The district is continuing to monitor some of the sites to keep an eye on things and see how the sites are affected over time, said Melin. We did this testing right in the middle of the drought 2003 was some of lowest (water) levels we`ve seen, and yet we still met the DEQ standards for Class 2 cold water fisheries, Phillips said.

As snowpack and moisture patterns improve, so should the water quality. Our findings were all done within a drought, so things should only get better as the drought decreases, Melin concurred. Melin continued monitoring in 2004 at four of the seven original physical and biological sites, as well as conducting chemical analysis at six of the original 19 chemistry sites, in order to develop trends and reference sites.

We`re pleased, Phillips said in conclusion. I`ve been trying to get this done for years. It`s nice to have some baseline data. The DCCD is hosting two public open houses in Dubois and Crowheart to present the water quality test results. The Crowheart open house is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 19, at 7:45 p.m. at the Big Wind Hall and the Dubois meeting is Wednesday, Jan. 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Headwaters Center.