Brian Barton
Fountain Creek is a 74.5-mile-long (119.9 km) tributary of the Arkansas River, originating in Woodland Park, Teller County, Colorado. The creek has been identified by the State of Colorado as impaired due to high levels of pollutants, including E. coli and selenium. The pollution is caused by sewage spills, stormwater runoff, and agricultural activities. The creek is an important source of drinking water and a popular recreational spot for activities such as fishing and hiking. Efforts have been made to improve water quality and promote recreation, but the creek continues to face environmental challenges, with sewage spills and stormwater management issues remaining prevalent.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Length | 74.5 miles (119.9 km) |
| Watershed area | 927-930 square miles (2,400 km2) |
| Watershed districts | El Paso, Teller, and Pueblo Counties |
| Municipalities | Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Fountain, Manitou Springs, Green Mountain Falls, Woodland Park, Palmer Lake, and Monument |
| Tributaries | Monument Creek, Camp Creek, Cheyenne Creek, Shooks Run, Sand Creek, Cottonwood Creek, and Pine Creek |
| Pollution sources | Sewage spills, stormwater runoff, wildlife, livestock, stormwater overflows, farm and ranch runoff, sediment, oil and grease, heavy metals, pesticides, fertilizers, and bacteria |
| Pollution impacts | Impaired aquatic ecosystems, potential health risks for humans (especially infants, young children, and immunocompromised individuals), and adverse effects on wildlife |
| Pollution regulations | Clean Water Act, State of Colorado water act and regulations, discharge permit conditions and limitations |
| Pollution mitigation efforts | EPA inspections, legal settlements, improvements to sewage and wastewater systems, creation of detention ponds, rapid response measures, implementation of permanent structural controls |
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What You'll Learn
Sewage spills
Fountain Creek in Colorado has been identified by the State of Colorado as "impaired" due to high levels of selenium and E. coli in parts of the watershed. The primary sources of E. coli are raw sewage spills, wildlife, livestock, stormwater overflows, and farm and ranch runoff.
There have been several instances of significant sewage spills into Fountain Creek. In 1999, 70 million gallons of raw sewage spilled into the creek at Colorado Springs during a flood. In 2005, there were more than 300,000 gallons of non-potable water and sewage spills, resulting in a fine of $130,000 for Colorado Springs Utilities. On January 5, 2006, another 44,000 gallons of raw sewage spilled into Shooks Run and Fountain Creek, leading to elevated E. coli levels and a $10,000 fine for the utility company. This incident also prompted a required evaluation of how the utility managed sewage blockages within its system.
The utility company has made significant investments to improve the sewage system and prevent future spills. They expect to spend a total of $250 million by 2025 on these improvements. In addition, the City of Colorado Springs donated 40 acres of land in 2011 for the development of the Fountain Creek Eco-Fit Education Park, which will provide a space for visitors to learn about the creek through interactive play.
Despite these efforts, sewage spills continue to occur. In 2013, the local watershed district was suspended when the Sierra Club's national Water Sentinels Program lost its funding. This loss of funding may have contributed to ongoing challenges in managing the watershed effectively. Pueblo officials have expressed outrage over the extent of Colorado Springs' sewage system failures, particularly during deadly flooding events. The frequent sewage spills have polluted Fountain Creek, impacting the environment and potentially affecting public health.
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E. coli and selenium
Fountain Creek, a 74.5-mile-long tributary of the Arkansas River, has been identified by the State of Colorado as "impaired" due to high levels of selenium and E. coli in parts of its watershed. The creek, which runs through El Paso County, is an important source of drinking water for Colorado Springs, providing about 15% of the city's water supply. It also serves as a significant recreational resource for the community and is vital for agriculture in the dryland farming areas of southeastern Colorado and western Kansas.
The presence of E. coli in Fountain Creek has been a persistent issue. Between 1988 and 2003, approximately 74 million gallons of raw sewage spilled into the creek, leading to elevated levels of E. coli. While efforts have been made to improve the sewage system, spills have continued to occur, impacting the water quality. E. coli is a fecal bacterium that can pose a risk to human health, particularly during the summer months when higher temperatures create ideal breeding grounds for the bacteria.
