Alluvial Water Quality
Highlights:
Alluvial (groundwater) contributes approximately 9% of the total annual yearly inflow to the Reservoir. Phosphorus concentrations in groundwater are similar to concentrations in Cherry Creek and higher than the average of all surface water inflows concentrations.
Concentrations of total dissolved phosphorus (TDP) or soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) are used for long-term evaluation of phosphorus because dissolved fractions are the main chemical forms found in groundwater and a longer period of record is available. In WY 2024, TDP concentrations were lower than the median, with the exception of MW-9 just upstream of the Reservoir in November 2023 which was above the 85th percentile.
A Mann Kendall trend analysis identified a statistically significant increasing trend of the annual median dissolved phosphorus in the groundwater upstream of the Reservoir (MW-9).
In addition to natural sources, conductivity in groundwater can be impacted due to interactions with surface water. A Mann Kendall trend analysis identified a statistically significant increasing trend of the annual median conductivity of all monitoring wells upstream of the Reservoir as well as MW-Kennedy below the Reservoir.
Why does Alluvial Water Quality Matter?
Groundwater travels more slowly than surface water to the Reservoir. CCBWQA samples groundwater to characterize the contribution and timing of past and current pollutant loads that originate underground.
Nutrient Concentrations: Alluvial and Surface Water Comparisons
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