Private Wells Should Be Tested Annually
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that private wells be tested annually. Without testing, the water quality is unknown and the water could be contaminated with natural-occurring or other contaminants.
Health Impacts of Water Contaminants
There are a variety of bacteria, parasites, and viruses that can potentially cause Well Water Quality if humans ingest them. Testing water for each of these would be difficult and expensive. Instead, water testing for total coliform levels serves as an indicator of contamination.
Coliform bacteria can enter well water through a variety of ways, including sewage overflows, damaged or malfunctioning sewage systems, polluted stormwater runoff, and agricultural runoff. Private wells may become more vulnerable to such contamination after flooding or fires, particularly if the wells are shallow, have been dug or bored, or have been submerged by floodwater for long periods of time.
Water Testing Services
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Laboratory provides standard bacteriological, chemical, oil, volatile compounds, and mining waste testing
- Colorado State University Soil and Water Laboratory provides mineral and metals testing. Cost is dependent on testing requested.
- Private Labs
- Each of the private labs listed below provide bacterial testing. Contact them directly to find out about the testing available, costs, and procedures. Special containers or requirements may be required.
