CCBWQA uses two models to help make management decisions: one for the Reservoir and one for the Watershed. The two models were linked in 2020.

Cherry Creek Reservoir is a flood control reservoir that has had periodic blue-green algae blooms and high chlorophyll α concentrations. CCBWQA works to prevent algae blooms that can close the reservoir to recreational use and can harm wildlife.

The algae blooms are caused by a number of complex and dynamic factors and processes that occur in the watershed and within the reservoir. CCBWQA uses two models to better understand how these processes interact and affect the water quality in Cherry Creek Reservoir. The models help CCBWQA ask "what if" questions that eventually help them identify solutions to problems in the Reservoir.