Laboratory Contact List has contact numbers for laboratory personnel.

Online order forms for water sampling supplies

Specific water problems by county

Real Estate Transactions Involving a Private Well

Water Quality Control Division--More Answers About Water

Laboratory Services Division

Water Testing

Frequently Asked Questions and Guidelines
for Water Testing

Laboratory Services Division publishes five brochures with information about water testing.

Publications -- these documents  are in .pdf format, and require the use of the free  Adobe Reader.  

• When to Test Your Well

• Shock Chlorination of Wells and Water Systems

• Iron and Sulfur Bacteria in Water Supplies
• Interpreting Water Testing Results -- how to read your testing results, printable version.
• Water Testing Packages -- special testing packages for private well owners; identified by requirements and needs.

Water home page

The Centers for Disease Control Division of Parasitic Diseases recommends private well users test their wells yearly for germs and every two to three years for chemicals.  See Well Water Testing Frequently Asked Questions.    Also see:-

• Contaminants

• Definitions

• Order water testing supplies on-line: -- two order forms are available.

• Primary Drinking Water Standards (chemical)

• Primary Drinking Water Standards (biological)

• Secondary Drinking Water Standards

• Radionuclides Test Results (radiochemistry) 

• Also of interest -- Water Hardness

Frequently asked questions about testing samples

• What water tests are required for buying or selling property?
• Is there a generic test for everything?
• Do I need special sampling bottles?
• How do I get sample bottles?
• How do I get the sample back to the Laboratory?
• How do I get the results?
• How do I interpret the results?
• How many different tests does the Laboratory perform?
• Who do I call for more information?

Public Water Supplier

If the water is from a supplier, the quality is regulated.  Water suppliers must test yearly.  Contact the water utility company listed on your bill to request information about test results.

You may choose to test your water for certain substances, even if it is provided by a utility.  Use the same checklists given for private water supplies to determine which tests you need on your water: 

The CDPHE Water Quality Control Division publishes a pamphlet entitled Drinking Water from Household Wells.  This pamphlet describes how wells are polluted, how to protect them, what pollutants may contaminate the water, and what testing is needed.

Frequently-asked questions about buying and selling property

Real Estate:  If you are buying or selling a property that uses a private well for drinking water, and either party requests a well water test, the testing results need to be received prior to the closing date of the real estate transaction.

Well-water testing requires more than 72 hours, so have testing done at least one week before closing.  Testing the well or spring should be one of the first items on your to-do list if you have a private water supply involved in a real estate transaction.   See Private Water Supply, below.

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Do you have a private water supply (well water or a spring)?

If you own property with a private water supply, such as a spring or a well, consult the list below for testing suggestions.

• Because bacterial levels in the water can change over time, a coliform test should be performed yearly (Public Health/Microbiology Lab).
• If there is farming or livestock ranching in the area, nitrates can be found in areas where fertilizers have been applied or livestock waste may be found (Inorganic Chemistry Lab).
• If there are children drinking the water on a regular basis, fluoride levels should be between 1 and 2 milligrams per liter (mg/l). Fluoride levels of less than 1 mg/l may prevent the proper development of teeth and supplements may be needed. Fluoride levels greater than 4 mg/l can lead to a pitting and staining of the teeth caused by fluorosis (Inorganic Chemistry Lab).
• An odor of rotten eggs indicates the presence of sulfide. This is more of an aesthetic problem than a health concern and can be easily treated with chlorine (Inorganic Chemistry Lab).

• If the bathroom fixtures are stained by the water, check for the following metals (Inorganic Chemistry Lab):

  Blue or green stains, which indicate the presence of copper.
  Red or rust-colored stains, which indicate that iron is present.
  Black stains, which indicate the presence of manganese or zinc.

• Uranium is naturally occurring in granite formations which are found throughout Colorado especially in the foothills. It can be found dissolved in the waters of wells sunk in these areas (Radiochemistry Lab).

Testing processes require varying amounts of time depending upon the test performed.  Therefore, allow up to 30 days for chemistry tests, and 24-96 hours for coliform testing.  Laboratory staff can assist in evaluating your testing needs and help you develop a water testing plan. 

Before calling the Laboratory at 692-3090, use the following checklist as a guide.  

If you want to print the checklist, you can highlight the list below.  Then, using the File menu, choose Print.  Choose the printer you wish to use, and be sure to click on Selection under Page Range.  This will print a copy of the checklist you can use to be sure you have answered each question.  

