Two separate studies are about to begin to determine how E. coli is getting into Fountain Creek between Colorado Springs and Pueblo.
The waterway and its problems have been a source of conflict between the cities.
The Fountain Creek Vision Task Force began meeting last year and is busy working through issues with the creek.
On Friday, the panel heard about the E. coli studies.
The studies by Colorado State University at Pueblo and the U.S. Geological Survey will try to trace the origin of the bacteria.
Research shows areas of the creek have E. coli and fecal coliform that exceed the state standards.
Those levels are higher when storm runoff flows into the creek.
The USGS study will begin in the spring and will test in areas from Woodland Park to Manitou Springs, said hydrologist Don Stoeckel.
“It’s not that you have this pure water going into Colorado Springs,” he said. “It’s actually dirty going into Colorado Springs. ”
Water quality is one dispute between Colorado Springs and Pueblo over Fountain Creek. The conflict reached its boiling point in June 2005 when there was a large wastewater spill from Colorado Springs Utilities into the creek.
Lawsuits have been filed in U.S. District Court by Pueblo County’s district attorney and the Sierra Club against Colorado Springs over alleged violations of the federal Clean Water Act.
The conflict has sparked angry messages on billboards and even a plea for peace from the bishops of the Catholic diocese in both cities.
“This is really a local issue,” said Steve Gunderson, director of the water quality control division of Colorado’s Department of Public Health & Environment.
“The two cities are going to have to work together,” he said. “Throwing grenades back and forth isn’t going to cut it. The solutions need to be long-term.”
E. coli in urban waterways is common, he said.
Sources can be related to storm water runoff, agricultural runoff and even wildlife.
Levels of E. coli are higher in the South Platte River than in Fountain Creek, he said.
“There is a lot of finger pointing,” he said. “It’s true. I can understand that. But E. coli is not unique.”
Staff writer Jeremy P. Meyer may be reached at 303-954-1367 or jpmeyer@denverpost.com.
