Well owners urged to keep test records

By Stephen Clearheart Johnson
North Forty News

Well water users in Larimer County are being urged to test their well water twice per year.

"With the increasing population, there is more pressure on the water sources from both urban and agricultural forces," said Dr. James Self of the Colorado State University Soil Lab, which also tests water samples.

More population brings increased mining, manufacturing and agricultural activity that can impact water supplies. More residents means more wells to draw down aquifers and more septic systems to impact water quality.

Self also cited a new concern regarding the increase of antibiotics and trace amounts of drugs in water. "A lot of people flush them down the toilet," Self noted.

In the Yampa River, fisheries researchers found that 70 percent of male bass were exhibiting feminine sex traits. These changes are generally caused by estrogen-mimicking chemicals that come from medications, DDT and chemicals used to produce plastic water bottles.

Other Colorado tests show increasing amounts of pharmaceuticals such as Prozac, yet no danger levels have been established. The Safe Water Drinking Act lists 91 contaminants out of 60,000 chemicals in use by industry.

With regard to property values and real estate sales, "water quality is becoming an increasing issue and water issues can hold up a closing," Self said.

Both FHA and HUD lending require well water testing and compliance with local standards or EPA guidelines if no local standards exist. Filtering and treatment systems may be required, and the local lender must certify water quality and quantity.

Self recommended that well users keep their records to establish a baseline of water quality so that any changes can be documented.

In Colorado, increasing regulatory attention has focused on the potential for surface water contamination of wells. Property owners in the Red Feather Lakes area are coming to grips with the fact that many wells in the area are subject to surface water infiltration that can introduce bacterial and chemical contaminants. In the foothills, ranchettes with shallow wells along creek bottoms often are subject to surface water effects.

Testing well water generally means submitting samples for two separate tests, one for mineral content and one for bacterial content. Each test measures a standard set of criteria; sampling for special contaminants such as lead or mercury requires additional tests.

In Larimer County, two public agencies make these tests. CSU's Soil, Water and Plant Testing Laboratory tests for mineral content. Larimer County's Department of Health and Environment performs tests for bacterial content. Both tests have implications for human health, as well as for livestock and crops.

Both agencies make it easy to arrange for tests. Sample containers and instructions can be obtained by mail. Each lab charges $20 for a standardized test. CSU can be contacted at 491-5061, while the county can be reached at 498-7000. Both agencies can also advise on alternatives for treatment, filtering or other purification equipment. Private labs also do testing, as does the Colorado Department of Health.

In Larimer County, wells on the plains have different problems than wells in the foothills. Self pointed out that on the plains the problem is usually high salt levels and "hard water" containing high mineral content, requiring common water softener equipment. Agricultural activity, especially dairy farming, can lead to elevated levels of both nitrogen and bacteria.

Areas in the foothills are subject to pockets of fluoride and selenium, as well as heavy metals, arsenic and mercury from mine tailings and naturally occurring rock formations.

"This last year was very wet," noted Self. Wet conditions can mean more movement of minerals in the soil.

From the mineral standpoint, Self said, "the biggest problem we see is high levels of minerals that make water unsuitable for drinking, irrigation or livestock."

Bacterial contamination requires different testing and differing treatment methods. Even small amounts of bacteria can grow and flourish in pumps, pipes and holding tanks. Chlorine injection equipment can kill such bacteria, but this in turn may pose a need to filter out the by-products of chlorination. Chlorination does not kill the microorganism giardia, which can be introduced by surface water.

"Don't take water for granted just because it tastes good," Self cautioned.

He explained that some contaminants are tasteless. Also, a user may get adapted to the taste, such as a high sodium level, that could be harmful to visitors, including children or anyone on a low-sodium diet.