PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkl chemicals) AKA “Forever” Contaminants in our Water

PFAS are a large class of synthetic chemicals that have been manufactured and used for decades. These chemicals are found in many forms to include cosmetics, dental floss, water repellent substances, non-stick cookware, fish and much more. The chemical compounds do not break down readily in nature (hence the term “forever”) and are found everywhere around the world, including throughout Colorado.

Thank you to the NWF for this image

According to the EPA “Scientific studies have shown that exposure to some PFAS in the environment may lead to harmful health effects in humans and animals. Research on their potential health impacts and subsequent testing and analysis have only recently been conducted.

In this webpage we provide summaries with links to help you understand:

  • What PFAS is, what risks you face and how you can mitigate the risks
  • Where PFAS is found in the mountain community
  • What the EPA and State of Colorado are doing to inform and protect the public
  • Results from a pilot program in Bailey
  • Results from Conifer Medical Center testing
  • Results from Conifer High School testing

Perhaps the best, easy-to-understand source of information regarding PFAS comes from the EPA:
https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2023-10/final-virtual-pfas-explainer-508.pdf

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Water Quality Control Division
CDPHE has been proactive in researching, assessing and informing the public about PFAS. For more information, visit: cdphe.colorado.gov/water-quality

Bailey CO PFAS Testing and Assistance Pilot Program
In February 2023 CDPHE initiated action to test wells in the Burland Ranchettes community. This pilot provided considerable information and CDPHE has expanded their program to offer free PFAS well testing and low-income filter program to Colorado in 2025.
Please see this link on the Park County Web page: https://www.parkcountyco.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1120&ARC=2446

Key links on that web page:

CDPHE completed a PFAS Action Plan (2024) with three primary objectives:

  1. Identify and limit Coloradans exposure to PFAS
  2. Assess and provide information on PFAS health risks
  3. Limit the amount of PFAS entering the environment and address known PFAS contamination.

More information at https://cdphe.colorado.gov/PFAS-Testing or Click here to sign up for a FREE water test kit

Testing Results from Local Metropolitan Districts:

Reduce your exposure to PFAS by using at-home water filters or using alternate sources of water for drinking and cooking. https://cdphe.colorado.gov/pfas/pfas-health

Data and interpretations on this website are presented for general information only. This is a compilation of data from multiple sources and the compilers cannot ensure accuracy. Contents are continuously updated and the compilers strive to provide the best data possible but Conifer Area Council does not assume responsibility for use by others.