2B. Political Subdivisions
Preparation:
Tasks to be completed:
- Complete Courtney’s Presentation
- Complete the discussion prompt at the end of this page
Materials:
- Note taking materials
Presentation:
The Central Colorado Water Conservancy District (CCWCD) was formed in 1965, and is a political subdivision of the State of Colorado. The District covers approximately 475,000 acres, and was formed under the Water Conservancy Act of 1937. The mission statement of Central and it Subdistricts is : To develop, promote, and implement water conservation, augmentation, and management strategies to protect water resources for the benefit of the citizens of the District and Subdistricts.
Courtney Sandoval is the Water Quality Program Manager at CCWCD and the Water Ambassador for the Well Watch Program.
Optional Videos:
What is Eutrophication? (Nitrates and Phosphates)
The effects of Toxic Algae Blooms
Windsor Lake Reservoir Closes Due to Blue-Green Algae (Summer 2019)
References
Vocabulary:
- Chlorophyll – allows plants (including algae) to photosynthesize, i.e., use sunlight to convert simple molecules into organic compounds. Chlorophyll a is the predominant type of chlorophyll found in green plants and algae. Chlorophyll a is a measure of the amount of algae growing in a waterbody.
Discussion Prompt:
Was there any information that was new to you or did this section serve as a refresher? Let us know if any piece of information stood out to you.
4 comments
Join the conversationAndy Russell - July 26, 2020
I hadn’t heard of Regulation 85 until the pre-evaluation a few minutes ago. It’s interesting that it gave non-point source dischargers (i.e. farms) ten years of an honor system before they re-evaluate in 2022. Let’s hope they’re following the BMPs!
I was familiar with eutrophication and algal blooms, but I thought of those affecting the Gulf of Mexico rather than reservoirs here in Colorado.
Benita Wilson - July 30, 2020
I didn’t know about Regulation 85 or Best Management Practices. I found it interesting that Regulation 85 didn’t apply to agriculture yet to give them a chance to modify their impact using Best Management Practices. Since the reevaluation is in a couple of years, I’m curious to know whether there have been significant improvements with the implementation of Best Management Practices in agriculture since 2012 or if it’s looking like agriculture will be included in the Regulation 85.
Abigail Seen - August 5, 2020
Knowing that recharges and aquifers are very essential to farmers makes me wonder what if really there isn’t any snow in the mountains? I don’t know many farmers from my area but I know that they work so hard to keep their crops coming back every year. The livelihood of these essential workers can change dramatically or even put into a halt. Water scarcity is a terrifying thing to even think about.
Colette Hunt - August 9, 2020
I did not know about regulation 85. I do find it interesting that farmers are not included in that but could become in 2022. Like others have said before I didn’t know about the BMP’s but I hope many of the farmers are using this ten year time frame to instill some of these things. I found the toxic affects of algae blooms really interesting. I knew they were bad I just didn’t quite understand how or why. I found it very interesting that some fish can become off limits for a long period of time because of a bloom because it becomes stored in their tissues. If these are becoming more and more common, how likely is it that it gets in more than just fish/shellfish and becomes a real problem.