Or, just write the questions on a sheet of paper and answer them.  Then, using the answers to the questions on the checklist, scroll down the information sections below the questions.  When you are done, you will have a better idea what tests you need. 

• Is the water source a well or spring, or is it provided by a public water utility?
• If it is a well or spring, what is the general location?
• Is there mining, farming, or livestock present in the surrounding area?
• Are small children consuming the water on a regular basis?
• Are there colored water stains?
• Does the water smell or taste funny?
• Is the well located near a granite formation?
• Do you have copper or galvanized plumbing?
• Are there any residues on the fixtures?
• Are you using a water softener?
• Are you selling or buying a house with its own water supply?
• What county do you live in?

See special testing packages for private well owners; identified by requirements and needs.  (Water Testing Packages )

Water Testing Methods

Water Testing Turn-Around Times

Does your house have copper plumbing?

Houses containing copper plumbing may leach copper from the pipes and lead from the solder. Newer houses should not have lead problems as lead solder was banned in 1986.

Does it have galvanized plumbing?

Houses containing galvanized plumbing may leach zinc, iron and manganese.

Do you see a white residue around your pipes or in your fixtures?

A white residue can be caused by hard water. While not a health issue, hard water may affect the ability of soaps and detergents to lather. Water that leaves a white residue should be tested for dissolved solids, total hardness and/or calcium

Are you using a water softener?

Water softeners remove metal contaminants by replacing metal ions with sodium ions. People who are on low sodium diets (e.g. for high blood pressure) should check the softened water for sodium.

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What county do you live in?  These counties have specific problems and water should be tested for the following:

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  Is there a generic test for everything?

No. Each possible contaminant must be evaluated individually.  However, if you are buying or selling your house and need to have your well tested, a standard test is available.  If it is a new well, contact the Chemistry Laboratory Manager; if it is an existing well, call the Environmental Microbiology Laboratory Scientist.  

Four water testing packages are designed to help home owners more easily test their wells.  You can download a text version, with a form to fill out and send in.

Do I need special sampling bottles?

Yes. Sampling bottles are specially prepared by the laboratory and are required for performing any testing. Samples taken in any other bottles are not accepted because they may be contaminated and ruin the test. See the water testing package information, above.

If this information does not answer your questions, you can request help from a specific laboratory.  (you may scroll down to this information instead of clicking, if you wish.)

How do I get sample bottles?

Bottles can be picked up in person at the laboratory or sent to you via UPS or US Mail.  To have them sent, call the menu-driven message system at (303) 692-3074. Or order online:  Order sample bottles (water testing) -- online order forms   

If you are picking up sample bottles, go to the south side of the building to the area labeled "Receiving."  Enter the door on the west end of the receiving area, where you will find a counter. You can pick up testing supplies and return samples to this desk.  We cannot accept samples at  the front door.

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  How do I get the sample back to the Laboratory?

• Samples can be sent back to the Laboratory or delivered in person. 
• To ensure prompt processing, please complete the sample information form which was sent with the bottle. Each sample needs its own form.  
• Samples for the standard water test must be delivered to the laboratory within 24 hours after the sample has been taken. You may use the US mail overnight feature, or have the samples delivered by any carrier that is able to deliver them within 24 hours after the test.

How do I get the results?

Reports will be sent in the mail upon sample completion. A telephone call-in system is available for bacteria test results. In this case, you must personally deliver the sample to the Laboratory.

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How many different tests does the Laboratory perform?

A comprehensive lists of tests can be found on the Private Water Testing Customer page.   If you look at this pagees and still don't know what test you need, contact the Chemistry Laboratory Program Manager for help.

Laboratory personnel spend most of their time in the labs performing tests.  If no one answers the telephone when you call, please leave a message.  Detail exactly what it is you need to know, and please allow 24 hours for the answer. 

The Chemistry Laboratory includes the inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry and radiochemistry laboratories.  

The  Inorganic Chemistry laboratory conducts tests on over 60 different analytes, including metals (e.g. lead, iron), nutrients (e.g. nitrate, phosphate), and minerals (e.g. sodium, total dissolved solids).

 The Organic Chemistry laboratory conducts tests for over 200 compounds such as volatile organic compounds, pesticides, herbicides and other synthetic organic compounds.  Call (303) 692-3048 if you need more information about testing for inorganic or organic chemicals.

The Radiochemistry laboratory tests for radon, radiological parameters (e.g. gross alpha, uranium), and other radionuclides in water and in the environment. 

