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- No major rivers flow into Colorado. Our rivers originate high in the Rocky Mountains – primarily as snowmelt that soaks into the ground or runs into streams.
- In Colorado, the Rocky Mountains create the headwaters for 4 regional watersheds that eventually supply water to some 19 Western states. Those 4 regional watersheds are the Arkansas, Colorado, Rio Grande and Missouri (South Platte).
- The Yampa River is the last remaining wild free flowing river in the Colorado River Basin and one of the last free flowing rivers in Western United States. It rises in the Flat Top Mountains above the town of Yampa and flows for approximately 250 river miles to it’s confluence with the Green River in Echo Park in Dinosaur National Monument.
- Riparian habitat makes up less than 3% of the land in Colorado, but is used by over 90% of the wildlife in the state.
- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that 70% of the riparian habitat nationwide has been lost or altered.
- Each year, 15 million raindrops strike each square foot of land in the Denver area. Each raindrop that hits the ground dislodges soil particles. These soil particles (sediment) contribute to water pollution.
- Almost 90% of Colorado’s naturally occurring lakes are found at altitudes above 9,000 feet.
- 87% of the water leaving Colorado flows out of the Colorado River basin toward the Pacific Ocean.
- Over 1,300 miles of streams in Colorado are impacted by metals as a result of acid mine drainage.
- There are more than 9,000 miles of streams and 2,000 lakes and reservoirs open to fishing in Colorado.
- 85% of groundwater in Colorado is used for agriculture for more than 2 million acres.
- 18% of Colorado’s population relies on ground water.
- Ground water represents only about 17% of all water diverted.
- Colorado Division of Water Resources issues over 8,000 well permits per year (70% domestic).
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