Research

Investigator(s):
[email] Jeffrey Niemann, Colorado State University
[email] Timothy K. Gates, Colorado State University, Fort Collins
[email] Luis A. Garcia, Colorado State University, Fort Collins

Abstract: The Lower Arkansas River is an important water resource for Southeastern Colorado, supplying water to more than 100,000 ha (250,000 acres) of irrigated agriculture. Over the last century, intensive irrigation has produced shallow water tables with high concentrations of salt and other minerals in the river valley. These conditions have led to waterlogging and high soil salinity that have decreased crop productivity by 11-19% according to recent research, and they have caused large loading of salts and selenium to the river. These problems can be addressed by reducing excess recharge and lowering the elevation of the shallow water table, but any alteration to water management practices in the valley must also consider Colorado's legal obligation to maintain historical flows in the Arkansas River at the Kansas border. If the water table is reduced, crop productivity is expected to improve, which would increase the consumptive use of water from the irrigated lands, potentially reducing return flows to the river. However, the lower water table might also reduce the non-beneficial consumptive use of water from adjacent fallow fields and other uncultivated lands in the valley. The savings of water from these areas may be significant, more than offsetting the increase in consumptive use from cropped fields. Non-irrigated lands represent roughly 50% of the alluvial valley, and preliminary estimates suggest that the loss of water from these lands may currently amount to tens of thousands of acre-feet per year. Moreover, similar savings might be possible by lowering saline water tables in other intensively irrigated river valleys in Colorado and throughout the western United States. However, much more work needs to be done to understand how non-beneficial consumptive use depends on the water table depth and other factors such as the vegetation cover and soil salinity. The objective of this proposal is to observe and quantify the relationship between evapotranspiration (ET) losses water table depth for uncultivated areas in the Lower Arkansas River Valley. Two ~10 ha (25 acres) fields -- one fallow field and one naturally-vegetated field -- will be monitored. ET will be estimated using remote sensing, and water table depth will be measured using ~20 new observation wells in each field. Other variables such as soil moisture, biomass, rooting depth, and soil salinity also will be measured. Together, these observations will allow us to directly identify the role that the water table plays in determining ET losses from uncultivated lands under known soil and vegetation conditions. Ultimately, this research is expected to improve our understanding of the water balance in the Lower Arkansas River Valley and to improve the numerical models that are being used to evaluate potential solutions to waterlogging and salinization problems.

Investigator(s):
[email] Nolan Doesken, Colorado State University

Abstract: There is increasing evidence that temperatures over Colorado and most of the Southwest have warmed detectably in recent decades and may continue to rise. What this means for Colorado's precipitation resources is uncertain since increased temperatures could be associated with either more or less precipitation, or seasonal changes in the distribution of precipitation. Since precipitation is already highly variable in time and space, it will likely take many decades to confidently assess systematic change. The less studied but arguably more significant and possibly more answerable question is what does this mean for evaporation and transpiration rates -- factors directly related to the consumptive use of Colorado's precious and limited water supplies. In this two-year project, data from the Colorado Agricultural Meteorological Network (COAGMET) will be investigated. This is the only statewide network of weather observing sites that measure all the standard climate elements contributing directly to variations in evapotranspiration (ET) rates: precipitation, temperature, humidity, wind movement and solar radiation. For the 15 years of available data, reference ET and individual crop, turf and natural vegetation ET will be computed and analyzed for spatial and temporal variations. Weather data from other sources will be incorporated where appropriate -- National Weather Service, Bureau of Land Management/U.S. Forest Service, Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District, and the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow (CoCoRaHS) network. Through intercomparisons of computed ET values on weekly, monthly, and seasonal time scales among groups of weather stations in climatically similar parts of the state, we will assess the quality and consistency of ET estimates. From this information we will determine if our current instrumentation, weather station locations and methods of computing evapotranspiration from standard meteorological measurements are capable and sufficiently robust for the detection of climate-induced trends in consumptive use. In combination with high resolution precipitation data now gathered in Colorado and remotely sensed land cover and vegetation, we (in collaboration with other water resources experts) will also explore the feasibility of mapping ET in near real time for all areas of Colorado.

