Protect Water Sources and Quality

To protect our water, we must improve and protect where it flows through our valleys. The District is planning ahead and protecting our lakes and streams in alignment with the first step of our 5 Point Water Action Plan. We are working collaboratively with other local groups on the following key areas.

Partnering for Healthy Forests

The health of our creeks is directly connected to the condition of the forests in the upper watershed, or the land area that water flows through or under on its way to the St. Vrain and Left Hand creeks. Forests act as a filter to keep pollution out of water. When fires burn down trees, huge water quality issues often result. Since Colorado is experiencing increased large-scale wildfires, proper forest management is crucial to protect local watersheds. Reducing tree density makes forests less overcrowded and stressed, reducing fire risk, promoting native plant and wildlife habitats, protecting water quality and building ecological resilience. We are part of the St. Vrain Forest Health Partnership, and are cooperating with partner organizations to increase the pace and scale of pre-fire mitigation projects. As an example, the District funded the Jamestown Project, and is working with the Longmont and Boulder Valley Conservation Districts, Left Hand Fire District, and The Watershed Center to complete wildfire mitigation to protect critical resources in our watershed.

Improving Our Augmentation Program

We are working to add sources of water for augmentation in the St. Vrain and Left Hand valleys. Additional sources will help us decrease the impact of climate uncertainty and make water delivery more efficient. Timed releases can also help District members replace out-of-priority depletions (when they need to use additional water), provide water for recreational uses (like fishing) and add water to streams to improve their health during drought.

Increasing Stream Gages and Readings

Our Stream Management Plan outlines areas on the St. Vrain and Left Hand Creeks where more stream flow gauges are needed. Additional gages improve the tracking of creek flows and water uses to ensure that water rights are administered properly, to address climate uncertainty and to support our valleys’ ecology (plant and animal life).

Collaborating with Local Partners

Water programs, services, and projects are more complex today than they were in 1971 when the District was created. To succeed in the future, water managers, resource stewards, and communities must be more creative and work more collaboratively. With the 5 Point Action Plan, the District is positioned to continue and expand upon its proven track record and lead the way in adapting to new water supply realities and ensuring a secure water future for the District’s residents and the environment.