Colorado Regulations
Water Quality Control Commission
The Water Quality Control Commission is the administrative agency responsible for developing specific water quality policy in Colorado, in a manner that implements the broader policies set forth by the Legislature in the Colorado Water Quality Control Act. The Commission adopts water quality classifications and standards to protect beneficial uses of waters of the state, as well as various regulations aimed at achieving compliance with those classifications and standards.
Public Participation
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment website provides information to members of the public regarding opportunities for participation in Water Quality Control Commission proceedings.
Current Colorado Water Quality Regulations & Policies
The Water Quality Control Commission's web site includes a section that lists the current water quality regulations and policies. Regulation 31 lists the Basic Standards that have been adopted as Colorado State Standards that are applied as appropriate. Regulation 32 lists the state standards that have been adopted to each segment of the Arkansas River and Fountain Creek. The Regulation 32 tables summarize the adopted standards for each segment.
Colorado Water Quality Control Act
The Colorado Water Quality Control Act was adopted in 1966, creating authority to establish water quality standards consistent with the Federal Clean Water Act. The Colorado Act is the analog of the Federal Clean Water Act but includes special provisions to assure that water quality control efforts in Colorado are refined to meet the specific needs of Colorado's waterways.
Colorado Water Quality Division
The Water Quality Control Division (the Division) in the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is tasked with administering water quality control programs to protect waters of the state through delegated authority by both the Colorado Water Quality Control Act and the federal Clean Water Act (on behalf of EPA). In this role, the Division provides education, compliance assistance, permits, inspections and enforcement to promote prevention, control and abatement of water pollution.