Well Water Quality 101: Essential Facts for Colorado Homeowners

Introduction

Owning a home in the Colorado foothills means fresh air, beautiful views—and, for many, relying on well water. But is your water as clean and safe as it looks? Understanding well water quality is crucial for your family’s health and your home’s value.

Common Well Water Issues in Colorado

Many Colorado wells face unique challenges:

• Uranium: Naturally occurring; increases cancer risk if present at any level.

• Nitrates: From fertilizers or septic systems—especially risky for children and pregnant women.

• Iron: Causes staining (fixtures & clothes), unpleasant tastes, clogging to plumbing & fixtures and odor in water.

• Hard/Corrosive Water: Requires significantly larger amounts of soap consumption, can damage plumbing & appliances and cause dry skin & hair.

• Bacteria (Coliform & Others): Indicates possible contamination; can cause gastrointestinal illness and requires immediate action if detected.

Top 5 Well Water Contaminants in Colorado—protect your household with regular testing.

Why Regular Testing Matters

• Contaminants are often invisible and tasteless.

• The Colorado Department of Public Health recommends annual testing for private wells.

• Early detection can prevent costly repairs and protect your health.

How to Interpret Your Water Test Results

Contaminant	Safe Level	Action Needed
Uranium	0 mg/L	Any detection - Take Action
Nitrates	< 10 mg/L	>10 mg/L
Iron	< 0.3 mg/L	>0.3 mg/L
Hard Water	< 60 mg/L	>120 mg/L
Coliform Bacteria	Absent	Any detection - Take Action

What To Do If a Problem Is Found

Don’t panic! Many issues have straightforward solutions.

• Step 1: Contact a certified professional (like Healthy Home Solutions).

• Step 2: Consider filtration or treatment options tailored to your needs.

• Step 3: Retest after any changes to confirm safety.

Local Resources & Support

• Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment - Water Quality

• EPA Private Well Owner Resources

Ready for peace of mind?

Schedule your Professional Water Test TODAY!!

FAQ's

Q: How much does a water test cost?

A: Our onsite evaluation is just $59 and includes a well cap inspection and air/water testing.

Q: How long does testing take?

A: Most tests are completed during a 90-minute visit, with results in a few days.

Q: Do I need to test every year?

A: Annual testing is recommended, especially for wells in active agricultural or wildfire areas. For a list of complete testing options click here.