New water release to support Arkansas River health and fisheries

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) -- Over 800 million gallons of water could soon be coming to the Pueblo Reservoir to help with river health and fisheries during the drought year.

According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), the Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District approved an effort to dedicate up to 2,500 acre-feet, or 814.6 million gallons, of Fryingpan-Arkansas Project water to the Upper Arkansas River. The Fryingpan-Arkansas Project helps give water from other sources to areas that need it across the state. On the western slope, it takes water from Ruedi Reservoir, and on the eastern slope, it takes water from the Fryingpan River.

Officials say the effort will work to release water from Twin Lakes and terminate it at Pueblo Reservoir. CPW says the new water will help protect the river's health as well as fisheries in the area.

According to officials, the water will help bring additional streamflow from August to November. The releases will start around Aug. 7 and then be managed to help with conditions during the end of summer into fall when low flows and hotter temperatures put more stress on the river.

CPW says the additional water will help reduce stress on brown and rainbow trout that naturally reproduce in the Arkansas River, a popular spot for anglers in the state.

More information on the project is available on CPW's website.

Stay up to date with the latest local news, sports, and investigations by downloading the KRDO13 app. Click here to download it from the Apple App Store. Android users can download it from Google Play here.