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Water Quality Data

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 Data collected by the Omaha District

The Omaha District has collected water quality data at Corps projects in the District since the late 1970's. The data have been assessed and summarized in water quality reports prepared by the District.  The data collected are stored in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's national STORET and WQX water quality database. The data can be accessed and downloaded online from the STORET/WQX website at www.epa.gov/storet. 

Recent water quality data collected by the District may not have been entered into STORET/WQX and can be obtained by contacing the District.

 US Geological Survey
The U.S. Geological Survey collects water quality data throughout the United States.  Water quality data have been collected at Corps project areas in the District. These data can be accessed online through the U.S. Geological Survey's website "Surface-Water Data for the Nation" at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/sw.
 State water quality agencies

State environmental agencies responsible for surface water quality management routinely collect surface water quality data within their State. Water quality data have been collected by the States at Corps projects in the District. This information may be stored and accessible through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's STORET/WQX database. State water quality agency websites may publish water quality information on their web sites. The State of Nebraska, during the recreation season, publishes weekly bacteria and cyanobacteria toxin levels at District reservoirs with swimming beaches.

 Local water quality agencies

Local Watershed Management Authorities have been established to protect and improve water quality at the three Colorado Tributary Projects in the District:  Bear Creek, Chatfield, and Cherry Creek Reservoirs.  Each of these Watershed Authorities has adopted local water quality regulations and water quality management plans to protect and manage water quality at the respective reservoirs.  As part of these water quality management plans, the Watershed Authorities are implementing comprehensive water quality monitoring programs.  For efficiency purposes, the Corps ceased its water quality monitoring activities at the three Colorado Tributary Projects in 2002, and now defers to the respective Watershed Authorities for assessment of water quality conditions at Bear Creek, Chatfield, and Cherry Creek Reservoirs.  Persons interested in water quality conditions at the three Colorado tributary projects can visit the websites maintained by the following groups:

Water Quality

Management Program
The Omaha District implements a Water Quality Management Program as part of the operation and maintenance activities associated with managing Corps civil works projects. The Program is directed at surface water quality management and adheres to the guidance and requirements specified in the Corps’ Engineering Regulation – ER 1110-2-8154, “Water Quality and Environmental Management for Corps Civil Works Projects”.   The District recognizes the importance of ground water quality management at Corps projects; however, ground water quality management issues are addressed through other program efforts.

Monitoring Program
A continuing Water Quality Data Collection program is necessary for each Corps project. Water quality data are essential to understanding and effectively managing the aquatic resources of Corps projects. Water quality data provide the critical information needed to effectively develop, implement and evaluate water quality management activities at District projects.