HYDROLOGIC MODIFICATION

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HYDROLOGIC MODIFICATION
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Hydrologic Modification
is changing
the way a stream flows
-- by diverting it, by
damming it, by dredging or


filling it.
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Modification of stream flow can erode banks and
increase sediment.
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Entering a stream to create a diversion for
irrigation can disrupt natural flow.
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A scene like this could be part of the problem or
could be fixing the problem.
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A stream can become shallow and muddy due to
hydromodifications.
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A stream can lose its riparian and aquatic
habitat through hydrologic modification.
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How do we avoid or repair the effects of
hydrologic modification on our rivers and
streams?
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Stream banks can be restored.
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Riparian zones can be recreated.
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Stable weirs can replace seasonal diversions
that disrupt stream regimes.
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Stream channels can be deepened and pools
recreated for aquatic habitat.
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Rock structures can imitate the
natural channel of a stream.
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One way to fix damage from diversions is to
create permanent structures.
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We are all in this together
We all live downstream
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Colorado Nonpoint Source Council
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Photo credits CSU-Cooperative Extension
Reagan Waskom
City of Boulder
Denver Water Department
Trees, Water, People
EPA Region 6
Rio
Blanco Project
North Fork River Improvement Association
Colorado Department of Transportation
Willow Creek Reclamation Project
USGS
James Creek
Watershed Initiative