CEHA 2024

In response to initial sampling results, public interest, and a desire to gather more groundwater information in a densely-welled Park County community, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and Park County launched the Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) Testing and Assistance Program (TAP) pilot project in February 2024. This one-year pilot project provides private well users in Bailey free testing for PFAS using a reduced-cost water testing method. As a part of the pilot project, eligible households can also receive a pitcher filter that meets National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) standards to remove PFAS and other common contaminants from their drinking water. To date, the pilot program received over 600 applications for free PFAS testing and 23 applications for filtration support. Given the success of the pilot effort and funding available through Senate Bill 20-218, PFAS TAP plans to expand beyond the pilot area to provide testing and filtration support for private well users in other areas of Colorado. This presentation will share results from the PFAS TAP pilot project as well as detail plans for program expansion and opportunities for partnership between CDPHE and local public health agencies.