Special studies included:

• Watershed Plan Update: In 2023, CCBWQA began working on an update of its 2012 Watershed Plan.  This effort will continue into 2024, integrating findings from the HSPF watershed modeling scenarios linked to the Reservoir model.  
• Wetlands Harvesting Pilot Project: In 2023, CCBWQA completed year three of a six-year project to cut and dispose of wetland vegetation to reduce phosphorus and nitrogen from being carried to Cherry Creek Reservoir after the plants decay.
• BMP Effectiveness Study: In 2022, Regulation 72 stormwater requirements were “modernized” to be consistent with the current state of the practice for reducing pollutant loads from stormwater. As a companion effort, CCBWQA began a study to synthesize the most current information on the expected effectiveness of stormwater BMPs (also known as stormwater control measures). This study will be completed in 2024.
• Receiving Pervious Area Study: CCBWQA is partnering with SEMSWA and the Mile High Flood District to develop a more quantitative understanding of volume reduction benefits of receiving pervious areas such as grass buffers, grass swales and other landscape areas. By reducing runoff volumes through use of receiving pervious areas, pollutant loads can be reduced, as well as channel erosion. Use of receiving pervious areas is a key principle of low-impact development and green infrastructure approaches to development. This study will be completed in 2024.
• USACE Water Level Management Pilot Study:CCBWQA provided a letter of support to the USACE related to a pilot project beginning in 2024 that the USACE is undertaking to strategically manage water levels in the Reservoir to improve water quality during the summer months. CCBWQA will also provide data sharing to support this effort.

Useful Links

• link Cherry Creek Reservoir Sediment Phosphorus Study Report
• link Sediment Study Presentation
• link Cherry Creek Stream and Water Quality Assessment: Reservoir to State Park Boundary Study Report