Our History
The Grand County Water Information Network was established in 2004 as a collaborative effort to enable better decision-making through science-based water quality monitoring, information-sharing and educational programming.
After its initial successes of building a strong membership base and developing its monitoring programs, GCWIN now has expanded its leadership of water quality monitoring to five programs: Stream Temperature monitoring along the Fraser and Colorado Rivers, Secchi monitoring of Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain Reservoir, Temperature and Specific Conductivity in the Three Lakes region, Macroinvertebrate monitoring, and River Watch.
To better access the information we collect, GCWIN has established a publicly accessible water quality database that will hold all water quality data for the county. GCWIN has also developed science-based environmental education programming that teaches over 450 students each year about environmental stewardship and watershed science.
As we move into the next decade, GCWIN will continue to work to strengthen these core programs. We will also look to bring our experience and scientific approach to further monitoring and information projects that will protect watershed health and water quality in the county.
ABOUT US
Our rivers and lakes are irreplaceable. Let’s take care of them.
Newsletters
GCWIN's education coordinator, Katlin Miller, provides important updates and info about our work through our newsletters! Check them out below:
February 2023:
Water Quality Watch (cloud.microsoft)
You can also join our email list to receive the newsletters as they come out! Contact us here.
Mission
To coordinate, manage and consolidate the comprehensive water quality monitoring, information and educational programs in Grand County, Colorado.
Objectives (What we want to achieve):
1. Maintain and ensure that the monitoring program is watershed-based, scientifically sound, and meets member needs.
2. Work collaboratively to manage water quality data in Grand County and maintain these data in an updated and centralized database.
3. Database is available to all members and the public.
4. Fund and implement for growth.
5. Conduct public education and outreach activities.