Water Quality

Roaring Fork River WatershedMountain and Trees

Pitkin County is actively involved in the development of the Roaring Fork River Watershed Plan. For more information on this planning effort, please visit roaringfork.org.


Water Resources Information 

Drainage & Erosion Control: Maintenance of the high water quality we enjoy in Pitkin County is the reason we require responsible construction practices and wise management of stormwater runoff from disturbed areas.

Endangered Species: Our riparian areas are threatened by numerous plant species that are not native to the Rocky Mountains.

Springs & Ponds: Springs and seeps are areas where water emerges from the ground to form a stream, creek, or wetland.

State Stormwater Management: The Colorado Water Quality Control Division's Permits Unit regulates the discharge of pollutants into the state's surface and ground waters.

Transmountain Diversions: Pitkin County depends greatly on the natural beauty and recreational opportunities that our mountain community offers.

Water FAQs: View answers to frequently asked questions about water and water resources.

Water Quantity & Quality: The amount of rain and snow we receive, snow and ice removal from our roadways, transmountain diversions to the Eastern Slope, and runoff from paved areas and irrigation all raise questions concerning water quality and water quantity in Pitkin County.

Water Savings: There are many things that we can do on a daily basis to conserve water, leaving more in our streams and rivers for recreation, wildlife and the overall health of our environment.

Water Use Statistics: By installing more efficient water fixtures and regularly checking for leaks, households can reduce daily per capita water use by about 35% to about 45.2 gallons per day.

Wells: A large number of residences in Pitkin County receive water from private wells.

Wetlands & Riparian Areas: Many properties within Pitkin County contain wetlands, especially those along streams, rivers, lakes and ponds.


Hydrologic Systems Analysis Studies

Upper and Middle Roaring Fork Valley

Capital Creek & Snowmass Creek

Crystal River & West Sopris Creek

The maps issued by FEMA that identify areas of 100-year flood hazard in a community are based on detailed or approximate analyses. These maps include actuarial insurance rate zones. 

Floodplain Resources:

Roaring Fork River Watershed

Pitkin County is actively involved in the development of the Roaring Fork River Watershed Plan. For more information on this planning effort, please visit roaringfork.org.
mountains flowers evergreen trees

Water Resources Information

Hydrologic Systems Analysis Studies

Upper & Middle Roaring Fork Valley

  1. Upper and Middle Roaring Fork Valley Report Summary (PDF)
  2. Upper and Middle Roaring Fork Valley Report Section 3 (PDF)
  3. Upper and Middle Roaring Fork Valley Report Sections 4-7 (PDF)
  4. Upper and Middle Roaring Fork Valley Full Report (PDF)
  5. Upper and Middle Roaring Fork Valley Appendices (PDF)

Capital Creek & Snowmass Creek

  1. Capital Creek - Snowmass Creek Report Summary (PDF)
  2. Capital Creek - Snowmass Creek Report Section 2 (PDF)
  3. Capital Creek - Snowmass Creek Report Sections 3-4 (PDF)
  4. Capital Creek - Snowmass Creek Report Sections 5-7 (PDF)
  5. Capital Creek - Snowmass Creek Full Report (PDF)
  6. Capital Creek - Snowmass Creek Appendices (PDF)

Crystal River & West Sopris Creek

  1. Crystal River and West Sopris Creek Report Summary (PDF)
  2. Crystal River and West Sopris Creek Report Table of Contents (PDF)
  3. Crystal River and West Sopris Creek Report Section 1 (PDF)
  4. Crystal River and West Sopris Creek Report Section 2 (PDF)
  5. Crystal River and West Sopris Creek Report Section 3 (PDF)
  6. Crystal River and West Sopris Creek Report Section 4 (PDF)
  7. Crystal River and West Sopris Creek Report Section 5 (PDF)
  8. Crystal River and West Sopris Creek Report Section 6 (PDF)
  9. Crystal River and West Sopris Creek Report Section 7 (PDF)