2025 Impact Highlight
Boulder County, Front Range Region
Improving Well Water Stewardship Through Community-Driven Research and Education in Boulder County
Private well users are responsible for monitoring and maintaining the safety of their drinking water. In Colorado, well water is not regulated by state agencies, leaving households to independently manage testing and treatment.
Many residents lack clear information about water quality risks, recommended testing schedules, and effective treatment options. Limited access to resources and uncertainty about where to find reliable guidance contribute to inconsistent testing practices and potential exposure to harmful contaminants. Colorado State University (CSU) sought to better understand well stewardship behaviors in Boulder County and support rural residents in protecting their health and drinking water.
CSU partnered with the Boulder County Public Health department to conduct a county-wide survey to assess well stewardship knowledge, testing frequency, treatment behaviors, and access to information among private well users. A total of 802 residents completed the survey, providing insights into testing patterns, concerns about contaminants, and gaps in understanding.
Guided by survey findings, a series of community workshops were developed to address these gaps. Workshops focused on common contaminants, testing recommendations, treatment options, and available stewardship resources, with sessions offered across the county to improve reach and accessibility.
Survey findings revealed opportunities to strengthen well stewardship across Boulder County:
- Only 8.2% of participants reported testing their water in the past year
- 45.5% of participants reported treating their water
- 37.4% of well users reported conducting regular maintenance of treatment systems
- 84.4% of participants expressed interest in additional educational resources
To address identified gaps, CSU launched stewardship workshops informed by community concerns and survey data.
Workshop participants reported substantial increases in knowledge, including a 65% increase in awareness of well water stewardship resources, a 21% increase in knowledge of common contaminants, an 80% increase in understanding of well water testing recommendations, and a 75% increase in familiarity with treatment options. These improvements demonstrate the effectiveness of integrating research findings into community education efforts.
By expanding access to clear, actionable information about testing, treatment, and well management, this project helped rural residents safeguard their drinking water and reduce risks associated with untreated or untested wells.
Strengthening well stewardship supports public health, protects families, and promotes long-term environmental resilience in Colorado communities.