Water Quality

Gunnison River in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

NPS

Water quality is a measure of the suitability of water for various uses based on physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. Quality is important for both park ecosystems and visitors. Clean water can be the difference between a species ability to survive or not.

Even if water is clear or transparent, it does not necessarily mean it is "clean" or safe. The Gunnison River flows from the headwaters in the Southern Rocky Mountains, through multiple dams, and then reaches the national park. As it goes downstream, the river can be exposed to both natural and unnatural substances that can alter water quality. Substances such as heavy metals, pathogens, sediment, fertilizers, or micro-plastics can impact water quality. Adjacent agricultural, grazing, historical mining, and increased visitor uses are also factors.

 

Park staff conduct water quality monitoring in a stream tributary.

NPS

Monitoring Water Quality

National Park Service (NPS) staff routinely monitor various water quality testing sites to determine the "health" of the water. This monitoring has been ongoing since the early 1980s. Data collection helps identify problem areas and show trends of improving or worsening water quality over time. The Clean Water Act requires states to identify all waters that do not meet or cannot meet water quality standards.

Within the national park, there are fewer monitoring sites than the upstream recreation area. Water samples are taken below the Gunnison Tunnel diversion and along Red Rock Canyon. Overall water quality in the Gunnison River is good and does not exceed limits or indicate impairments below the tunnel. Trends in water quality at Red Rock Canyon can vary. Phosphorus, selenium, and E. coli are known to exceed state standards for recreation and aquatic life. This may be due to runoff from private inholdings and grazing upstream of the canyon.

Use the Hydrographic and Impairment Statistics (HIS) database to find park specific statistics.

Help Protect Water Resources

Visitors play a role in protecting water quality, and quantity, both at home and in national parks. Here are some ways you can help:

• Turn off the tap while filling water bottles at the visitor centers or campgrounds.

• Properly dispose of waste in trashcans to keep trash out of waterways.

• Pick up and dispose of pet waste. Pet waste may contain harmful bacteria and pathogens that can leech into drinking water sources.

• In places without bathroom facilities, ensure human waste is packed out or buried at least 100 feet from a water source (where allowed). Check park regulations.

 

Park staff using flow gauge to measure cubic feet per second (CFS) in the Gunnison River.

NPS