The Public Health/Environmental Microbiology laboratory tests for coliforms, or bacteria, in drinking water.  Contact the Chemistry Laboratory Program Manager  if you need help.

Water Testing Methods

Water Testing Turn-Around Times

 

How do I interpret my test results?

The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), passed in 1974 and amended in 1986 and 1996, gives the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the authority to set regulations to control the level of contaminants in the nation's drinking water.  In most cases, EPA delegates responsibility for implementing drinking water standards to states and tribes.

There are two categories of drinking water standards:

National  Primary Drinking Water standards protect drinking water quality by limiting the levels of specific contaminants that can adversely affect public health and are known or anticipated to occur in water.   These standards are not enforceable upon private wells, but provide means of measuring test results.  The  National Secondary Drinking Water Regulation is a non-enforceable guideline regarding contaminants that may cause cosmetic effects (such as skin or tooth discoloration) or aesthetic effects (such as taste, odor, or color) in drinking water. These standards provide useful means of measuring test results to determine undesirable, but not unhealthy, contaminants.

• Primary Drinking Water Standards (chemistry)
• Primary Drinking Water Standards (microbiology)
• Secondary Drinking Water Standards
• Radionuclide Standards (radiochemistry)
• Of Interest:  Water Hardness

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More about Interpreting your Drinking Water Test Results

Find Out More 

For more information about your chemistry test report, contact the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Laboratory Services Division Chemistry Program at (303) 692-3048.  For information about your biological contaminants report, contact the Public Health Microbiology program at (303) 692-3080. You may need to leave a telephone number so laboratory personnel can return your call.

The EPA Drinking Water Safety site has more detailed information about water quality standards, who sets them, how standards are determined, and other issues pertaining to drinking water safety.  Most of the information on the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Laboratory Services Division web site has been taken from these pages.

Help in Identifying Environmental Problems

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and EPA support a program to help farmers, ranchers and rural homeowners. Called Farm*A*Syst or Home*A*Syst, it helps identify and solve environmental problems, including protecting drinking water. 

Obtain a copy of the Home*A*Syst questionnaire/checklist that can help you find possible threats to your water supply from: 
National Farm*A*Syst/Home*A*Syst Program 
303 Hiram Smith Hall 
1545 Observatory Drive 
Madison, WI 53706 
Ph: 608.262.0024, Fax: 608.265.2775
E-mail:  www.homeasys@uwex.edu 

  More About Current and Future Drinking Water Standards

For more information on current and the future federal drinking water standards and for general information on drinking water topics and issues, see the EPA web site at http://www.epa.gov/safewater or write them at: 
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 
Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water 
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW 
Washington, DC 20460 

Or call: 
The Safe Drinking Water Hotline 
(800) 426-4791 
The hotline operates from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (EST). A hotline database can be accessed on the Internet at www.epa.gov/safewater/drinklink.html, along with more information about the hotline.

 

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Watersheds and Pollution Control

To find out more about your watershed and its ground water visit "Surf Your Watershed" at http://cfpub.epa.gov/surf/locate/index.cfm. Also look at the "Index of Watershed Indicators" at www.epa.gov/iwi. These websites can also tell you possible sources of problems. Companies with permits to release their wastewaters in your area are listed. You can see if they meet pollution control laws. You can also learn how your watershed compares to others in the country. 

 

Other sources of information 

The Laboratory Services Division is providing these links for your convenience.  We do not warranty information on these sites.

Ground Water Protection Council www.gwpc.org   Everything you ever wondered about ground water--and more.

 American Water Works Association   www.awwa.org  As water consumers, you might want to learn about water producers and the steps they take to keep water healthy.

 In a single year National Rural Water Association  www.nrwa.org  trains over 55,000 water and wastewater system personnel, and state Rural Water Associations provide around 100,000 on-site technical visits.

National Drinking Water Clearinghouse helps small communities by collecting, developing and providing information --  www.nesc.wvu.edu/ndwc/ndwc_index.htm

Rural Community Assistance Program  www.rcap.org helps small communities.

U.S. Geological Survey  water.usgs.gov has information about ground water, surface water, water quality, water use, USGS water programs, and more.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service  www.nrcs.usda.gov is about conservation efforts, including water.

Water Systems Council states it is "the only national organization solely focused on individual water wells and other private well-based systems."  Information includes a series of fact sheets that can be useful. --   www.watersystemscouncil.org

For more answers to your questions, see the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment  Water Quality Division Colorado Drinking Water Program web site.

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