9NEWS produced a news segment about water quality and volunteers picking up trash on the banks of the South Platte River. The news station interviewed Sherman & Howard water law attorney James Eklund, who spoke about the importance of cleaning up the river and understanding water policy so we may better steward our rivers.

Below is an excerpt from the 9NEWS segment.

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Denver water lawyer James Eklund said all trash, big and small, has an impact on the river’s overall quality.

“Colorado is the headwater state,” Eklund said. “A lot of people don’t know that. Eighteen downstream states down in Mexico get water that starts right here in rivers like this, so it’s really important that we get it right when it comes to policy, law.”

Eklund said the South Platte River faces a lot of challenges, like other rivers that cut through a major city.

“We’ve turned our back on this river in the Denver metro for a long, long time,” he said.

He said the Clean Water Act set in place important protections of U.S. waterways, but there’s room for the current generation to continue to support its mission.

“There’s a gap between where the regulations leave off and the rivers we want to see and enjoy,” Eklund said. “Days like this are exceptionally important because it brings it home to everyone that helps.”

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Watch the full interview HERE.