Cutthroat Chapter River Watch News and Information (last updated January 16, 2008 )

What is River Watch. The “Colorado River Watch” program is an on-going volunteer water quality-monitoring program co-sponsored by the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) and the Colorado Watershed Network. It is designed to provide the CDOW and the Colorado Water Quality Control Commission with high quality water ecosystem data for use in making or revising water quality standards.  Several Colorado Trout Unlimited chapters have joined the program in the collection and analysis of water samples from two designated sites per chapter. These samples are analyzed monthly for pH, temperature, hardness, alkalinity, dissolved oxygen and heavy metals (Al, As, Ca, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mg, Pb, Se, and Zn). Twice a year (spring and autumn) nutrients (phosphorous, nitrate + nitrite, ammonia, chloride, sulfate, and total suspended solids) are collected. Chapter members conduct the water sample analyses except for the nutrient and heavy metal samples which are analyzed by an outside CDOW laboratory. Once a year, during low water flow conditions - typically in the autumn - samples are collected for macroinvertebrates.  Volunteers from the Cutthroat, West Denver and Cherry Creek Chapter's will sample water from sites on the South Platte River (Station #216) and on Bear Creek (Station #288) near Denver. Ken McClatchy is the Cutthroat Chapter River Watch Coordinator (303-972-0079) or email JKMCCL@aol.com.

Sampling Team Assignments.

Station 216 (new) Sampling Team - the following Cutthroat Chapter volunteers will sample the South Platte River (Station #216): Shannon Libertore, Dina Libertore, Colton Libertore, Michael McClatchy, Jim Rasmussen, Mike Howard, Bob DiCarlo, Harry Hall, Cathy Houser, Doug McFarland, and Joe Snoy.

Station 288 Sampling Team - sampling the Bear Creek (Station #288) site will be Steve Bailey, Anna McClatchy, Gil Hassinger (West Denver), Gary Frey (West Denver), Harry Ledyard (West Denver), Scott Warner, Tom DuPont, Ken McClatchy, Bob Churchill, and Mike Sellas. If a few more volunteers materialize, the teams working at each site will only need to sample and analyze their samples every other month.

Directions to reach the sampling sites are as follows:

Station 216 - The new site is number 216 and may be reached from the intersection of South Santa Fe drive (US hwy 85) and West Bowles Ave.  Bowles Avenue is 3.3 miles north of the intersection of South Santa Fe drive and C-470. From the  intersection of South Santa Fe drive and Bowles Ave, turn left and go west on Bowles for approx. ¼ mile and turn left on Echostar and go into the parking lot.  Park in the northwest corner of the lot near the Riverfront event center.  The bridge over the South Platte River will be in front of you.  The collection site is just above the bridge.

Station 288 - Bear Creek just below Bear Creek Reservoir and above the Kipling Parkway. From the intersection of Highway 285 (Hampden Avenue) and Kipling Parkway travel north on Kipling Parkway for about 0.7 mile to West Dartmouth Avenue and turn left. Turn right onto W. Dartmouth Place and then take an immediate right turn into “The Landing at Bear Creek” apartments and go to the rear of the parking lot. Park in front of Apt. #10107 and follow a trail to the creek. Turn left at the small feeder creek and continue on to Bear Creek. The sampling site is marked with two orange flags, one on each side of the river, and is slightly upstream from the mouth of the feeder creek. Each flag is labeled “RW-Sta. 288.  Collect your samples between the two flags.

Sampling instructions are described on page 129 in the River Watch notebook given to team members. Post-collection sample analyses will be completed at Ken McClatchy's house. Directions to Ken's house are as follows: The address is 7925 West Layton Avenue, Unit #310. Take South Wadsworth north from C-470 or south from Highway 285, turn East on Layton Avenue (opposite from Sam’s Club and the Lone Star Grill. Take two immediate left turns and leave your car in the parking lot. If you get lost or need additional directions, Ken's telephone number is 303-972-0079.  You should allocate about 1 hour

January Collection Schedule

The January 2008, River Watch samplings for the South Platte River site will be conducted Friday, January 18th, 2008 at 2 PM - Curtis Hartinstine from CDOW will attend the collection. The Bear Creek site was successfully sampled on Sunday, January 13th.

