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Gilpin County responds to sewer main break; one well tested positive for E. coli, expanded testing underway
Summary
County manager reported a sewer main break on Oct. 3 that led to E. coli detection in one well; the county is treating that well, offering free testing for wells within a 1,000‑foot radius, and awaiting nitrate test results.
Gilpin County officials reported Oct. 14 that a sewer main break on Oct. 3 required temporary closure of public buildings and prompted testing of nearby wells after one well returned elevated E. coli levels.
County Manager Rears said county staff repaired the break by the end of the weekend and immediately tested the nearest well; that well showed elevated E. coli. The county is treating that well and expanding testing to properties within a 1,000‑foot radius of the break. Public health staff are contacting well owners and offering free testing; if other wells test positive for E. coli the county said it will treat those wells as well.
Rears said the state Department of Public Health is involved in the response. He added that E. coli test results are available in about 24 hours while nitrate testing takes longer; initial tests for the jail and community center did not show E. coli, but nitrate results remained pending.
Officials said they will hold a follow‑up meeting of key staff to review lessons learned and identify improvements to prevent similar incidents. No public-health enforcement actions were announced at the meeting.
