Brush Creek: Town Diversion to Eagle River
Current and Historical Drivers of Degradation
Extensive encroachment and modifications of riparian areas, floodplains, and stream channels from past or present agricultural uses as well as rapid residential development in recent decades strongly impact Brush Creek.
Summer baseflows in August - September of typical and dry years have declined between 25-37% when compared to natural historic conditions. High peak flow frequency (the frequency of years with peaks above the natural flow 4-yr recurrence) has declined profoundly (> 50%). Agricultural and municipal water uses have decreased annual flow volumes by 25% during dry years.
Ambient nutrient concentrations do not exceed standards, but approach them by exceeding 50% of the standard threshold or having maximum observed concentrations that are above the threshold.