Colorado Private Well Water Updates & Resources (CDPHE Priorities)
If you scanned the Serenity QR code, you’re in the right place.
This page is a curated, plain-English hub for what Colorado is focusing on right now for private well water—based on guidance and programs from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). It's updated as priorities and programs change.
Hot Topic (CDPHE focus right now)
PFAS (“forever chemicals”) are a real topic, and the science continues to evolve. The most practical way to stay grounded is to focus on clear next steps rather than scary headlines.
Right now, CDPHE’s priority program for private well owners is the PFAS Testing and Assistance Program (PFAS TAP). In plain English: PFAS TAP helps eligible Colorado households on private wells access Free PFAS testing (while supplies last), and it may provide Free pitcher or countertop filtration for eligible households with results above current EPA drinking-water standards.
For most households, the first goal is simple: protect the water used for drinking and cooking (including coffee, tea, ice, and baby formula). Whole-house treatment is not always the only step for PFAS—what makes sense depends on results and what else is happening in the water.
On the CDPHE page, look for the purple button near the top that says “Sign up for free PFAS testing or a free filter!” — that’s the official signup link.
Before you click: what you’ll see on the official CDPHE page
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A PFAS TAP overview and eligibility notes (private well users, not city water)
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What to expect during the testing process and where to find help interpreting results
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Program privacy notes (public summary without personal information)
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Official program links and contact information
What to do after you get results (plain-English)
Not sure which one fits? Start with Analyze My Lab Results (Free) - We'll help you interpret what you have.
Want a full-picture well water check (beyond PFAS)?
PFAS is an important topic—but it’s only one part of overall water quality. A Healthy Home Evaluation looks at the broader picture (taste/odor issues, hardness, iron, pH, nitrates, and more), so you can make sure your plan fits your water now and long-term.
If you’re considering PFAS treatment, it helps to compare that need alongside other water factors—so you don’t end up with a “quick fix” that doesn’t match the rest of your system.
Two good next steps (pick what fits)
No pressure—these are just two good next steps depending on what you need.
Do I need an evaluation if PFAS is non-detect?
Not always. If you’re confident in your overall water quality and your situation hasn’t changed, you may simply save your report and retest as needed. If you have taste/odor issues, staining, scale, or you’re planning upgrades, a broader check can be helpful. If you’re unsure, the Self-Check is a good place to start.
Is whole-house PFAS treatment necessary?
Many households start by protecting drinking and cooking water first, then decide whether a broader system makes sense based on results, goals, and the rest of the water chemistry.
What’s new in Colorado well water (CDPHE-focused updates)
Over the last couple of years, CDPHE has increased its focus on helping Colorado private well owners understand and manage water quality. Because private wells aren’t regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act the way public water systems are, CDPHE’s approach has emphasized education, testing access, and practical tools for well owners. The topics below reflect the areas CDPHE has been emphasizing most—along with our plain-English take on what they mean, why they matter, and what to do next.
Official starting point for private wells:
March 2026
Well Stewardship Study: what Colorado is learning about private well water
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CDPHE + CSU + Boulder County launched an education + testing pilot
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Early results suggest ~25% may exceed common drinking-water guidelines
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Total coliform can signal a well vulnerability (follow-up may be needed)
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Some samples showed elevated metals (arsenic, uranium)
May 2025
Wildfire planning + recovery: protecting drinking water after a fire
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Practical steps to take before, during, and right after a wildfire
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Emphasizes coordination with local partners (OEM, watershed groups, water providers)
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Highlights common post-fire risks like erosion, debris flows, flooding, and infrastructure damage
Jan 2023
PFAS mapping in Colorado: what the maps can (and can’t) tell you
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CDPHE publishes a PFAS map series from multiple statewide sampling projects
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Includes a private well + groundwater grid map to help assess relative risk
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Useful for context—but testing your own well is still the surest answer
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Map series last updated: Jul 2026
Official CDPHE links (start here)
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CDPHE private wells overview: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/drinking-water-private-wells
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PFAS TAP (official details + signup): https://cdphe.colorado.gov/pfas/pfas-health/pfas-testing
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PFAS sampling + map series: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/pfas/mapping/sampling-efforts
Not sure which topic fits your situation? Start with Analyze My Lab Results (Free) or the Water Quality Self-Check.
Last reviewed: Sep 2026
Quick links (common next steps)
Not sure where to start? These are the most common paths depending on what you have in hand.
If you have symptoms (or partial info)
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Water Quality Self-Check — a quick, self-guided way to narrow down likely issues and next steps
If you have a full lab report
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Analyze My Lab Results (Free) — plain-English interpretation and next steps
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Water Treatment Estimate (Lab Results) — treatment options and pricing guidance
If you’re buying or selling a home on a well
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Real Estate Water Testing — transaction-ready testing and reporting
If you want the big picture
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Resources Hub — guides, FAQs, and all services in one place
FAQ
Is this the official CDPHE PFAS TAP signup page?
No. Signup happens on the official CDPHE website. This page is a plain-English hub that links you to the right place and helps you understand what to do next.
Is PFAS TAP for private wells or city water?
PFAS TAP is designed for eligible Colorado households on private wells. If you’re on municipal water, your water provider handles testing and reporting differently.
What should I do first if I’m worried about PFAS?
Start with the official CDPHE PFAS TAP information and eligibility. At home, the most practical first step is usually to focus on drinking and cooking water (including ice and baby formula), then decide whether anything broader makes sense.
Do I need whole-house treatment if PFAS is detected?
Not always. Many households start with a drinking-water solution first, then decide whether a broader system makes sense based on results, goals, and the rest of the water quality profile.
Can other water issues affect which PFAS solution makes sense?
Yes. Things like sediment, hardness, iron, and other chemistry can affect performance and maintenance for different treatment setups. That’s why it can help to look at PFAS alongside the bigger water picture.
Can you help me interpret my lab results?
Yes. If you have a lab report, you can use Analyze My Lab Results (Free) for a plain-English interpretation and next steps. If you’re ready to compare treatment options, you can request a Water Treatment Estimate (Lab Results).
How often should I retest my well water?
It depends on your situation. Retesting is especially smart after well work, flooding/wildfire impacts, noticeable taste/odor changes, or if you’re seeing new staining or scale. If you’re unsure, start with the Self-Check or schedule an evaluation.
I scanned the Serenity QR code—where do I go next?
You’re in the right place. Start with the current “Hot Topic” at the top of this page, and use the “What to do after you get results” section to choose the next best step.
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