December Collection Results

No data to report.

November Collection Results

No data to report.

October Collection Results

No data to report

September Collection Results

No data to report

August Results

River Watch samplings in August were carried out on August 27, 2007, at 10:00 AM at the South Platte River at the Bowles Bridge and at 2:00 PM on Bear Creek at Kipling Parkway below Bear Creek Reservoir. The weather at both sites was partly cloudy and warm. I was assisted on the South Platte River by Doug McFarland, Jim Rasmussen and Bob DiCarlo of the Cutthroat Chapter and Kris Buros (Cherry Creek Anglers) and Harry Ledyard of the West Denver Chapter at Bear Creek. Thanks to all who participated. We were joined at both sites by D.J. Inman and the crew from D.J. Inman Productions
who are making a videotape on water quality. The sampling results are as follows:

South Platte River at Bowles Bridge
08/27/2007 at 10 AM
Station 216

Flow (CFS) - 46.2
Water Temperature (C) - 16.7
pH - 8.45
Phenolphalein Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 56
Total Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 70.4
Hardness (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 160
Dissolved Oxygen (%Sat.) - 60

Bear Creek below the Reservoir
08/27/2007 at 2 PM
Station 288

Flow (CFS) - 25.5
Water Temperature (C) - 21.1
pH - 8.11
Phenolphalein Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 2.0
Total Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 104
Hardness (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 104
Dissolved Oxygen (%Sat.) - 80

Heavy metal samples in duplicate and blanks for quality control purposes for both collection sites were submitted to the DOW for QA/QC analyses.

July Results

River Watch samplings in July were carried out on July 8, 2007, at 10:00 AM on the South Platte River at the Bowles Bridge and at 2:00 PM on Bear Creek at Kipling Parkway below Bear Creek Reservoir. The weather at both sites was clear and warm. I was assisted on the South Platte River by Doug McFarland (Cutthroat Chapter) and Kris Buros (Cherry Creek Anglers) at Bear Creek. Thanks to all who participated. The results obtained are as follows:

South Platte River at Bowles Bridge
07/08/2007 at 10 AM
Station 216

Flow (CFS) - 426
Water Temperature (C) - 17.2
pH - 8.06
Phenolphalein Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 0
Total Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 56
Hardness (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 92
Dissolved Oxygen (%Sat.) - Not determined due to lack of reagent (titrant)

Bear Creek below the Reservoir
07/08/2007 at 2 PM
Station 288

Flow (CFS) - 46.4
Water Temperature (C) - 20
pH - 8.11
Phenolphalein Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 0.0
Total Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 54
Hardness (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 54
Dissolved Oxygen (%Sat.) -Not determined due to lack of reagent (titrant)

Heavy metal samples for both collection sites were submitted to the DOW for QA/QC analyses.

June Results

River Watch samplings were collected on the South Platte River at the Bowles Avenue Bridge at 10:00 AM on Monday, June 11th and and at 2:00 PM on Bear Creek at Kipling Parkway. The weather at both sites was  clear and warm and the streams were both running very high and roily and were so fast that I would not allow anyone to step out very far into them.  I was assisted on the South Platte River by  Bob DiCarlo, Jim Rasmussen, and Doug McFarland and by Kris Buros and Harry Ledyard at the Bear Creek site.  Thanks to all who participated.   The results obtained are as follows:

South Platte River at Bowles Bridge
06/11/2007 at 10 AM
Station 216

Flow (CFS) - 632
Water Temperature (C) - 15
pH - 8.68
Phenolphalein Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 0
Total Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 60.2
Hardness (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 90
Dissolved Oxygen (%Sat.) - 88

Bear Creek below the Reservoir
06/11/2007 at 2 PM
Station 288

Flow (CFS) - 186
Water Temperature (C) - 14.44
pH - 8.13
Phenolphalein Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 0.0
Total Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 80
Hardness (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 80
Dissolved Oxygen (%Sat.) - 98

Heavy metal samples in duplicate and blank samples for both collection sites were submitted to the DOW for QA/QC analyses.

