The rivers and streams that flow through Denver, including the South Platte River and Cherry Creek, and the lakes within the city's borders, such as Sloan's Lake and City Park Lake, are all monitored by the Environmental Quality Division (DEQ) in order to maintain and improve water quality. The DEQ's goal for city lakes and streams is to meet or exceed the State of Colorado Water Quality Control Commission's water quality standards.
Achieving and sustaining good water quality in Denver's lakes is important to the plant and animal communities along and in our lakes and streams. Good water quality benefits our city too, improving the health of our residents, increasing the City’s economic well-being, and enhancing our quality of life. The following are important reasons for having healthy lakes and streams:
Establishment of a Viable Fishery
One of the goals for the South Platte River is to develop and sustain a viable warm water fishery. In order to reach that goal, water quality standards have to be consistently met. Pollutants such as metals and ammonia are harmful to fish at certain concentrations. The amount of dissolved oxygen in the water, which can be affected by a number of factors, can become too low to support fish and other aquatic life. Habitat is also a key component of sustaining a healthy fishery. Habitat can be thought of as a plant or animal's home - the physical surroundings in which it lives.
Habitat for Aquatic Life
Denver's lakes and streams are home to many species of animals and plants that depend on their aquatic environment for their health and survival. Habitat is an important factor in determining the health of a stream or lake, and the health of the aquatic life, such as fish and insects, that live in that body of water. In the case of lakes and streams, habitat includes the
water column, the sediment at the bottom, the banks, and the
riparian vegetation. Bank erosion, pollutants in the water column or stream bottom, or removal of riparian vegetation, can all impact the aquatic life living in that environment. Protecting our waters means protecting the plant and animal species that inhabit them, and the riparian plants that surround them.
Recreation
The city's lakes and streams are a focal point for many recreational activities, whether a stroll around one of the city park lakes, a ride along the Cherry Creek bike path, or a paddle down the South Platte River. Our enjoyment of these recreational activities can depend, to a large part, on the condition of our lakes and rivers - unsightly debris, foul odor, weed infestation, or heavily eroded banks can detract from our recreational experience.
ATTENTION: Swimming or playing in city lakes and streams is not advised. At any given time, Denver's waters can contain high amounts of bacteria or other contaminants that are harmful to human health. Ingesting water from city lakes and streams could cause you to become ill. Swimmers are encouraged to use the swimming facilities provided by the Denver Parks and Recreation Department throughout the city. Kayakers may also become ill from ingesting surface water.