Water Quality

Delta County Environmental Health program partners with private and local, state, and federal entities to maintain and improve water quantity and quality in the County.  The Delta Board of County Commissioners is dedicated to preserving the quality and quantity of the water resources of Delta County and has therefore entered into a long-term research project to study the hydrology and science of water in the County.

If you are interested in learning more about getting a permit for a new well, contact the Colorado Division of Water Resources.  New wells, and those in submitting subdivision applications, will need to submit water sample reports to the Health Department.

Water Planning

Delta County groundwater planning area map was created to classify groundwater resources.

GIS-Based Hydrological and Environmental Systems Analysis (HESA) Studies 

Phase 1:  Oak Mesa Report, Oak Mesa Presentation

Phase 2:  North Fork Report, North Fork-Gunnison River Presentation, North Fork-Terraces Presentation

Phase 3:  Surface Creek

Phase 4: Uncompahgre River Valley

Colorado Water Data Sharing Network

Rogers Mesa Groundwater Report

Rainwater Collection in Colorado

Quick Facts:

  • Most homeowners in Colorado are now allowed to use rain barrels to collect rainwater.
  • A maximum of two rain barrels with a combined storage of 110 gallons or less are allowed at each household.
  • Collected rainwater may be used to irrigate outdoor lawns, plants or gardens.
  • Untreated rainwater collected from roofs is not safe to drink.

What about Graywater?

At this time "graywater" systems are NOT allowed in Delta County.  All wastewater must enter a septic or sewer system. Runoff from storm drains, French drains, etc. is not allowed in septic systems.  Learn more on the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment website graywater web page.

Colorado Water Quality Control

The Colorado Water Quality Control Commission is the administrative agency responsible for developing specific state water quality policies of the State of Colorado Water Quality Control Act. The Water Quality Control Division regulates and implements the standards for surface and ground waters of the State set forth by the Commission and State Legislature. 

Colorado Division of Water Resources

The Colorado Division of Water Resources provides administration of Colorado's water resources to meet the demands of today and the needs of tomorrow.  The agency works on basin of origin issues, issues involving federally-reserved water rights, wetlands, and endangered species recovery, as well as interstate water issues.

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Water Resources Division

The USGS has been studying our nation's water resources for the last century. They provide historical, periodic, and real-time information on many of the streams and rivers in the United States. They also have many water-related studies and reports available for viewing.

Selenium Management

Multiple efforts to address elevated selenium concentrations in the Lower Gunnison and Colorado Rivers with Colorado are ongoing.  The most active effort is related to the Selenium Management Program (SMP) facilitated by the US Bureau of Reclamation. Learn more at Gunnison River Basin website.