Investigator(s):
[email] Jerry Johnson, Colorado State University
[email] Jean-Nicolas Enjalbert, Ecole Superieure d'Agriculture de Purpan Toulouse France
[email] Joel Schneekloth, U.S. Central Great Plains Research Station
[email] Alan Helm

Abstract: Nature:
This is a multifaceted oilseed research project designed to provide cropping alternatives to eastern Colorado producers with limited irrigation.
Scope:
This two year project would use field, greenhouse, and laboratory facilities to select adapted oilseed cultivars to Colorado' limited irrigation conditions, train a new crops specialist, and attempt to discover new oilseed species that might be adapted to Colorado' climatic conditions and limited irrigation potential.
Objectives:
1. Screen advanced lines of promising oilseed crop species (Canola, Camelina, and Indian Brown Mustard) for adapted cultivars that could be grown by Colorado producers in the near future for biodiesel production and oilseed meal to feed NE Colorado livestock.
2. Develop research-based agronomic package of best management practices for oilseed production under limited irrigation conditions especially oriented toward weed control and water management.
3. Import and screen potential new and underdeveloped oilseed crop species from temperate zones around the world.
4. To train alternative crop agronomist/breeder to the PhD level. Train summer students and research associates in new crop research techniques and methodologies.
5. Determine the economic feasibility of oilseed crop production under limited irrigation conditions in light of dynamic interactions of variable yield, fuel costs, and input costs.

Investigator(s):
Abdel Berrada, Arkansas Valley Research Center
Mike Bartolo, Colorado State University, Fort Collins

Abstract: The Penman-Monteith equation uses detailed electronic weather station data to compute evapotranspiration (ET) of a standardized, hypothetical reference crop. In this case, the reference crop is alfalfa. Crop evapotranspiration (consumptive use) is then computed using crop coefficients, which relate the water use of specific crops to the hypothetical alfalfa reference crop ET as the crops grow and mature through the season. A daily time step is used from which monthly crop ET is computed. This project will support the collection of ET and meteorological data in the recently installed weighing lysimeter at the Arkansas Valley Research Center. Subsequently this project will provide data required to address consumptive use issues inherent in the Colorado-Kansas lawsuit.

Investigator(s):
[email] John Stednick, Colorado State University

Abstract: A beetle epidemic in Colorado is killing trees in the subalpine and montane settings. The decrease in forest canopy due to defoliation will result in decreased precipitation interception and decreased summer evapotranspiration. Changes in these hydrologic process rates will result in increased soil moisture and increased annual water yield (streamflow). A series of watersheds that have been aerially mapped for beetle kill by the USDA Forest Service in Northern Colorado will be selected. A progression of watershed areas that have been beetle killed will be used to assess if water yield increases are measurable using nearby relatively 'undisturbed' watershed as a paired watershed study (control vs. treatment watershed comparisons using analysis of covariance). Streamflow records from gauging stations operated by the US Geological Survey will be used. Streamflow metrics including annual water yield, peak flows, and low flows will be investigated using analysis of covariance and flow duration curve analysis. The literature suggests that the disruption of nutrient cycles will result in increased nitrate nitrogen concentrations in surface waters. Water quality samples will be collected from the selected watersheds and analyzed. The progression of watershed areas affected by beetle kill should enable us to determine a threshold of response, both for water quantity and water quality. The ability to more accurately predict water yield from watersheds with beetle killed areas is significant for downstream users and water mangers.

