About the Study

A group of concerned citizens and agencies have convened to address the excessive amount of algae in the White River from the headwaters to the Utah state line.  

Problem Statement: Benthic algae (attached to the stream bottom), a component of stream food webs, can reach uncharacteristic and nuisance levels on substrates when water chemistry and physical factors are out of balance with biological and physical removal mechanisms. Local observations and work done by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (2016) have highlighted nuisance benthic algal productivity in the upper reaches of the White River. The high levels of benthic algae in the stream has been reported to have developed recently (the last few years) and has caused problems for water users along the White River. 

The group has convened a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to guide the data collection and research into potential causes.  The TAG will meet on an as needed basis with the public invited to participate during public comment periods.  Additional public meetings will be held as needed and/or information becomes available to report.

Meetings are open to the public and will be posted on this site for date, time, and location.

Technical Advisory Group Mission: To ascertain what is driving the algae growth in the White River to improve the overall health of the watershed.

Updates will be posted on this site to help keep the public informed.