May Results

No data available

 April Results

No data available  

March 2007 Collection/Sampling Results

River Watch samplings were collected on the South Platte River at the Bowles Avenue Bridge at 10:00 AM and at 2:00 PM on Bear Creek at Kipling on March 10, 2007. The weather at both sites was cloudy and cool. I was assisted on the South Platte River by Jim Rasmussen and Steve Gerdes of the Cutthroat Chapter and Harry Ledyard of the West Denver Chapter and by Harry Ledyard at Bear Creek. Thanks to all who participated. The results obtained are as follows:

South Platte River at Bowles Bridge
03/10/2007 at 10 AM
Station 216

Flow (CFS) - 78.5
Water Temperature (C) - 3.88
pH - 8.78
Phenolphalein Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 16
Total Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 114
Hardness (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 196
Dissolved Oxygen (%Sat.) - 104

Bear Creek below the Reservoir
03/10/2007 at 2 PM
Station 288

Flow (CFS) - 29.5
Water Temperature (C) - 1.7
pH - 8.68
Phenolphalein Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 4.0
Total Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 84
Hardness (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 190
Dissolved Oxygen (%Sat.) - 84

Heavy metal samples in duplicate and blank samples for both collection sites were submitted to the DOW for QA/QC analyses.

February 2007 Collection/Sampling Results

The weather at both sites was clear and cool. I was assisted on the new South Platte River by Jim Rasmussen and Bob DiCarlo of the Cutthroat Chapter and Kris Buros of the Cherry Creek Anglers and by Harry Ledyard of the West Denver Chapter and Kris Buros on Bear Creek. Thanks to all who participated. The results obtained are as follows:

South Platte River at Bowles Bridge
02/18/2007 at 10 AM
Station 216

Flow (CFS) - 48.2
Temperature (C) - 2.2
pH - 7.99
Phenolphalein Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 0
Total Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 124
Hardness (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 202
Dissolved Oxygen (%Sat.) - 90

Bear Creek below the Reservoir
02/18/2007 at 2 PM
Station 288

Flow (CFS) - 40
Temperature (C) - 4.4
pH - 8.47
Phenolphalein Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 0.0
Total Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 72
Hardness (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 184
Dissolved Oxygen (%Sat.) - 89

Heavy metal samples for both collection sites were submitted to the DOW for further analyses.

January 2007 Collection/Sampling Results

River Watch samplings were collected in January on January 9, 2007 at 10:00 AM on the South Platte River below Chatfield Dam (the South Platte site was moved downstream because the river was frozen at the usual collection site) and at 2:00 PM on January 17, 2007 on Bear Creek below Bear Creek Reservoir. The weather at both sites was cloudy and cold. I was assisted on the South Platte River by Jim Rasmussen and Bob DiCarlo of the Cutthroat Chapter and Kris Buros of the Cherry Creek Anglers and Curtis Hartenstine of the River watch Program and by Harry Ledyard of the West Denver Chapter and Kris Buros on Bear Creek. Thanks to all who participated. The results obtained are as follows:

South Platte River at Bowles Bridge
01/09/2007 at 10 AM
Station 216

Flow (CFS) - 1.7
Temperature (C) - 9.4
pH - 7.99
Phenolphalein Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 0
Total Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 74
Hardness (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 274
Dissolved Oxygen (%Sat.) - 54

Bear Creek below the Reservoir
01/17/2007 at 2 PM
Station 288

Flow (CFS) - 23
Temperature (C) - 1.1
pH - 8.4
Phenolphalein Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 0.0
Total Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 86
Hardness (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 146
Dissolved Oxygen (%Sat.) - not done, no thiosulfhate titrant was available

Heavy metal samples for both collection sites were submitted to the DOW for further analyses.

This month I will discuss the quality control program used at River watch Every fifth trip to the collection sites we collect duplicate and blank (deionized H20) samples for submission to the program. In addition, Curtis Hartenstine of the River watch program visits one of our sampling crews on an annual basis, reviews our sampling techniques, and brings a series of unknown samples for testing. This year our South Platte River crew was visited and scored between 95.4% and 103% on the unknowns. Scores of 80 to 120% are considered to be satisfactory. Some 4 samples and 2 duplicate samples were tested. Sampling procedures were considered satisfactory. Collection data is now submitted on-line. All supervisory personnel must attend a one week training program prior to instituting the program at a school or in a volunteer group. Next month, I will discuss utilization of the data.

