Water Quality of the Boulder Creek Watershed, Colorado

Introduction

The U.S. Geological Survey collaborated with the city of Boulder and the University of Colorado to provide a detailed examination of the water quality of Boulder Creek, Colorado, during high-flow and low-flow conditions in the year 2000. 226 water-quality variables were evaluated, including basic water-quality indicators, major ions and trace elements, wastewater-derived organic compounds, and pesticides. Discharge and bed-sediment particle size and mineralogy were also evaluated. Geographic information systems and modeling programs were used to delineate watershed boundaries, land cover, and geology. The detailed sampling and analysis provide a baseline for future reference, as well as information on the effect of land use and geology on water chemistry.

Current Research Activities

Fact Sheets

• Fact Sheet 043-03: Water Quality of the Boulder Creek Watershed, Colorado (pdf)

Reports

• Water-Resources Investigations Report 03-4045: Comprehensive Water Quality of the Boulder Creek Watershed, Colorado During High-Flow and Low-Flow Conditions, 2000.
Entire report (pdf, 31 MB)
Cover page and table of contents (pdf)
Executive summary (pdf)
Chapter 1: Environmental setting and hydrology (pdf)
Chapter 2: Delineation and characterization (pdf)
Chapter 3: Basic water quality (pdf)
Chapter 4: Inorganic water chemistry (pdf)
Chapter 5: Natural and contaminant organic compounds (pdf)
Chapter 6: Pesticides (pdf)
Chapter 7: Quantitative mineralogy and particle-size distribution of bed sediments (pdf)
Chapter 8: Headwater catchments of North Boulder Creek (pdf)