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1. Water Quality

Well Water Systems

If your water contains contaminants that exceed safe drinking water standards, treatment methods are available for household use. Jeffco Public Health offers resources and information on inspecting and testing a private well water system. For testing kits, contact a private lab or the Colorado Department of Health & Environment. 

Contact Environmental Health Services at Jeffco Public Health, 303-232-6301, for further assistance in determining whether treatment is desirable and, if so, what methods are available.

Wastewater Treatment

On-site wastewater treatment systems (OWTS) are an environmentally sound method of wastewater disposal in areas where public sewers are not available. 

Jeffco Public Health provides resources on regulations, permitting, and tips for operating an OWTS. You can now get immediate access to septic system documents and records, including septic tank locations.

Public Water Systems

If you are serviced by Denver Water, you can access water quality reports, information regarding their lead reduction program, FAQs, and contamination information.

General Information

The CSU Colorado Water Knowledge website provides a large number of resources, including a detailed explanation of water quality, historical legislation protecting water quality, and offers an online assessment tool for water samples. CSU also provides a fact sheet on protecting water quality and the environment around your home.

2. Water Conservation

The Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB), part of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, provides a comprehensive water information resource. CWCB represents each major water basin, Denver and other state agencies in our joint effort to use water wisely and protect water for future generations. Their website provides information on Colorado’s Water Plan, best practices for water conservation through land use planning, and additional information on drought planning, climate change, and more.

For those serviced by Denver Water, water use and supply data, and environmental planning information are available online.

The CSU Colorado Water Knowledge website provides analysis on the state's water consumption across industries, offers tips on water efficiency, and provides additional resources.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s WaterSense program provides tips in how to conserve water at home (including your outdoors), a list of water-efficient products, and advice on saving energy in your home.

Additional resources can be found from Colorado WaterWise, which provides resources on water supply, rates, conservation, and watering information, as well as CSU Extension's Small Acreage Management program, which maintains a list of the latest guidelines on irrigation, rainwater collection, and water conservation for properties in Colorado.

3. Watershed Health

Watershed Management and Fire Restoration

Following wildfires, ecosystem restoration is critically important for watershed health. Long after the flames are out, land managers and community leaders continue to struggle with the impacts of wildfire on people and ecosystems. Colorado State Forest Service provides extensive research and guidelines for restoration and rehabilitation following a fire.

The Watershed Wildfire Protection Group (WWPG) was formed to identify hazards to water supplies from wildfires in Colorado. The WWPG promotes healthy watersheds by facilitating education and awareness, and facilitating prioritization, implementation and monitoring for people and wildlife.

Water Quality

RiverWatch is a statewide citizen science, volunteer water quality-monitoring network supported by Colorado Parks and Wildlife in partnership with the non-profit Earth Force, capable volunteers and others. This effort to monitor watershed health and utilize this high quality data to make informed decision to preserve and restore the condition of Colorado’s water.

Watershed Planning

The Colorado Department of Public Healthy & Environment (CDPHE) explains the EPA requirements for a watershed project and includes a map of Colorado's Watershed-Based plans.