Particulates Reading

What are particulates?

Basics of the Purple Air map (Click on the map to visit the latest version):

  • You are looking at monitors (colored circles with numbers inside), located on a map of the Grand Valley, showing real-time data on air pollution from particulates. Current Air Quality conditions are indicated by a color and a number, based on the EPA’s Air Quality Index (AQI). The higher the number the worse the pollution, starting from zero.
  • Click on a monitor at any location to bring up a window with detailed information for that site.
  • At the top of the window you will see the name of the location, the AQI number, and the coinciding color (green indicates Good; yellow indicates Moderate; orange indicates Warning; etc.)
  • By clicking on any color under the AQI number, you can find out what the colors, numbers, and health effects are.
  • The graph under the Channel information offers other details.
  • Exit the window by clicking on the X in the upper right.

Ozone Readings

What is Ozone?

Click on the map for the latest readings:

  1. This link will take you to a color coded map that encompasses several states, Colorado included.
  2. To the right of the map you will see Current Air Quality Conditions for Grand Junction, indicated by a color and a number, based on the EPA’s Air Quality Index (AQI). This reading includes both particulate and ozone pollutant readings.
  3. Under Current Conditions you will find separate ozone and particulate readings, followed by other details as you go down the chart.
  4. The color code directly under the map indicates Good, Moderate, USG (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups etc.).
  5. Further information on the AQI and other details can be found by checking the links at the bottom of the page.

The ozone readings for the Grand Valley are based on an ozone monitor at the Palisade Water Treatment Plant. The monitor meets EPA standards for reporting. It is operated  by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).

Because there is only one ozone monitor in the Grand Valley, CCA is investigating low cost ozone monitors. Investing in several more monitors that meet high quality standards, though not EPA approved, would give us a better picture of ozone readings throughout the valley’s highly varied terrain.

Note:  Our region (Grand Junction air shed) does not have a Nitrogen Dioxide monitor, a critical piece in understanding the air quality puzzle.