Eutrophication of reservoirs on the Colorado Front Range

Abstract

Eutrophication has been observed in many, if not most, reservoirs along the Colorado Front Range. While Eutrophication is a natural process, the rapid pace with which it is occurring in Front Range reservoirs is a cause for concern. This study attempts to answer the following question: Is a regional approach to monitoring, modeling, and managing Front Range drinking water justified? The study identifies similarities, differences, and knowledge gaps that are important for developing an answer. This study has three components: (1) A survey of reservoir characteristics, water quality and management approaches; (2) an evaluation of existing Eutrophication models, and (3) an evaluation of the importance of food web dynamics in determining reservoir water quality.