December Collection/Sampling Results

River Watch samplings were collected on December 10, 2006, at 10:00 AM on the South Platte River below Chatfield Dam and at 2:00 PM on Bear Creek below Bear Creek Reservoir. The weather at both sites was clear and cool. I was assisted on the South Platte River by Doug McFarland, Bob DiCarlo, and Jim Rasmussen of the Cutthroat Chapter and Harry Ledyard of the West Denver Chapter and Kris Bouros of the Cherry Creek Anglers and by Scott Warner (Cutthroat Chapter), Kris Bouros (Cherry Creek Anglers) and Harry Ledyard (West Denver Chapter) at Bear Creek. Thanks to all who participated. The results obtained are as follows:

South Platte River below Chatfield
12/10/2006 at 10 AM
Station 83

Flow (CFS) - 0.35
Temperature (C) - 7.3
pH - 8.16
Phenolphalein Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 0
Total Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 118
Hardness (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 200
Dissolved Oxygen (%Sat.) - 58

Bear Creek below the Reservoir
12/10/2006 at 2 PM
Station 288

Flow (CFS) - 21.9
Temperature (C) - 3.8
pH - 8.13
Phenolphalein Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 0.0
Total Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 74
Hardness (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 148
Dissolved Oxygen (%Sat.) - 78

Heavy metal samples (blanks and duplicates for quality control purposes) for both collection sites were submitted to the DOW for further analyses.

This month, I will describe Colorado’s major watersheds. Colorado is truly a headwater state and and is one of only two states from which water only flows out (the other state is Hawaii. With only three minor exceptions no water flows into the state. Colorado’s watersheds include the Colorado River, which drains the entire western slope and contains three sub-watersheds. Going clockwise, the other watersheds are the Rio Grande River, the Arkansas .River, and the South Platte River. Smaller watersheds include the Republican, Arikaree and North Platte Rivers. Next month, I will discuss quality control in the River watch program.

November Results plus Ken's Water Chemistry Notes

River Watch samplings were collected on November 18, 2006, at 10:00 AM on the South Platte River below Chatfield Dam and at 2:00 PM on Bear Creek below Bear Creek Reservoir. The weather at both sites was partly cloudy and cool. I was assisted on the South Platte River by Doug McFarland, Bob DiCarlo, Steve Gerdes, Cathy Houser, Doug Houser, and Jim Rasmussen of the Cutthroat Chapter and Harry Ledyard of the West Denver Chapter and Jason Evans of In-Situ, Inc. of Ft. Collins and by Harry Ledyard at Bear Creek. Jason demonstrated some automated equipment for the sampling process. Thanks to all who participated. The results obtained are as follows:

South Platte River below Chatfield
11/18/2006 at 10 AM
Station 83

Flow (CFS) - 23.6
Temperature (C) - 4.44
pH - 8.35
Phenolphalein Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 0
Total Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 76
Hardness (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 122
Dissolved Oxygen (%Sat.) - 82

Bear Creek below the Reservoir
11/18/2006 at 2 PM
Station 288

Flow (CFS) - 7.58
Temperature (C) - 5.5
pH - 7.89
Phenolphalein Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 0.0
Total Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 110
Hardness (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 188
Dissolved Oxygen (%Sat.) - 99

Heavy metal samples (blanks and duplicates for quality control purposes) for both collection sites were submitted to the DOW for further analyses.

This month I will discuss “Why delineate a watershed?” The quality and quantity of the water flowing into the South Platte River and Bear Creek depend on the uses of that water and the land within that watershed. The exception to this is if the watershed receives water from a different watershed through pipes, pumps, or tunnels. Whatever happens on the land above affects the water at the sampling stations. Examples of this would be urbanization, deforestation, floods, fires, improper ranching, agriculture or mining practices, or the presence of hydrological modifications like reservoirs. Colorado has seven major watersheds. Next month, I will describe Colorado’s major watersheds.

