# Water Quality of the Boulder Creek Watershed, Colorado

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| IntroductionThe U.S. Geological Survey collaborated with the city of Boulder and the University of Colorado to provide a detailed examination of the water quality of Boulder Creek, Colorado, during high-flow and low-flow conditions in the year 2000.  226 water-quality variables were evaluated, including basic water-quality indicators, major ions and trace elements, wastewater-derived organic compounds, and pesticides. Discharge and bed-sediment particle size and mineralogy were also evaluated. Geographic information systems and modeling programs were used to delineate watershed boundaries, land cover, and geology. The detailed sampling and analysis provide a baseline for future reference, as well as information on the effect of land use and geology on water chemistry.
Current Research Activities***Fact Sheets***
Fact Sheet 043-03:  
Water Quality of the Boulder Creek Watershed, Colorado
 (pdf)
***Reports***
Water-Resources Investigations Report 03-4045:  Comprehensive Water Quality of the Boulder Creek Watershed, Colorado During High-Flow and Low-Flow Conditions, 2000.

Entire report (pdf, 31 MB)Cover page and table of contents (pdf)Executive summary (pdf)Chapter 1: Environmental setting and hydrology (pdf)Chapter 2: Delineation and characterization (pdf)Chapter 3: Basic water quality (pdf)Chapter 4: Inorganic water chemistry (pdf)Chapter 5: Natural and contaminant organic compounds (pdf)Chapter 6:  Pesticides (pdf)Chapter 7: Quantitative mineralogy and particle-size distribution of bed sediments (pdf)Chapter 8: Headwater catchments of North Boulder Creek (pdf)
Project Staff
Sheila F. Murphy, Hydrologist
U.S. Geological Survey
3215 Marine Street, Suite E-127
Boulder, CO  80303
Telephone:  303-541-3023
Fax:  303-447-2505
Philip L. Verplanck, Hydrologist
U.S. Geological Survey
3215 Marine Street, Suite E-127
Boulder, CO  80303
Telephone:  303-541-3080
Fax:  303-447-2505
Larry B. Barber, Geologist
U.S. Geological Survey
3215 Marine Street, Suite E-127
Boulder, CO  80303
Telephone:  303-541-3039
Fax:  303-447-2505

For More Information:

Boulder Area Sustainability Information Network
Chemical Transformations in Water Reclamation and Reuse
Sediment-Water Chemistry in Large River Systems:  Biogeochemical, Geomorphic and Human Content
Chemical Modeling and Thermodynamic Data Evaluation of Major and Trace Elements in Acid Mine Waters and Ground Waters
		USGS WRD Web Page	||			USGS WRD National Research Program Web Page	The URL of this page is: http://wwwbrr.cr.usgs.gov/projects/SWC_Boulder_Watershed/index.shtmlFor Questions Contact: Created by:Last Updated: 17  November 03
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