GILPIN COUNTY - Testing water for contaminants, including the so-called “forever chemicals,” should be a regular task for property owners with wells.

Public water systems are required to test water quality daily, but wells are not regulated, so it is up to the property owner to find out if it is still safe to drink the water from their well.

PFAS chemicals are also known as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily. Over time these chemicals can accumulate in the body. They have been linked to increases in certain cancers, particularly kidney and testicular. Increases in liver damage and thyroid disease have also been observed.

The Gilpin County Public Health Department (GCPH) teamed up with staff from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to educate residents about a free testing program for PFAS chemicals on August 12, 2025, at the Gilpin County Library.

The meeting was moderated by Gilpin County Public Health Director Alisa Witt and involved presentations by CDPHE staff with a Q&A session at the end.

In 2020, the Colorado legislature passed Senate Bill 20-218 to fund a PFAS testing program. The program (PFAS Testing and Assistance Program or PFAS TAP) is now available in Gilpin County and involves free testing for PFAS chemicals, and income-based assistance for installing water filters if testing reveals higher than designated maximum contaminates levels.

 GCPH also offers water testing for E. coli bacteria and nitrates and nitrites. This test costs $30 and the results determine the presence or absence of these biological contaminants.

Residents, including renters, can pick up this test kit from the Human Services building on Highway 119. Tests are received Monday through Wednesday with results delivered within 24 hours.

Witt recommended testing for biological contaminants every year because water quality can change due to compromised wells or groundwater seepage.

In the past, CDPHE offered a comprehensive water quality test that included testing for heavy metals like lead, but that lab is currently closed with no known date to reopen. Residents are directed to private testing labs on the CDPHE website (cdphe.colorado.gov/dwlabs).

GCPH also offers free lead testing at their Human Services building. This test measures the levels of lead in an individual.

Community Health Specialist Marie Larson recommends testing children under six, since high levels of lead in the body can interfere with a child’s ability to learn. Pregnant women are also encouraged to get tested to make sure there are no problems for the developing fetus.

Complete information about the PFAS TAP program is on the front page of the GCPH website (gilpincounty.colorado.gov/departments-offices/public-health-agency). Click on the order a free PFAS kit through CDPHE link to order a kit.

There are YouTube videos for how to run the test. Use the YouTube search term colorado pfas water test kit instructions.

Additional information about the PFAS TAP program can be found at cdphe.colorado.gov/pfas-projects or cdphe.colorado.gov/pfas/pfas-health/pfas-testing/gilpin.

Contact Marie Larson at mlarson@gilpincounty.org or 720-669-6989 to schedule a free lead testing or ask a question about water quality testing options.