NPS: Nature & Science » Networks: Northern Colorado Plateau Network

Water Quality Monitoring

Importance
The Northern Colorado Plateau Network (NCPN) parks are located in semi-arid to arid environments where water is a major factor in determining the distribution of flora, fauna, and historic human habitation. Additionally, the abundance and quality of water resources reflect human activities and land use in and near parks, and are a primary factor influencing park visitation and recreational activities. Water bodies in national parks are protected by the Clean Water Act and other policies that prevent unacceptable levels of pollution and establish acceptable values for other water-quality measures. Park managers need information on status and trends in surface-water quality and quantity to comply with the Clean Water Act and to mitigate historic and future impacts to park water resources that may have ecological and social significance.

View of the Yampa River at Harding Hole, Dinosaur National Monument.

Long-term Monitoring
As many as 30 water-quality parameters are measured at each site visit. At every site, the core parameters (specific conductivity, flow, temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen) are measured as basic indicators of water quality using portable water-quality sensors. Measurements are then compared to standards to determine whether water-quality goals are being met and if, over time, conditions are changing beyond acceptable normal ranges.

For more detailed information, see the In-depth Information box below.

Network park units with ongoing water quality monitoring
Arches NP	Curecanti NRA
Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP	Dinosaur NM
Bryce Canyon NP	Hovenweep NM
Canyonlands NP	Natural Bridges NM
Capitol Reef NP	Zion NP
NP = National Park; NM = National Monument; NRA = National Recreation Area

In-depth Information:

Monitoring Briefs:
Annual Reports:
Monitoring Protocol:	NCPN Water Quality Protocol - [62 MB PDF File]
Monitoring Data:	Interactive Water Quality Charts
Contact:	David Thoma, david_thoma@nps.gov

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