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State health officials brief Conifer crowd on PFAS tests, private-well program
Summary
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment staff explained PFAS health concerns, said public systems with elevated levels are being treated, and announced a statewide private-well PFAS testing program with free tests and potential filtration assistance.
State health officials told an April Conifer Area Council town hall that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widespread, persistent chemicals, that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has set maximum contaminant levels for some PFAS compounds, and that Colorado is rolling out testing and support for private wells.
"We call it PFAS for a reason," said David (Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment), using the agency's shorthand for "per and polyfluoroalkyl substances." He explained PFAS are a family of man-made chemicals resistant to heat, oil and stains and that they do not break down easily, can accumulate in people and wildlife, and have been linked in studies to health risks. David said the EPA last year finalized maximum contaminant levels for a subset of PFAS and that public water systems must follow those limits and take action if levels exceed them.
David said public systems in the Conifer area that have tested so far are not currently serving drinking water above EPA maximum contaminant levels; however, he said well water samples at Conifer High School and Conifer Medical Center previously showed higher levels and that both sites have treatment in place and have notified users. "We have a grant program to support testing for our public water systems, and when we do find higher levels, we partner with them to reduce the exposure," he said.
Kelsey (Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment) spoke about private wells: "Private wells are not regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act." She said a pilot private-well testing program in Bailey in 2024 led to a statewide roll-out that will offer a free PFAS test for private-well users beginning in May, and that filtration assistance will be available for participants who meet certain PFAS level and income eligibility requirements.
Officials said the department will make testing results public via an online dashboard and that public water providers will be required to complete a series of tests and report results. Attendees were directed to the CDPHE table at the meeting for program materials and to speak with health-education staff about private-well testing.