October Results

No data available  

September Results plus Ken's Water Chemistry Notes

River Watch samplings in September were carried out on September 18, 2006, at 10:00 AM on the South Platte River below Chatfield Dam and at 2:00 PM on Bear Creek below Bear Creek Reservoir. The weather at both sites was clear to partly cloudy and cool. I was assisted on the South Platte River by Jim Rasmussen, Doug McFarland and Bob DiCarlo (Cutthroat Chapter) and by Harry Ledyard (West Denver Chapter) at Bear Creek. Thanks to all who participated. The results obtained are as follows:

South Platte River below Chatfield
9/18/2006 at 10 AM
Station 83

Flow (CFS) - 21.1
Temperature (C) - 12
pH - 8.27
Phenolphalein Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 0
Total Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 72
Hardness (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 124
Dissolved Oxygen (%Sat.) - 70

Bear Creek below the Reservoir
9/18/2006 at 2 PM
Station 288

Flow (CFS) - 13.4
Temperature (C) - 16.4
pH - 8.57
Phenolphalein Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 40
Total Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 124
Hardness (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 164
Dissolved Oxygen (%Sat.) - 88

Heavy metal samples (blanks and duplicates for quality control purposes) for both collection sites were submitted to the DOW for further analyses.

This month I will discuss the importance of water temperature to fish survival. Water temperature is measured directly in the River Watch program using a thermometer held about half-way down in the water column. Water temperature determines the rate of many biological and chemical processes in the waterway and the well-being of fish is influenced by their body-temperature. Trout prefer a temperature of less than 55 F, while many warm water fish, such as bass, prefer temperatures of greater than 68 F. Also, cold water holds more oxygen than does warmer water. Next month I will begin to discuss the definition of a “watershed”.

August Results plus Ken's Water Chemistry Notes

River Watch samplings in August were carried out on August 5, 2006 at 2:00 pm on the South Platte River below Chatfield Dam and at 10:00 AM on Sunday, August 6th on Bear Creek below Bear Creek Reservoir. I was assisted on the South Platte River by Jim Rasmussen and Steve Gerdes (both of the Cutthroat Chapter), and by Kris Buros (Cherry Creek Anglers) and Harry Ledyard (West Denver Chapter) at Bear Creek. Thanks to all who participated. The results obtained are as follows:

South Platte River below Chatfield
8/5/2006 at 2 PM
Station 83

Flow (CFS) - 188
Temperature (C) - 20
pH - 8.13
Phenolphalein Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 0
Total Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 72
Hardness (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 114
Dissolved Oxygen (%Sat.) - 80

Bear Creek below the Reservoir
8/6/2006 at 10 AM
Station 288

Flow (CFS) - 10
Temperature (C) - 17.8
pH - 8.31
Phenolphalein Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 0
Total Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 92
Hardness (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 148
Dissolved Oxygen (%Sat.) - 82

Heavy metal samples were submitted to the DOW for further analyses.

Water temperature is important for the survival of trout. It affects the rate at which many biological and chemical processes proceed in water and the amount of oxygen that can dissolve in the water. The well-being of aquatic life, from bacteria to fish, is influenced by temperature. As was pointed out in a previous discussion, colder water holds more dissolved oxygen that does warmer water. Many warm-water fish, such as carp, crappie, bluegills, bass and catfish prefer water temperatures of greater than 20 C, cold-water fish, such as trout, prefer water temperatures of less than 12.8 C. I saw a demonstration of the River Watch web site that included our data collected over the past year at the CDOW. I will give more information about this in next month’s discussion.

July Results plus Ken's Water Chemistry Notes

River Watch samplings in July were carried out on July 10, 2006 at 11:00 am on the South Platte River below Chatfield Dam and at 2:00 PM on Bear Creek below Bear Creek Reservoir. I was assisted on the South Platte River by Kris Buros (Cherry Creek Anglers), Doug McFarland (Cutthroat Chapter), and Bob DeCarlo (Cutthroat Chapter) and by Kris Buros and Harry Ledyard (West Denver Chapter) at Bear Creek. Thanks to all who participated. The results obtained are as follows:

South Platte River below Chatfield
7/10/2006 at 11 AM
Station 83

Flow (CFS) - 803
Temperature (C) - 17.2
pH - 8.00
Phenolphalein Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 0
Total Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 156
Hardness (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 164
Dissolved Oxygen (%Sat.) - 78

Bear Creek below the Reservoir
7/10/2006 at 2:00 PM
Station 288

Flow (CFS) - 113
Temperature (C) - 20
pH - 8.31
Phenolphalein Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 0
Total Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 156
Hardness (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 164
Dissolved Oxygen (%Sat.) - 82

Heavy metal samples were submitted to the DOW for further analyses.

