As a private well owner or well-water consumer, you will probably use groundwater from your well for doing your family's laundry, drinking,
cooking, bathing and watering your garden.

Municipalities are required to test their water supplies regularly to ensure the water is safe to drink. However, since there is no requirement to test a private well, except when it is first drilled or the pump is changed, you are responsible for making sure your water is safe.

While most private wells provide a clean, safe supply of water, contaminants can pollute private wells. Because you cannot see, smell or taste most contaminants, you should test your water on a regular basis. The types of land uses near your well determine which tests you need to have performed on your water supply.

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

The Laboratory Services Division is certified to test drinking water originating from private wells or public water suppliers.

A comprehensive list of certified water testing laboratories can be found by clicking this link.

No. Each 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. Water testing packages are also available. Click here to see what is included in the water testing packages and prices.

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.
  
• 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.
  
• 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.
  
• 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.
  
• If the bathroom fixtures are stained by the water, check for the following metals:

  Blue or green stains indicate the presence of copper.
  Red or rust-colored stains indicate that iron is present.
  Black stains 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.
  
• 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.

Generally, radon is not a problem with public drinking water systems because during the water treatment process aeration releases dissolved radon to the atmosphere. However, if the water supply is from a private well, radon levels could be unacceptably high. The recommendation is to test the well water if the air radon concentrations in the occupied dwelling are above 4 pCi/L. Click for answers to questions about radon water test results.

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.

Testing supplies can be ordered by
        (a) calling our order line at 303-692-3074, or
        (b) clicking here to request supplies by our online order form.

Testing supplies are free of charge and sent to you via FedEx or USPS.

If you are picking up sample bottles from the lab, go to the entrance on the south side of the building marked "Receiving." The main entrance at the west side of the building is locked and not available for pick up of sampling bottles. Click for map to the lab and designated entrance.

Some water samples are required to be delivered to the laboratory within a few hours and in a cooler with an ice pack. Be sure to check your collection instructions provided with your sampling bottles.

Samples can be delivered to the lab in person, or in some cases can be sent to the lab. Samples can be dropped off at the same entrance where bottles are picked up. Click for map and designated entrance.

If your sample must be delivered to the lab within 24 hours after the sample has been collected, 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 collection.

To ensure prompt processing, be sure to complete the sample information form included with your sampling bottles. Each sample requires a separate test request form.

Water testing turn-around times vary according to the type of test being performed. Click here for a listing of water testing turn-around times.

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.

Results reports are sent via U.S. mail upon completion of the sample test. If you have not yet received your test results within the sample testing timeframe, you may contact the lab via e-mail at: cdphe.lab@state.co.us or call the lab at 303-692-3048.

    Click this link for an extensive results interpretation web page.

The Chemistry Program Manager is available to answer questions about water tests and can be reached:
(1) by phone at 303-692-3039, or
(2) by e-mail at cdphe.lab@state.co.us
     Specify "Water Tests" in the e-mail subject line.