IDENTIFICATION OF WATER QUALITY ISSUES IN THE HEADWATERS OF THE ARKANSAS RIVER WATERSHED

Water quality in a headwaters systems is particularly critical because of its ability to impair the water sources downstream. The natural geologic conditions, and more importantly the historic mining activities in the Arkansas Rivers headwaters area have led to the contamination of these waters. Even though the water quality has improved over the past decade, continued monitoring and improvement efforts are critical since the Upper Arkansas River watershed is the public water supply for numerous downstream and Front Range communities. Most contamination in the Arkansas Headwaters is attributed to nonpoint source pollution including acid mine drainage from abandoned mine lands, soil erosion from unconsolidated sediments, bacteria and nutrients from livestock, and fertilizers from agriculture etc. For identification of critical water quality issues and needs in the watershed a watershed plan document is being prepared. The work on the plan document includes preparation of GIS maps, data analysis, stakeholder involvement, and collection and processing of water quality samples.