Selenium, on the other hand, enters the creek through ground and surface water that picks it up from the soil. High selenium content has been a concern in Fountain Creek for many years. Selenium accumulates in the creek's aquatic plants and fish, potentially impacting the stream biota. Studies have shown an increase in selenium levels in fish as they travel downstream, with the highest concentrations found in northern creek chubs and white suckers in Pueblo, Colorado.
The pollution in Fountain Creek has multiple sources, including sewage spills, wildlife, livestock, stormwater overflows, and farm and ranch runoff. The variability in water flow, such as through floods and groundwater runoff, has also contributed to sediment build-up, changes in flow patterns, and vegetation alterations. These issues have made the preservation of this valuable natural resource a serious environmental justice concern.
To address these challenges, the Fountain Creek Vision Task Force was established in 2006 by the Pueblo and El Paso county commissioners. The task force aims to improve water quality, protect public health, ensure a healthy wildlife habitat, and resolve stormwater overflow issues. Additionally, organizations like the Sierra Club have made restoring and protecting clean water in Fountain Creek a priority, advocating for measures such as the creation of a watershed district to oversee improvements. While progress has been made, the complex nature of the pollution and the diverse range of sources continue to pose challenges in restoring the ecological integrity of Fountain Creek.
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Stormwater management
Fountain Creek, a 74.5-mile-long tributary of the Arkansas River, has been identified by the State of Colorado as "impaired" due to high levels of selenium and E. coli. The presence of these pollutants is attributed to various factors, including sewage spills, stormwater runoff, and agricultural activities. The creek's watershed, covering 927 to 930 square miles, includes portions of El Paso, Teller, and Pueblo Counties.
One example of sustainable water management is the implementation of green infrastructure. This approach involves utilizing natural processes to manage stormwater and enhance water quality. Techniques may include the use of detention ponds to treat overflow, the installation of large-diameter pipes, and the adoption of low-impact design technologies. By employing these strategies, communities can reduce the volume of stormwater runoff, minimize pollution, and promote the infiltration of water into the ground, thereby recharging groundwater sources.
Additionally, public awareness and engagement are vital components of stormwater management. Educational initiatives, such as the proposed Fountain Creek Eco-Fit Education Park in Colorado Springs, aim to inform visitors about the creek's ecosystem and the importance of maintaining its health. By fostering a deeper understanding of the creek's ecological significance, such efforts encourage community involvement in conservation and restoration activities. This, in turn, can lead to more effective advocacy for policies and funding that support sustainable stormwater management practices.
Furthermore, the establishment of organizations like the Colorado Association of Stormwater and Floodplain Managers demonstrates a commitment to sharing knowledge and expertise in this field. By offering citizen grants, the association promotes community engagement and empowers individuals to take an active role in stormwater management. Through collaborative efforts between government agencies, non-profit organizations, and engaged citizens, there is an ongoing drive to restore and protect the water quality of Fountain Creek, ensuring its longevity as a valuable natural resource for future generations.
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Water quality regulations
Fountain Creek, a tributary of the Arkansas River, has long faced issues with water pollution. The creek, which runs through El Paso, Teller, and Pueblo Counties in Colorado, has been impacted by sewage spills, stormwater runoff, and forest fires, leading to concerns about water quality and environmental justice.
To address these issues, various efforts have been made to implement and enforce water quality regulations in the region. Here is an overview of some key water quality regulations in Colorado:
Water Quality Control Commission Regulations
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC) has established several regulations to manage water quality and ensure safe drinking water. These include:
- Regulation 31: The Basic Standards and Methodologies for Surface Water
- Regulation 32: Classifications and Numeric Standards for the Arkansas River Basin
- Regulation 33: Standards for the Upper Colorado River Basin and North Platte River
- Regulation 34: Standards for the San Juan River and Dolores River Basins
- Regulation 35: Standards for the Gunnison and Lower Dolores River Basins
- Regulation 36: Standards for the Rio Grande Basin
- Regulation 37: Standards for the Lower Colorado River Basin
- Regulation 38: Standards for the South Platte River Basin and other basins
Water Quality Civil Penalty Inflation Adjustment Regulation
The WQCC's Regulation 101 aims to adjust civil penalties for violations of water quality standards to account for inflation.
