General Questions Regarding Fish Consumption Advisories for the State of Colorado 

Are fish safe to eat in the State of Colorado? 

For the most part, fish that you catch in Colorado are safe to eat. However, some fish in a few specific waters in Colorado may contain contaminants at levels that may pose health risks to certain people who eat fish frequently - especially women of childbearing age, nursing mothers, infants, and young children. 

How can I reduce exposure to contaminants? 

To reduce exposure to these contaminants, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment provides advice to help you make choices about which fish to eat and how often. Some of these advisories are posted at the specific waters to which they apply. 

How are Fish Consumption Advisories issued? 

The State of Colorado conducts an on-going project aimed at investigating the presence of certain contaminants (such as Mercury, Arsenic and Selenium) in fish that can potentially be consumed by the population. The results of this study and other studies conducted by other agencies are analyzed and, if warranted, are the basis for issuing fish consumption advisories in the State of Colorado. Other governmental agencies, such as counties and cities may also issue advisories. 

What are the meal sizes in the Fish Consumption Advisories? 

Fish consumption advisories are based on how much fish is consumed in a meal. For these advisories, a meal size for an adult is 8 ounces and for children it is 4 ounces. 

Which water bodies in Colorado have fish consumption advisories? 

Fish consumption advisories have been issued for seven water bodies. Of the seven, five lakes and reservoirs are for mercury contamination. They are: McPhee Reservoir, Narraguinnep Reservoir, Sanchez Reservoir, Navajo Reservoir, which are located in the southwest region of the State, and Teller Reservoir, located northwest of Pueblo. Sweitzer Lake, located near Delta, has a fish consumption advisory due to Selenium contamination. The Willow Springs Ponds in El Paso County have a fish consumption advisory due to Perchloroethylene (PCEs), but they are fenced off and not accessible to the public. 

For specific waterbody advisories, see the list on the main page.