Hardness is a measure of Ca2+ (Calcium) and Mg2+ (Magnesium) in water. These two are the most common cations in fresh water. The EPA defines Hardness levels of 0-75 as “Soft Water”, levels of 75-150 as “Moderately Hard Water”, levels of 150-300 as “Hard Water” and levels of >300 as “Very Hard Water”. Fish seem to thrive in high hardness waters and the “hardness” seems to protect them from heavy metal pollutants. The exact mechanism for this protection is not known. An acid/base titration with EDTA (ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid) with ammonia buffer and EBT as indicators is employed in the River Watch program to measure hardness. Next month I will discuss the importance of water temperature to fish survival. It was called to my attention that the harness levels reported for May seemed low by factors of ten. This was found to be due to a misplaced decimal place and corrected results have been reported to the DOW and posted below.

June Results plus Ken's Water Chemistry Notes

In June, I was assisted at the South Platte River by Doug McFarland and Steve Gerdes of the Cutthroat chapter and Kris Buros of the Cherry Creek Anglers chapter of Colorado Trout Unlimited.  On Bear Creek, I was assisted by Scott Warner and Steve Gerdes of the Cutthroat chapter and Kris Buros of the Cherry Creek Anglers. Thanks to all that participated. Data obtained during the June sampling days are as follows:

South Platte River below Chatfield
6/10/2006 at 2 PM
Station 83

Flow (CFS) - 151
Temperature (C) - 26.6
pH - 8.49
Phenolphalein Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 8.0
Total Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 74
Hardness (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 140
Dissolved Oxygen (%Sat.) - 117

Bear Creek below the Reservoir
6/11/2006 at 2:00 PM
Station 288

Flow (CFS) - 2.68
Temperature (C) - 24.4
pH - 8.31
Phenolphalein Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 12
Total Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 124
Hardness (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 206
Dissolved Oxygen (%Sat.) - 51

Samples for heavy metals (filtered and unfiltered) were collected and submitted to the River Watch program for determinations in their Fort Collins laboratories.  I will alert you when these data are available over the internet.

In last month's report  I discussed the importance of pH determinations in water quality samples, this month I plan to discuss the importance of determining alkalinity in water samples.  Alkalinity is the balance of carbon dioxide in water and more specifically the amount of HCO3 (carbonates) and CO3 (carbonates). Alkalinity is measured as mg/l CaCO3 and is also called the buffering capacity of water. Buffering capacity is the ability of water to resist a change of pH when an acid (such as acid-rain) or base is added to the water. There is also evidence that fish in alkaline waters can resist the effects of heavy metals better than fish in streams of lower alkalinity.  Variations in alkalinity result from the soils that the water runs over; limestone has high alkalinity, granite does not. Next month, i will briefly discuss water hardness and its effect on a fishery.

May Results plus Ken's Water Chemistry Notes

South Platte River below Chatfield
5/11/2006 at 2 PM
Station 83

Flow (CFS) - 12.1
Temperature (C) - 17
pH - 8.85
Phenolphalein Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 16
Total Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 96
Hardness (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 140
Dissolved Oxygen (%Sat.) - 92

Bear Creek below the Reservoir
5/15/2006 at 2:00 PM
Station 288

Flow (CFS) - 8.43
Temperature (C) - 20
pH - 8.4
Phenolphalein Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 0
Total Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 98
Hardness (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 180
Dissolved Oxygen (%Sat.) - 77

Samples, in duplicate for heavy metals (filtered and unfiltered) were collected as well as blank samples (deionized water) in duplicate for quality control purposes. Samples were also collected for nutrients (nitrates, nitrites and ammonia), phosphates and sulfates and total suspended solids. The later two types of samples were submitted to the river watch program for determinations in their fort collins laboratories. 

