Water Quality

Welcome to the Water Quality Program of the Colorado Department of TransportationMP 220.53 outlet

Protecting water quality is a priority for everyone at CDOT, from headquarters to the five regional offices. The mission of CDOT's Water Quality Program is to:

  • Ensure the quality of stormwater runoff is protected while Colorado's roadways are constructed, operated, and maintained;
  • Promote innovative control measures (i.e. best management practices);
  • Provide effective water quality education to CDOT staff; and 
  • Facilitate cooperation between CDOT, watershed groups, other Water Quality Program managers, businesses, and the public.

Additionally, CDOT is required to comply with the requirement of the CDOT Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit (COS000005). CDOT's MS4 permit authorizes discharges from the municipal storm sewer system within the permit area. The permit requires CDOT to use control measures to prevent or reduce the discharge of pollutants to state waters. The permit does this by requiring CDOT to comply with seven MS4 programs.


About the Water Quality ProgramSilt fence good

The Headquarters Water Quality Program is administered by the Water Quality Section in the Environmental Programs Branch (EPB) at the Division of Transportation Development (DTD).

Each of the five regions also has water quality and environmental staff members (responsible for implementing the MS4 Program).


Requesting Additional Information or Submitting a Complaint

If you have questions, would like additional information, or have a complaint associated with CDOT’s actions to meet the requirements of this permit please contact Jean Cordova at (303) 512-4053.

Please make sure email subject lines state "PEO MS4 Permit Question" or "PEO MS4 Permit Complaint." Make sure phone messages have detailed information regarding the question or complaint.