Private Well Water
A large majority of homes in Grand County are served by a drinking water private well. Private wells health and safety is the responsibility of the homeowner. EPA and CDPHE recommend testing your drinking well at least annually for coliform bacteria and nitrates. More information on private wells drinking water and your health can be found at CDPHE Drinking Water Private Wells.
Testing
Grand County Environmental Health provides testing for total coliform/E. coli and nitrate in private well water. Results are available to you within 48 hours of dropping off your sample. Refer to GCEH fee schedule for cost.
To get a sample bottle, stop by our office at 150 Moffat Ave., Hot Sulphur Springs, CO 80451. After taking the sample, you can drop it off at our office Monday-Wednesday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm note office closed for lunch 12-1pm.
Please note that Grand County Environmental Health cannot test samples to determine compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act. If you need a sample tested to determine compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act or want to test your well water for contaminants other than total coliform/E.coli and nitrate, we can facilitate getting sample bottles and transporting your samples to the CDPHE laboratory in Denver.
Grand County Environmental Health staff is experienced to help provide information interpreting your results. Send us an email at EHinfo@co.grand.co.us or give us a call at (970)-725-3288 (#7) for more information about testing your well. For further information on well water testing and results please reference Well Owner's Water Testing and Results.
Well Permitting
Permits for wells in Grand County are obtained through the Colorado Department of Natural Resources in Denver. For more information review the Beginner's Guide to Well Permits or visit the DNR's website.
Well Inspections
It is recommended to regularly inspect your well to ensure it is functioning properly and not exposed to external sources of contamination.
1. Inspect the wellhead multiple times throughout the year. Look for any cracks, holes, or other damage that could allow external sources of contamination into the well. If you find damage on your wellhead, get it repaired as soon as possible to prevent contamination of your well water.
2. Every 5 years, have your entire well system inspected by a licensed well contractor. They will be able to look at parts of the system like the pump, storage tank, pipes, etc. that you are unable to inspect yourself.
3. If you purchase a house and cannot find inspection records for the well, get it inspected as soon as possible by a licensed well contactor to ensure you are drinking clean water in your new home.
A lender may require that a well be inspected for the purposes of real estate transaction. These inspections include testing of the water for coliform bacteria and nitrates as well as a visual inspection of the well head and surrounding area.
For more information on private wells check out the following links:
Division of Water Resources Well Construction and Inspection Licensed Contractors
Well Owner Maintenance Practices
OWTS (Onsite Wastewater Treatment System)
Grand County's department of Community Development oversees the permitting process of OWTS and the keeping of records, more information can be found at Grand County Septic Permit Information.
Professionals recommend having your system inspected and pumped generally every 3-5 years. For more information on proper maintenance of your system for longevity please see homeowner info found at Colorado Professionals in Onsite Wastewater.
Pools and Spas
Grand County does not have a pool and spa program or specific Grand County Pool and Spa Regulations, please refer to CDPHE Swimming Pools for more information.