In April's report I discussed the importance of the determination of dissolved oxygen. This month I will discuss the importance of ph determinations.  Ph is a measurement of the relative acidity-alkalinity in a solution such as water.  Ph is reported on a logarithmic scale of from 0 (most acidic) to 14 (most alkaline).  Therefore, the acidity of a stream at ph 7.0 is ten-times more acidic than a stream at ph 8.0. A ph of 7.0 is neutral.  Ph is measured in the river watch program by use of a ph meter with at least two calibration standards. 

Most plants and animals that live in streams prefer a ph range of 6.5 to 8.0.  One way that ph affects what can live in water is by changing the ability of blood to hold oxygen.  Respiration and the photosynthetic activities of aquatic plants and algae can cause major changes in ph.  Ph varies significantly with temperature; as a general rule, the colder the water, the slower that biochemical reactions occur and the low reactions do not affect ph as much as in warmer water. Wide variations in ph also occur because of stream  geology.  The ph of natural streams is largely determined by the geology and soils of the watershed.  Water running off of or through limestone contains calcium carbonate and would have a relatively high ph.   However, streams that come from wetlands may have a low ph due to the presence of humic acid derived from decaying plant material. However,  the most common cause of unnatural ph changes occur due to human activity. Mining may cause the leaching of heavy metals into soils and lower ph levels.  The disturbance of acid soils may also lower ph levels.  And lastly, industrial wastes may have ph values outside the normal range and have the potential to affect ph in receiving waters.  Ph changes can also be caused by atmospheric deposition (acid rain) and from the burning of fossil fuels by automobiles, factories and smelters.

Next month i plan to discuss the importance of determining alkalinity in water samples

You and your family members are invited to participate in this valuable program which is designed to monitor Colorado’s water quality. The Cutthroat Chapter, West Denver Chapter, Cherry Creek Angler and Rocky Mountain Angler volunteers are split into two groups and the time commitment for volunteers is about 1.5 to 2 hours per month. Please call Ken McClatchy at 303-972-0079 or email JKMCCL@aol.com for

April Results plus Ken's Water Chemistry Notes

The Colorado Trout Unlimited chapters that participate in the River Watch Program continue to perform well.  The Cutthroat Chapter with its partners from the West Denver Chapter and Cherry Creek Anglers  monitor the South Platte River below Chatfield Dam and Bear Creek below Bear Creek Reservoir.  In this paragraph the results of April's samplings are reported and I will begin to give some information concerning water chemistry. The results of the metals testing performed previously are not yet available on CDOW's River Watch website. I will keep you informed as to the availability of this data.  During April 2006, I was assisted at the South Platte River site by Bob DiCarlo, Jim Rasmussen and Doug McFarland; Steve Gerdes, Tom Dupont and I collected the samples at the Bear Creek site.  All of above  participated in assaying the samples.  The results of the tests that we performed on April 10, 2006 are given below:

South Platte River below Chatfield
4/10/2006 at 11:00 AM
Station 83

Flow (CFS) - 20.5
Temperature (C) - 12
pH - 8.51
Phenolphalein Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 0
Total Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 80.2
Hardness (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 142
Dissolved Oxygen (%Sat.) - 60

Bear Creek below the Reservoir
4/10/2006 at 2:00 PM
Station 288

Flow (CFS) - 16.1
Temperature (C) - 17
pH - 8.9 6
Phenolphalein Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 0
Total Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - No Data
Hardness (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 180
Dissolved Oxygen (%Sat.) - 90

Thanks to Bob, Jim, Doug, Tom, and Steve for helping out.  The South Platte River data becomes more important since the deepening of the Chatfield Reservoir has been proposed with a consequential increase in the flow rate coming into the river and the development of a good urban fishery on the South Platte River below
Chatfield.  The Bear Creek data increases in importance due to the plans to build a new dam on Bear Creek.

And now, a little discussion of the importance of dissolved oxygen in water samples. Dissolved oxygen is the amount of oxygen dissolved in water. This does not include air bubbles, but oxygen at the molecular level. Oxygen is necessary for all living things and for many of the chemical processes that take place in water.  Warm water contains less oxygen than cold water.  Dissolved oxygen levels change with the seasons as the temperature of the water changes. The necessary amount of oxygen varies with species, age, and activity.  Brown trout require less dissolved oxygen (and, thus, can tolerate somewhat warmer water), while rainbows, cutthroats and brook trout require more. Dissolved oxygen is measured in the River Watch program by the so-called Winkler method.  The Winkler method measures dissolved oxygen indirectly by taking advantage of how iodine reacts with an acid. We have noted in our sampling that as the water warms, the dissolved oxygen content goes down – this is as expected.   Next month, I will discuss the importance of pH in water chemistry.