Investigator(s):
[email] Robert L. Siegrist, Colorado School of Mines
[email] Kathleen E. Conn, Colorado School of Mines, Golden

Abstract: The occurrence and fate of emerging organic contaminants such as pharmaceuticals and personal care products in the environment have received increasing attention worldwide in the last few decades due to potential adverse effects on ecosystems and human health. Wastewater is a primary source of emerging organics to the environment, and numerous studies have reported the occurrence and incomplete removal of organic wastewater contaminants (OWCs) through municipal wastewater treatment plants, resulting in potential adverse effects on the environments to which they discharge. A substantial contribution of OWCs to the environment also can occur through discharge of effluent from decentralized onsite wastewater treatment systems. These systems serve over 22 million U.S. homes and businesses, or approximately 25% of the population. There are over 600,000 systems currently operating in Colorado, resulting in approximately 100 billion liters of wastewater processed onsite and discharged to the environment every year. Treated onsite effluent is often discharged to the underlying groundwater, which may eventually recharge surface waters or provide the water source for the local population. Therefore understanding treatment capabilities of conventional and alternative onsite systems in the removal of contaminants is important in the minimization of risk to the local environment and population. Although the characteristics and performance of onsite treatment systems with respect to removal of conventional pollutants such as biochemical oxygen demand and nutrients are well known, less is known regarding the occurrence and fate of OWCs. A recently completed study by the Colorado School of Mines (CSM) in conjunction with the U.S. Geological Survey identified OWCs including endocrine disrupting compounds and antimicrobial agents in onsite wastewaters. Sampling at 30 sites in Colorado revealed OWCs at individual concentrations ranging from less than 0.5 (micro)g/L to greater than 10,000 (micro)g/L. However, the fate of OWCs during onsite wastewater treatment is unknown. The proposed 16 month project will be completed through continued collaboration between CSM and the U.S. Geological Survey and will consist of monitoring and experimentation at a controlled field test site and correlated laboratory-scale experiments to (1) determine removal efficiencies of OWCs that can be expected during various onsite wastewater treatment units, (2) compare current and alternative treatment units for the removal of OWCs, and (3) quantify relative contributions of removal mechanisms and their rates within treatment units. The research proposed will benefit from ongoing research at CSM and the U.S. Geological Survey, including quantitative analysis of OWCs in onsite wastewater and testing and evaluation of onsite system treatment efficiency for conventional wastewater parameters, OWC tracers, and OWCs at a field test site on the CSM campus. Completion of the proposed research will provide important new information on the occurrence and fate of OWCs in onsite systems so that decision-makers can properly assess if there are any associated risks and if so, make informed judgments about what may be appropriate risk management strategies. While this study will be completed through field- and laboratory-scale experimentation in Colorado, the results and information gained will have broad applicability to the management of water quality throughout the U.S.

Investigator(s):
[email] Thomas Borch, Colorado State University
[email] Jessica G. Davis, Colorado State University, Fort Collins

Abstract: The occurrence and fate of pharmaceuticals for human and veterinary use in the aquatic environment has become a subject of substantial scientific and public concern. Only recently did it become evident that many drugs such as steroid hormones and personal care products, covering a wide spectrum of therapeutic use for humans and animals, could be inadvertently released into the environment. Low concentrations of endocrine disruptors such as androgens can result in masculinization of fish and decreased egg production. Entry of steroid hormones into surface water occur primarily via (un)treated sewage effluent and terrestrial run-off from agricultural producers such as AFOs. Steroid hormones have the potential to be more persistent than other organic pollutants, such as pesticides, because their source continually replenishes any removal by environmental processes such as microbial degradation, photolysis or particulate sorption. The occurrence, fate and transport of steroid hormones in aquatic environments remain largely unknown.

Investigator(s):
[email] Jose Salas, Colorado State University
[email] Balaji Rajagopalan, University of Colorado, Boulder

Abstract: The water supply from the Colorado River is important for many western states. The variability of streamflows in the Colorado has been linked to a number of climatic factors. The proposed research will identify the factors involved in the temporal and spatial variability of streamflows in the headwaters of the Colorado. And medium range and long range streamflow forecasts will be developed using parametric ad non-parametric models. Results of the research should be of interest to a wide variety of water users in the state.

