New Analysis of Green Infrastructure Suitability in Bear Creek Watershed

August is Water Quality Month, and this particular August marks Groundwork Denver’s tenth year protecting the water along Lower Bear Creek. We’ve been monitoring the water for a decade here while working with youth, residents, and local groups to incorporate green infrastructure that supports a healthier watershed. Some examples of what that looks like: planting trees, installing rain barrels, building rain gardens, providing youth leadership opportunities, and sharing educational materials.

These efforts were borne out of the federal Clean Water Act, which acknowledges that land development has harmed many watersheds and mandates efforts to address contamination. Through the Act, lower Bear Creek was identified as an “impaired water,” triggering groups like Groundwork Denver to take action. While the creek runs clear upstream, by the time water reaches Sheridan — a small city on the outskirts of Denver proper — pollution accumulates to a hazardous level. The high levels of E. Coli and other contaminates often deter residents from enjoying the creek.

As Groundwork Denver works alongside area youth and community, we ensure that our efforts are effective, efficient, and sustainable. Recently, we partnered with Megan Tell, a graduate student, who conducted an analysis of the watershed. Tell looked at factors like slope, drainage, land cover, soil hydrology, and demographic data. When overlaid, we can better concentrate our efforts for better water quality and environmental justice.

Read Tell’s “Green Infrastructure Suitability Analysis” here.

Coming out of the analysis are two pieces of good news. First off, much of the work we do is already in the general area in which the data suggest we should focus. Even better: The analysis narrows that area significantly and helps us know what kinds of efforts will be most effective where. Groundwork Denver is already putting this new information to use, allowing us to have an even stronger impact by pinpointing where we work.

To learn more about Groundwork Denver’s water quality programming and the issues impacting the metro Denver community, read this recent post from our Water Program Director, Jess Swindon: “Testing the Waters: Moving Towards Water Equity.”