March 2006 Sampling Recap

The Colorado Trout Unlimited chapters that participate in the River Watch Program continue to perform well. The Cutthroat Chapter with its partners from the West Denver Chapter continue to monitor the South Platte River below Chatfield Dam and Bear Creek below Bear Creek Reservoir. The results of the month’s samplings are reported below. During March 2006, I was assisted at the South Platte River site by Bob DiCarlo and Jim Rasmussen and I collected the samples at the Bear Creek site. Anna McClatchy participated in assaying the Bear Creek samples; Bob and Jim participated in assaying the samples from the South Platte River. For quality control purposes, duplicate metal samples and blanks (deionized water samples) were also collected. The South Platte sampling was shifted to Friday this month so that Anna and I could go fishing on Saturday. Both sampling days were cloudy, cold and snowy. The following results were obtained:

South Platte River below Chatfield
3/10/2006
Station 83

Flow (CFS) - 2.1
Temperature (C) - 11
pH - 8.78
Phenolphalein Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 0
Total Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 134
Hardness (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 248
Dissolved Oxygen (%Sat.) - 58

Bear Creek below the Reservoir
3/12/2006
Station 288

Flow (CFS) - 10
Temperature (C) - 5
pH - 8.69
Phenolphalein Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 0
Total Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 90
Hardness (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 190
Dissolved Oxygen (%Sat.) - 96

Thanks to Bob and Jim and Anna for helping out. The South Platte River Watch data becomes more important since the deepening
of the Chatfield Reservoir has been proposed with a consequential increase in the flow rate coming into the river and the
development of a good urban fishery on the South Platte River below Chatfield. The Bear Creek data increases in importance
due the plans to build a new dam on Bear Creek.

February 2006 Sampling Recap

Flow (CFS) - 10.8
Temperature (C) - 3
pH - 8.71
Phenolphalein Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 0
Total Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 78
Hardness (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 140
Dissolved Oxygen (%Sat.) - 95

Flow (CFS) - 16.1
Temperature (C) - 6
pH - 10.72
Phenolphalein Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 0
Total Alkalinity (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 86
Hardness (CaCO3 - mg/L) - 166
Dissolved Oxygen (%Sat.) - 82

January 2006 Sampling Recap. CDOW's River Watch Program Coordinator, Curtis Hartenstine, visited our Bear Creek River Watch volunteers on January 10, 2006, to observed our sampling technique and brought quality control water samples for us to test. The only suggestion Curtis made in regard to sampling was to add the reagents to the dissolved oxygen sample prior to transport back to the laboratory for testing so that the sample does not lose any of its oxygen during transportation. The chemical values found for pH, hardness and alkalinity were either right on or within 4% of the quality control expected values. Congratulations to all that participated in the exercise for these excellent scores. Participants in the January samplings included Steve Bailey, Harry Ledyard, Scott Warner and Ken McClatchy (Bear Creek site) and Mike McClatchy, Shannon Liberatore, Colton Liberatore, Dina Liberatore, Jim Rasmussen, Bob DiCarlo, and Ken McClatchy for the South Platte River site.

December Sampling Recap. Results not available .

November Collection Activity Recap. Kathy Houser and Jim Rasmussen sampled the South Platte site on Nov 12th. Harry Ledyard (West Denver), Scott Warner, and Bob Churchill sampled the Bear Creek site on Nov 13th. Ken McClatchy walked the respective sample teams through the Dissolved Oxygen, Alkalinity, Hardness and pH measurements. Filtered, Unfiltered and Nutrient samples were prepared for delivery to CDOW. Pictures of both sites were taken by Joe Snoy.

October Collection Activity Recap. October 9th was our first River Watch on-site activity - the volunteers learned to collect samples only.  The day of the training was rainy and very cold.  Hopefully, the dates in November will be more suitable to be outdoors.

Thank you for participating in River Watch.  Remember that safety is foremost. Do not enter the water if you are uncomfortable wading.