CNGA LooseLeaf April/May19

colorad o nga.org 13 LooseLeaf  April/May 2019 Water Quality C O N C E R N S FO R G R OWE R S As a grower, gardener, landscaper, or homeowner, does water quality affect your horticulture practices and ability to grow desired plants? Should your water quality be tested if you grow edible fruits and vegetables? If you water from public water supplies like a tap or spigot, the short answer is no. Public water supply systems for domestic water use are tightly controlled. Agencies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), in particular the Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC), regulate Colorado’s water quality. The Source Water Assessment and Protection (SWAP) program protects public water sources and ensures they conform to state drinking water standards. If you water with a garden hose, environmental contaminants could still leach into your planting beds during rain or snow events. We know that water worldwide is connected by complex systems, and that environmental setting (such as nearby mines, agriculture or urban areas) affects water quality. If your yard and garden are exposed to nature, you can identify your watershed’s potential water quality concerns by accessing its water quality annual report and watershed plan, when available from local public health agencies or watershed groups. Greenhouses, nurseries, and homeowners who use well water or ditchwater may have more reason to be concerned because their water has fewer drinking water standards to meet, if any. Domestic wells, if not built properly, may be pumping water connected to contaminated rivers or aquifers. By Mallory Hiss Program Assistant Colorado Watershed Assembly WATER TESTING RESOURCES CDPHE colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/homeowner-water-testing-0 CSU Extension Soil, Water & Plant Testing Laboratory soiltestinglab.colostate.edu CSUWater Quality Interpretation Tool erams.com/wqtool Some Colorado Water Quality Concerns Salinity is one of the most significant water quality issues in Colorado. Salt inhibits plant growth, whether it occurs in the soil or the water source. • Sources: about half of measured salinity coms from natural weathering of rocks and soil, and about half can be attributed to human activity • Prevention: The Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Program, a collaborative effort between the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) and CDPHE, addresses salinity issues by providing information and Best Management Practices. Heavy metals (e.g. Al, Cd, Cu, Fe, Zn, Pb, Mn, As, Ni, Se, Ag) • Sources: natural weathering, abandoned mines, industrial processes, waste dumps, and tailings (brightly-colored water is an indicator of heavy metal presence) • Prevention: Have your water source or soil analyzed professionally before attempting to grow an edible crop. Thoroughly wash your hands and clothes after exposure to natural water sources, and always wash garden edibles before eating or chopping. Excessive nutrients (e.g. phosphorous and nitrogen) • Sources: runoff of lawn and garden fertilizers, stormwater runoff, municipal and industrial discharges, individual sewage treatment systems (septic systems), agricultural runoff from farms and feedlots, and animal waste from grazing and feeding operations • Prevention: Know your soils. Inexpensive soil test kits are available from your local garden center. Colorado State University Extension can assess your soil and recommend appropriate fertilizers and soil amendments. Escherichia coli (E. coli) and other fecal contaminants • Sources: fecal matter • Prevention: Garden far away from animal pens, manure, and compost piles, and prevent animals from accessing your compost pile and beds. WATER QUALITY EXPERTS & RESOURCES CDPHE Drinking Water colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/drinking-water SWAP colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/source-water-assessment-and-protection-swap CDPHE Well Water colorado.gov/cdphe/drinking-water-private-wells Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Program cwcb.state.co.us/environment/salinity-control/Pages/main.aspx E. Coli Contamination Prevention Tips cals.arizona.edu/fps/SAHG CDPHE Water Quality colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/categories/services-and-information/environment/water-quality CDPHE List of Impaired Waters colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/impaired-waters CSU Extension Water extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/water CWCBWatershed Protection and Restoration (and other useful information) cwcb.state.co.us/environment/watershed-protection-restoration/Pages/main.aspx Photo by Kent Kanouse

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