Investigator(s):
[email] Luis A. Garcia, Colorado State University

Abstract: As growing urban populations, drought and environmental concerns impact water resources in the arid West, it is imperative that efficient use is made of ground and surface waters in Colorado's irrigated valleys. Accurate accounting of groundwater withdrawals is essential for determining efficient use. For 2007, the CWRRI Advisory Committee for Water Research Policy identified the need to refine current augmentation accounting procedures and methods for replacing depletions caused by groundwater pumping. The South Platte Mapping and Analysis Program (SPMAP) has been used successfully to manage data and run models addressing this problem. The SPMAP project, which started in 1995, is a set of computer tools constructed to enhance water management by matching data acquisition, system design, modeling, and user interfaces with the expressed needs of area water managers. The tools have been developed by the Integrated Decision Support Group (IDS), a research group at Colorado State University. Initially designed for the Lower South Platte River Basin, the popularity of the SPMAP tools has spread so that components of SPMAP are being used throughout Colorado and in other western states. The SPMAP tools include a geographic information system component, SPGIS; a consumptive use model IDSCU; and an alluvial water accounting system, IDS AWAS. Earlier this year, Hal D. Simpson, the State Engineer, issued a procedures memorandum which declared, "In an effort to modernize the software used to model stream depletion caused by well pumping, the Division of Water Resources has selected the IDS AWAS software as the standard software to be used by all." Simpson's declaration ensures that more and more water managers, evaluators, and engineers will use IDS AWAS. Now that the IDS AWAS component of the SPMAP tools has become the program of choice for augmentation accounting in Colorado, it is imperative that the program continue to be tested, debugged and refined. In addition, the attention garnered by IDS AWAS will no doubt attract more users to the other SPMAP tools as well, necessitating that these tools continue to be maintained and enhanced.

Investigator(s):
[email] Lawrence Goodridge, Colorado State University
[email] Claudia Gentry-Weeks, Colorado State University, Fort Collins
[email] Douglas Rice, Colorado State University, Fort Collins

Abstract: Inadequate drinking water and sanitation are considered as two of the world's major causes of preventable morbidity and mortality and international bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) estimate that 50,000 deaths per day are due to water related diseases. While the majority of waterborne illness occurs in the developing world, water quality problems also abound in the developed world. The detection, isolation, and identification of waterborne pathogens continues to be expensive, difficult, and labor intensive. To alleviate the issues with waterborne pathogen testing, indicator microorganisms are commonly used to determine the relative risk from the possible presence of pathogenic microorganisms in a sample. Historically, the coliform, thermotolerant coliform group, enterococci and Clostridium perfringens have been the bacterial indicators used to detect fecal contamination, based on the rationale that these indicator organisms are indigenous to feces, and their presence in the environment is therefore indicative of fecal pollution. However, there are major problems with the current use of indicator bacteria to detect fecal pollution. Many of these bacteria are routinely isolated from soil and water environments that have not been impacted by fecal pollution. Also, while the persistence of these bacteria in water distribution systems is comparable to that of some bacterial pathogens, the relationship between bacterial indicators and the presence of enteric viruses and protozoa is poor. Due to the limitations of the bacterial indicators, and the problems with their rapid detection, it is clear that there remains an acute need to develop water quality test procedures that would identify fecal contamination in a rapid manner, and simultaneously determine the source of that pollution so corrective actions could be initiated. Such methods should also be capable of assessing water quality in large scale water transfer projects. The overall goal of this project is the development of integrated detection methods, which will simultaneously determine the presence of fecal pollution and also the source of that pollution, within 6 hours. The methods will be based upon rapid identification of F+RNA phages, followed by characterization of the phages to determine their source (which allows for an indication of the source of fecal pollution). F+RNA phages have attracted interest as useful alternatives to bacterial indicators because their morphology and survival characteristics closely resemble the human enteric gastrointestinal viruses, and they have been used to reliably detect the presence and source of fecal pollution in water.