Current Water Levels in Colorado

By: Ameen Hosain In the past years Colorado has experienced large fluctuations in water levels and rainfall, and thus has caused officials to encourage people who use large amounts of water to be conscious and responsible in monitoring water usage.

The above average snowfall levels in the state this past winter in combination with efficient water usage have had great effects on water levels in reservoirs across the state.  According to Denver Water, the reservoirs in the Denver area are close to 91 percent full as of May 24, a percentage that is 6 percent higher than the average levels at this time of year in the past.

This increased water level is expected to continue well into the summer months, with snow melt flows just beginning to make their way into local waters. Reservoirs are predicted to be at or past 100 percent capacity in the coming days, something that will have nothing but positive effects for both wildlife, and people using waters for recreation. Denver water thus encourages those who use water to continue being responsible with usage in order to maintain healthy water levels for the remainder of the year.

This responsible water usage has resulted in changed regulations regarding the collection of rainwater, with laws now allowing Colorado residents to collect up to 110 gallons for use in watering lawns and gardens.  If not one who collects rainwater, another way to assist in the maintenance of healthy water levels is to pay close attention to sprinkler systems; making sure to turn off systems when it rains, and ensuring that they are only used a maximum of three times a week.  These things are easy to do and are highly recommended by Denver Water in order to keep Colorado’s reservoirs in good shape.

Catch a Pike, Save Native Fish

Colorado Parks and Wildlife along with Colorado Water Conservation Board have given anglers an opportunity to catch pike, make money and save native fish. Several years ago, Green Mountain Reservoir was illegally stocked with Northern Pike- a predatory fish that feeds on trout among other species. State biologists are now concerned that the Pike will move out of Green Mountain Reservoir and into the Blue River that confluences with The Colorado River.

The reach of the Colorado River that concerns biologists and conservationists is federally listed as critical habitat that is home to the state's endangered native fishes - the Colorado pikeminnow, humpback chub, razorback sucker and bonytail.

"Northern pike are aggressive predators with big appetites and if their population continues to grow in Green Mountain Reservoir, that will have profound impact on the fish we have stocked there, as well as potential impacts to the endangered native fish we are currently trying to recover," said CPW's Jon Ewert, aquatic biologist from Hot Sulphur Springs.

In order to combat the Northern Pike potentially moving downstream, CPW  created the Green Mountain Reservoir Angler Harvest Incentive Package. Beginning Thursday, May 26, the program will give anglers the opportunity to earn $20 for every northern pike caught in the reservoir and delivered to Heeney Marina.

To participate, anglers must bring their northern pike to the Heeney Marina along with their driver’s license and fishing license. CPW will keep fish heads for analysis, returning the body of the fish to the anglers. Anglers not wishing to keep northern pike can donate their catch to the Marina for later distribution.

For more information, contact CPW's Hot Sulphur Springs office at 970-725-6200.