in nature. Information sources <br /> <br /> <br />range from specific in-depth field monitoring operations, to the "best <br /> <br />professional judgment" of individuals. The Water Quality Cpntrol Divisio"lf <br /> <br /> <br />recognizes the need for many of the nonpoint source problems identified in the <br /> <br />asseasment to be scrutinized through studies to determine the nature and <br /> <br />extent of the problems. An index of severity has been utilized in the <br /> <br />assessment in order to place significance on the identified problem areas. <br /> <br />The severity index'is based on exceedence of water quality standards or <br /> <br />criteria, impacts to beneficial uses, and subjective judgment. Both the Task <br /> <br />Force and the Water Quality Control Division encourage efforts to gain <br /> <br />additional information to reinforce the finding of this assessment report. <br /> <br />It is also important to recognize that this report focuses on surface wat~rs, <br /> <br />both streams and 'lakes. Groundwater information in Colorado is sparse. <br /> <br />Problems have been identified as they are recognized through site specific <br /> <br />studies. There is however no statewide data base of groundwater quality, or a <br /> <br />monitoring program to provide that data base. These are needs which the. Task <br /> <br />Force and Water Quality Control Division recognize; efforts to improve the <br /> <br /> <br />base of groundwater knowledge in Colorado are recommended. <br /> <br />Findings of the Assessment Report: <br /> <br />The impacts of nonpoint source water pollution are widespread in Colorado. <br /> <br />All of the seven major drainage basins are affected by these sources. In <br /> <br /> <br />general, heavy metals impacts are noted in areas of historic <br /> <br />-12- <br />