Free PFAS Testing for Colorado Private Wells: What PFAS TAP Is and Why It Matters
A couple months ago, I wrote about PFAS (“forever chemicals”) and how a five-minute Google search can turn into a midnight stress spiral. PFAS is real, the science is still evolving, and the best way to stay grounded is to focus on practical steps instead of scary headlines.
If you want the “PFAS basics” first, start here:
Key Takeaways (TL;DR)
PFAS TAP offers free PFAS testing for Colorado private wells (while supplies last).
Private wells aren’t covered by the Safe Drinking Water Act, so testing is on the homeowner.
If results are above EPA drinking water standards, eligible households may receive a free NSF-standard filter for drinking water.
For most people, the priority is drinking and cooking water, not whole-house treatment.
This post is the follow-up — because Colorado is offering something that’s genuinely rare for private well owners: free PFAS testing through a state program called the PFAS Testing and Assistance Program (PFAS TAP).
Why PFAS TAP exists (and why it matters for well owners)
Here’s the part many people don’t realize until they’re living on a well: private wells are not protected under the EPA Safe Drinking Water Act. Public water systems have testing requirements and enforceable standards they must meet. Private well owners don’t get that same built-in safety net.
That doesn’t mean well water is “bad.” It just means the responsibility lands on the homeowner to:
decide what to test for
interpret results
decide what (if anything) to do next
PFAS TAP was created to make that process easier — by offering testing and, for eligible households, help reducing exposure.
Who PFAS TAP is for (and who it isn’t)
PFAS TAP is for private well users in Colorado.
If you get your water from a public water system (city/town water), you generally won’t be eligible for this program. (Public water customers can look up PFAS information through the state’s PFAS dashboard.)
For well owners, though, this program is a big deal: it’s a chance to replace guessing with real data, at no cost.
What you get by participating
According to CDPHE, anyone with a private well in Colorado can apply for free PFAS testing (while supplies last).
And if your results show PFAS above EPA drinking water standards, PFAS TAP may provide free filters that meet NSF standards for removing PFAS (and other common well contaminants) from drinking water.
That’s the real value here:
Step 1: “Is PFAS present in my well water?”
Step 2 (if needed): “How do I reduce exposure in a practical, affordable way?”
A quick privacy note (because people ask)
CDPHE states they will post a summary of results on their website, and that summary will not include personal information.
What to expect during the testing process (plain-English version)
PFAS TAP is designed to be homeowner-friendly. In general, you can expect:
You apply through the program signup
If selected/approved, you receive instructions for collecting a sample
Your sample is analyzed and you receive results
If your PFAS results are above EPA standards, you can pursue the program’s filter support options
If you want help interpreting your lab results, CDPHE also points people to their well-water results tool and their PFAS TAP contact info (more on that below).
“Do I need to filter water for showering and bathing?”
This is one of the most common questions I get — and it’s where PFAS information online can get unnecessarily stressful.
CDPHE’s guidance is clear: current research shows PFAS do not easily enter the body through the skin. For many people, drinking water is the most significant exposure route when PFAS is present in water.
So if PFAS shows up in your results, the first priority is usually very practical:
drinking water
cooking water
coffee/tea
ice
baby formula
That’s also why PFAS TAP focuses on filters for drinking water — it targets the exposure route that matters most for most households.
What PFAS TAP does (and doesn’t) mean for your home
A helpful mindset here is:
Being eligible for PFAS TAP doesn’t mean “your well is contaminated.”
It means “Colorado is trying to gather better data and reduce risk where needed.”
PFAS can come from many sources, and CDPHE notes they often don’t have enough information to identify a specific source in a given area. One of the goals of PFAS TAP sampling is to improve understanding of potential sources and support better recommendations for residents over time.
If you want something more convenient than a pitcher-style filter
If PFAS TAP provides a pitcher or countertop-style option, that can be a great immediate step — but it’s not always the most convenient long-term solution for every household.
If you’d rather have something “built in” for daily life, I can help you compare options like:
under-sink drinking water systems (often a great fit when the goal is PFAS-focused protection at the kitchen tap)
other point-of-use setups depending on your plumbing, space, and preferences
I’ll say this clearly (because you’ll hear a lot of loud opinions online): whole-house filtration is not automatically the first or best step for PFAS for most homes. For most families, the first win is protecting drinking and cooking water — then we decide if anything beyond that is worth it.
How to sign up (official link)
CDPHE’s PFAS TAP page is here:
Their signup link is listed on that page as well.
Need help interpreting results?
CDPHE notes you can contact PFAS TAP staff at:
303-906-8052
If you’d like a second set of eyes from a local pro (especially if you’re trying to decide what to do next), I’m also happy to help you interpret results in plain English and talk through practical options.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on a private well, PFAS TAP is one of the most practical opportunities I’ve seen in a long time: free testing, clear guidance, and help reducing exposure when results are above standards. No spiraling required — just good information and a sensible next step.
Last reviewed: September 27, 2026 (sources: CDPHE PFAS TAP program page).
Questions about your water? Visit HealthyWellWater.com or call (303) 948-1706 for friendly, expert advice/solutions.
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