Water Quality Control Division Cash Fees Regulation
Regulation 102 by the WQCC outlines the cash fees associated with the Water Quality Control Division's services.
Clean Water Act
The Clean Water Act is a federal legislation that establishes water quality standards and requirements for surface waters in the United States. Colorado's water quality standards are EPA-approved and aligned with the Clean Water Act. In 2009, the Sierra Club won a lawsuit against the City of Colorado Springs for repeated violations of the Clean Water Act, highlighting its enforcement.
Local Initiatives
In addition to state and federal regulations, local initiatives have been undertaken to improve water quality in Fountain Creek. The Fountain Creek Vision Task Force was created in 2006 to address water quality issues, and a proposal for a watershed district to oversee improvements was approved in 2009. However, this effort was suspended in 2013 due to funding losses.
Despite these regulations and initiatives, challenges remain in ensuring the consistent application and enforcement of water quality standards in Fountain Creek and its watershed. Continuous efforts are needed to protect this valuable natural resource and safeguard the health of the community and the environment.
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Environmental impact
Fountain Creek, a 74.5-mile-long tributary of the Arkansas River, has been identified by the State of Colorado as "impaired" due to high levels of pollution. The creek, which provides drinking water for Colorado Springs and is a major recreational resource, has suffered from sewage spills, stormwater runoff, and forest fires, all of which have contributed to its degraded state.
One of the main issues affecting Fountain Creek is sewage spills. In 2005, there were over 300,000 gallons of nonpotable water and sewage spills, resulting in a fine for Colorado Springs Utilities. In 2006, another spill of 44,000 gallons of raw sewage caused elevated levels of E. coli, a bacterium that indicates the presence of human or animal waste. These spills have occurred due to blockages and cracks in the sewer system, and the utility company has been working to improve the system to prevent further spills.
In addition to sewage spills, stormwater runoff is also a significant contributor to the pollution of Fountain Creek. The creek experiences extreme flow rates, and the rapid stormwater runoff carries pollutants such as sediment, oil, grease, heavy metals, pesticides, fertilizers, and bacteria into the water. The State of Colorado has alleged that the City of Colorado Springs has mismanaged its stormwater management program, resulting in violations of the Clean Water Act and other applicable laws.
Forest fires in 2012 and 2013 have also impacted the watershed, leaving major burn scars that result in increased stormwater runoff and higher pollutant loads in the creek. The variability of water flow, including floods and groundwater runoff, has further contributed to sediment build-up, changes in flow patterns, and vegetation changes.
The environmental impact of the pollution in Fountain Creek is significant. The high levels of E. coli and other bacteria can pose health risks to humans, especially infants, young children, and those with compromised immune systems. It also adversely affects the native aquatic animals and wildlife that depend on the water for drinking and food. The creek is an important source of drinking water and recreation for the region, and the pollution has raised serious environmental justice concerns.
Efforts are being made to improve the situation, with the creation of the Fountain Creek Vision Task Force in 2006 to address water quality issues and promote recreation. The Sierra Club has also prioritized restoring and protecting clean water in Fountain Creek for over a decade. The City of Colorado Springs has settled with the EPA and the State, agreeing to make improvements to reduce the discharge of pollutants and improve water quality for downstream communities. These improvements include permanent structural controls at sources that discharge stormwater and the creation of detention ponds to manage overflow.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Fountain Creek is polluted. The creek is listed by the State of Colorado as impaired due to high levels of selenium and E. coli. The presence of E. coli indicates contamination with human or animal waste. The water quality issues are caused by sewage spills, stormwater overflows, and farm and ranch runoff.
The pollution in Fountain Creek is primarily due to sewage spills and stormwater runoff. In 2005, there were more than 300,000 gallons of non-potable water and sewage spills. In addition, forest fires have resulted in increased stormwater runoff and pollutant loads.
Efforts are being made to improve the water quality in Fountain Creek. The Fountain Creek Vision Task Force was created in 2006 to address water quality issues and promote recreation. The Sierra Club has also prioritized restoring and protecting clean water in the creek. The City of Colorado Springs has made improvements under a settlement, resulting in significant reductions in the discharge of pollutants.
