Is La Jara Reservoir Polluted?
Yes — La Jara Reservoir in Conejos County, Colorado is on the EPA's Clean Water Act 303(d) impaired-waters list (2024 assessment cycle). It is cited for Oxygen depletion (low DO). No cleanup plan (TMDL) has been completed yet. "Impaired" is a legal designation, separate from the lake's EPA condition class water-quality readings: it means at least one designated use (such as swimming, aquatic life, or fish consumption) does not meet state standards for the listed pollutant.
EPA 303(d) Listing
| On 303(d) impaired list | Yes |
| Cleanup plan (TMDL) | Not yet written |
| Assessment cycle | 2024 |
| EPA IR category | 5 |
| Uses not supported | Aquatic life |
| EPA names this lake in the listing | Yes |
| Location | Conejos County, Colorado |
Pollutants Cited
- Oxygen depletion (low DO) — listed by EPA as exceeding water-quality standards for at least one designated use.
Specific parameters in the EPA record: Dissolved Oxygen.
What this means for using La Jara Reservoir
Review the EPA assessment and any state advisories before relying on La Jara Reservoir for swimming, fishing, or other uses. An impairment listing does not mean the lake is closed — most impaired lakes remain open for boating and swimming. It means a specific pollutant exceeds a standard for a specific use. See the full breakdown on the lake report. The official EPA assessment is available in the ATTAINS waterbody report.
Stays via Stay22
Where to stay near La Jara Reservoir
Compare cabins, hotels, and vacation rentals near La Jara Reservoir in Conejos County, Colorado. Live availability and prices for your nights. Switch the map to Satellite to see how close each stay is to the water.
Top-rated places to stay near La Jara Reservoir
Prices for Oct 2–4, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a trip to La Jara Reservoir?
Get lake water-quality updates plus the best cabin & lodging deals near La Jara Reservoir — straight to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Watch La Jara Reservoir water quality
Get an email when the clarity or algae readings change. Unsubscribe anytime.