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Colorado Nonpoint Source Pollution (14-CO-a)

Information current as of 2022
In Colorado, the nonpoint source pollution program is voluntary and a person (developer) may consult with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to determine the Best Management Practices (BMPs) to reduce nonpoint source pollution to the watershed where the project is located. In addition, a developer may use a Watershed-based plans (also called Watershed Restoration Plans (WRPs) to implement restoration activities in a watershed.


Nonpoint source pollution comes from many different sources. Generally, rainfall or snowmelt moving over and through the ground, which picks up pollutants and ultimately deposits them into lakes, rivers, wetlands, and underground aquifers causes nonpoint source pollution. Typical pollutants that cause nonpoint source pollution include:

  • Excess fertilizer and pesticides;
  • Oil, grease, and toxic chemicals from urban runoff and energy production;
  • Sediment from unprotected construction sites, crop and forestlands, and eroding stream banks;
  • Salt from irrigation practices and acid drainage from abandoned mines; and
  • Bacteria and nutrients from livestock, pet wastes, and faulty septic systems.”

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment: Watershed 319 Website.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency funds state and tribal efforts to reduce nonpoint source pollution through the Section 319 Nonpoint Source Management Program under the Clean Water Act, which provides grants to states and tribes to reduce nonpoint source pollution. The Environmental Protection Agency: Clean Water Act Section 319 Website.



Nonpoint Source Pollution Process


14-CO-a .1 – Consult with CDPHE on TMDLs and BMPs

The Colorado nonpoint source program is voluntary and developers should consult with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Water Quality Control Division on Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL) for the watershed that the project may effect and Best Management Practices (BMPs) to reduce nonpoint source pollution into the watershed. Colorado 2012 Nonpoint Source Management Plan, p. 2-3, 7.

14-CO-a.2 – Contact Local Watershed Effort (if Applicable) For Watershed-Based Plans

Watershed-based plans (also called Watershed Restoration Plans (WRPs)) are a tool to help a watershed group plan for and implement restoration activities in a watershed. Colorado 2012 Nonpoint Source Management Plan, p. 3.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires nine (9) minimum elements for WRPs. These elements should ensure a WRP will be as complete and thorough as possible in order to ensure successful restoration planning in a watershed.

  • Identification of the causes and sources;
  • Load reductions expected for the management measures;
  • Description of the nonpoint source management measures;
  • Estimate of the amounts of technical and financial assistance;
  • An information/education component;
  • Schedule for implementing the nonpoint source management measures
  • Description of interim, measurable milestones;
  • Set of criteria that can be used to determine whether loading reductions are being achieved over time and substantial progress;
  • Monitoring component.

Colorado 2012 Nonpoint Source Management Plan, p. 3; Environmental Protection Agency: Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans to Restore and Protect Our Waters, p. 2.6.


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Contact Information






Edit Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Water Quality Control Division: TMDL Contacts


Edit Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Construction Permits Contact and Stormwater Construction Specialist 303-692-3517 Visit Website



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