Water Quality

The Surface and Drinking Water Program provides a number of opportunities for free testing of drinking water for various contaminants. Read about opportunities you might be eligible for. The program also monitors surface water conditions to protect river users and SJBPH operates a Water Laboratory for public and private water sources to test for bacteria and basic chemistry at cost.

Private wells and public water systems are eligible for free testing for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a family of chemicals found in firefighting foam and other sources. PFAS compounds are sometimes known as "forever chemicals" because they do not easily break down in the environment or the human body, so they accumulate over time. In certain high-risk areas in Colorado, private wells and public water systems have been found to have highly elevated levels of PFAS compounds. Consumption of unsafe levels of some PFAS chemicals is associated with certain cancers, lower infant birth weights, and possibly serious complications for pregnant people. Study of these health effects is ongoing.

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has awarded San Juan Basin Public Health (SJBPH) a grant to have willing well owners in our jurisdictions to have their wells tested for PFAS at no cost to the owner. If you are interested in this free opportunity to have your well tested for PFAS please email us or call 970-335-2060 for more information.

For information about PFAS and your health, get more information on CDPHE's site.