South Platte River
Monitoring Colorado Waters
River Watch of Colorado is a statewide volunteer water quality-monitoring program operated in partnership between River Science and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). The program primarily funded by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) through a mix of federal funds and Colorado Lottery funds.
Our Work
River Watch collects a multitude of water quality data statewide.
Collecting Samples
Groups sample and analyze all stations monthly for temperature, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, and hardness. Total and dissolved metals are collected monthly. High and low flow nutrient samples are also collected.
Analyzing Samples
Collected total and dissolved metals are analyzed at CPW laboratories for 13 metals. High and low flow nutrient samples are analyzed at CPW laboratories.
Sharing Data
This data is instrumental in crafting informed water resources policy in addition to educating citizens about the health of streams in their own backyards. Decision makers get quality data to make informed decisions to protect and restore our waters, striving for appropriate regulation.
River Watch data is additionally used internally to generate watershed reports for hundreds of watersheds statewide.
Volunteer
River Watch volunteers come in all shapes and sizes. School groups, watershed monitoring groups, community groups, and individuals all serve as watershed stewardship volunteers. Some groups monitor multiple sites on as many rivers; others focus on one specific site in their region. Because of the nature of our program's adherence to scientific methodologies, volunteers are required to commit to sampling once a month on their respective sites for a continuous year. River Watch staff will provide training and equipment to the volunteer and provide continuous support and supplies to ensure your program’s success.