Colorado State's Water Institute and Research

Published July 2008

The Colorado Water Institute at Colorado State University focuses higher education water expertise on the evolving water concerns and problems being faced by Colorado citizens.

Water researchers at CSU conduct scientific research and policy analysis that will benefit Colorado's residents.

Water Institute Receives Funding to Help Colorado residents

In May, Colorado Governor Bill Ritter signed House Bill 1405 to fund water research at CSU’s Colorado Water Institute. The new legislation will provide $500,000 for research to help resource managers address emerging water problems in Colorado.

The Colorado Water Institute, formerly known as the Colorado Water Resources Research Institute, was established in 1965 to provide an important connection between Colorado water researchers and users. It will conduct scientific research and policy analysis, including drought planning and mitigation and climate change and adaptation, to help Colorado prepare for any water situation. In addition to pursuing research that will benefit Colorado's residents, the institute will educate the next generation of water scientists, managers, planners, and educators.

Water Research at Colorado State

Effects of Pine Beetle Infestations on Water Yield and Water Quality at the Watershed Scale in Northern Colorado
CSU researchers, John D. Stednick, Ph.D., and Ryan Jensen, Department of Forest, Rangeland, and Watershed Stewardship, studied the impact of mountain pine beetle infestation and tree mortality on watersheds. See page 3 of the May/June 2008 issue of Colorado Water full research report.

Occurrence and Fate of Steroid Hormones in Sewage Treatment Plant Effluent, Animal Feeding Operation Wastewater and the Cache la Poudre River of Colorado
Researchers from the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences study the significance of hormones on the environment. See page 10 of the May/June 2008 issue of Colorado Water full research report.

Natural Resources Students Work in El Salvador with Engineers Without Borders
Colorado State's Natural Resources students in partnership with Engineers Without Borders, have conducted hydrogeologic analysis and water studies to determine availability and quality of drinking water. Their objective is to develop a sustainable drinking water supply for villages in El Salvador. See page 34 of the May/June 2008 issue of Colorado Water full research report.