Nonpoint Source Project Resources

Please use the resources below to help develop nonpoint source projects as well as manage current nonpoint source projects.

Click the image below for an interactive map and project reports for examples of previous NPS watershed projects funded under CWA Section 319.

Project Development Resources

• Colorado Data Sharing Network (CDSN).

• Colorado’s Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Report.

• EPA’s Grants Reporting and Tracking System (GRTS).

• GIS Maps, including stream segmentation, watershed plans, outstanding waters, and eRAMS.

• Key to the Water Body Identification (WBID) System.

• Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs).

Determining Pollutant Sources and Load Reductions 

Identification of causes or threats of impairment and pollutant source reductions needed to meet water quality goals requires accounting for various NPS pollutants. Watershed characterization and analysis provides information on point and nonpoint sources of pollutants. Strategic monitoring provides a better understanding of the water quality concerns and evaluates best management practice (BMP) effectiveness in order to meet water quality goals after implementation. In addition to monitoring, watershed modeling can be used to estimate pollutant load reductions. Models represent an environmental system and can be used to forecast or estimate future conditions under various situations. Monitoring may need to be done in addition to modeling to refine results at a smaller, local scale.

Monitoring Resources

The following resources can be helpful to design watershed characterization studies to assess water quality as well as evaluate BMP effectiveness post-implementation:

• Colorado Watershed Assembly’s Water Quality Monitoring 101
• Colorado Water Quality Monitoring Council (CWQMC)
• EPA’s Introduction to Water Quality Monitoring
• National Nonpoint Source Monitoring Program (NNPSMP)
• National Water Quality Monitoring Council 
• River Watch of Colorado

Modeling Resources

CDPHE’s NPS Program funded development of the following modeling and analysis tools on Colorado State University’s (CSU) eRAMS platform:  

• Abandoned Mines Lands (AML) Dashboard
• Agricultural Chemicals and Groundwater Protection Program (ACGP)
• Nonpoint Source Priority Dashboard (NPSPD)
• Nutrient Decision Support System (NDSS)
• Watershed Rapid Assessment Program (WRAP)

Additional modeling options are available on EPA’s surface water quality modeling tools and geomorphology assessments for watershed health webpages. Examples of other models and assessments include:

• Forest Service Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP)
• Spreadsheet Tool for Estimating Pollutant Load (STEPL)
• Storm Water Management Model (SWMM)
• Watershed Assessment of River Stability and Sediment Supply (WARSSS)

Contracting Process

Instructions by contractor type:

Example contract

Project Administration and Reporting

• EPA’s Water Quality Exchange (WQX) and the Water Quality Portal (WQP).

• Final Report Guidance.

• Invoice Templates:

  • 319 invoice with progress report .

  • PDA invoice with progress report .

• Invoice Documentation Checklist.

• NPS Project Reporting and Tracking Form

• Sampling Analysis Plan Template.

• Semi-Annual Report Template.

• Watershed Implementation Project Geolocation SOP.

Regulation 85

Colorado’s NPS Program works with partners to implement voluntary NPS provisions of Reg. 85. The Division’s Nutrient Management Plan and 10-Year Water Quality Roadmap identifies voluntary actions for NPS provisions of Regulation 85:

• Collaborate with the agricultural community to implement BMPs;

• Work with partners to implement public information and education programs focused on NPS pollution prevention and restoration activities;

• Collaborate on the development and implementation of NPS monitoring programs; and

• Evaluating nonpoint source to point source nutrient trading proposals.

More information on Regulation 85 is available on the division’s clean water nutrients page, and on CSU’s outreach page on Reg. 85.

NPS Success Stories

The NPS Program submits a Success Story to EPA annually to highlight where NPS best management practices in an impaired waterbody led to that waterbody meeting water quality standards. These restoration and protection projects are collaborative efforts, and reflect the continued effort across many entities to improve water quality in the state.

Explore these projects on EPA’s Success Story page.

There are many ways to evaluate all aspects of project success. A high priority for nonpoint source implementation projects is to measure success as it relates to water quality improvement. 

Sampling protocols

• Macroinvertebrates

• Pebble counts

• Periphyton

• Physical habitat

• Stream discharge

  • Discharge (flow) measurements

  • Flow measurement Cutthroat Flume

• Water quality

  • Water chemistry

  • Water quality monitoring

Sampling and Analysis Project Plan (SAP)

• Template

• Example Sampling and Analysis Project Plan (SAP)

• EPA Volunteer Monitor’s Guide to Quality Assurance Project Plans

• CDPHE Water Quality Control Division’s Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)

Water Quality Control Division’s rivers, lakes and streams page
Information about assessment, 303(d) listing, nutrients, temperature and data.