C0mmunities caring for rivers
Working with Colorado Parks and Wildlife's River Watch Program, Blue River Watershed Group staff and volunteers collect data contributing to a state-wide water quality database.
With this information, coordinated management practices are implemented and specific water quality concerns are addressed.
With this information, coordinated management practices are implemented and specific water quality concerns are addressed.
Join BRWG's River Watch program!
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Citizens like you are doing real science to monitor our rivers which are impacted by historic mining, current development, and large diversions
Together, our community gathers baseline water quality and macroinvertebrate data to contribute to a healthier watershed We go into the field and analyze samples in the lab. Reach out if you're interested in helping with any part of this important scientific work! |
Why we monitor water quality
The Blue River watershed has a rich history of historic mining. Some of our tributaries (smaller streams) are highly impacted by acid mine runoff. Monthly monitoring of metal, pH (acidity), and chemical resilience allows us to watch for dangerous spikes in loading, see trends over seasons and time, and identify areas of concern. Though much work is being done to "clean up" old mines and mine runoff, our community still has a long way to go. Water quality monitoring is keeping a pulse on the health of our rivers.
The Blue River watershed has a rich history of historic mining. Some of our tributaries (smaller streams) are highly impacted by acid mine runoff. Monthly monitoring of metal, pH (acidity), and chemical resilience allows us to watch for dangerous spikes in loading, see trends over seasons and time, and identify areas of concern. Though much work is being done to "clean up" old mines and mine runoff, our community still has a long way to go. Water quality monitoring is keeping a pulse on the health of our rivers.
Why we monitor macroinvertebrates
In the fall, annually, a bug collection takes place at each River Watch site. Macroinvertebrate populations are an indication of long-term water quality and ecosystem functionality. Macroinvertebrates feed on algae and detritus and are the food for fish. Their abundance and diversity of population give objective scores to the river, tracking trends over time. Population trends can show disturbance and recovery for large-scale planning and restoration efforts.
In the fall, annually, a bug collection takes place at each River Watch site. Macroinvertebrate populations are an indication of long-term water quality and ecosystem functionality. Macroinvertebrates feed on algae and detritus and are the food for fish. Their abundance and diversity of population give objective scores to the river, tracking trends over time. Population trends can show disturbance and recovery for large-scale planning and restoration efforts.
River Watch Story Map
Click here to learn more about the River Watch program and where BRWG monitors.
Click here to learn more about the River Watch program and where BRWG monitors.
River WatchTime Commitment: Monthly sample and processing events the first Wednesday of each month, unless otherwise noted Upcoming sampling events:
Email [email protected] to sign up! |
To learn more, become involved in Citizen Science, or report a water quality concern, please contact Reyna Schedler at [email protected]
Thank you to our past temperature monitoring citizen scientists:
Volunteer Resources
Volunteer Waiver - REQUIRED (sign and return for each person) - Click Here
