Well and Drinking Water Safety

Well Water Safety Recommendations

Since private wells provide water for most of the homes and businesses in Park County, we remind you to ensure that water is safe to drink! Check out these hints and resources: EPA Guidance on Well Water Safety and Impacts.

Bailey PFAS Water Testing Program 

Background

In December 2022, a private well owner had their groundwater tested, and the results showed elevated PFAS levels. PFAS has been associated with a variety of health effects.

Following this discovery, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) tested 14 private wells, one pond, and one stream in the Burland Ranchettes community. Testing did not detect PFAS in the pond and stream. However, PFAS levels were above the EPA’s proposed maximum contaminant level (MCL) in eight wells. EPA MCLs are set to reduce the risk of potential health effects from exposure to harmful chemicals. MCLs are enforceable for public water systems under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Private wells are not regulated, however, it’s important to know the PFAS levels you may be exposed to.

Here is the community report and map.

On Thursday, February 29, 2023 we hosted a community meeting at the Platte Canyon Fire Station in Bailey. The recording of the meeting is available: Click Here Version Options Well and Drinking Water Safety Headline

PFAS Testing and Assistance Pilot (TAP) Program  

This Summer the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) launched a pilot program in Bailey to test private wells for PFAS. On November 13, 2024, CDPHE and the county hosted a community meeting to discuss the results and next steps for residents. 

• Nov. 13, 2024 Bailey public meeting on PFAS TAP results 
  • You can also access the recording via Zoom (may prompt you to sign in to your Zoom account) 

 Version Options Well and Drinking Water Safety Headline

 Version Options Well and Drinking Water Safety Headline Version OptionsWell and Drinking Water SafetyHeadline

 Version OptionsWell and Drinking Water SafetyHeadline

Resources from the meeting presentation: 

• PFAS TAP - Bailey Results Meeting folder
• PFAS TAP webpage
  • Access the FAQ document from the PFAS TAP meeting in February 2024. 
• PFAS and health webpage
• Private well water resources
• ATSDR: PFAS Information for Clinicians factsheet

Additionally, you can access the PDF version of the above materials in this PFAS TAP - Bailey Results Meeting folder. 

We covered a lot of information during the meeting. If you have any follow-up questions, feedback, or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at cdphe_pfas-tap@state.co.us. 

More Information

If you want to receive program updates and/or did not participate in the PFAS TAP pilot effort but are interested in testing your well in 2025:

• Sign up for PFAS TAP program updates and to join the testing waitlist.

If you did participate in the PFAS TAP pilot effort and are interested in applying for a free or reduced-cost filter: 

• Fill out the application for the low-income filter program.

Learn more at cdphe.colorado.gov/pfas-testing. 

For more information, visit cdphe.colorado.gov/water-quality. If you have questions about PFAS and health, contact ToxCall at 303-692-2606 or cdphe_toxcall@state.co.us.