Environmental Health and Water Testing

Environmental Health is the branch of Public Health that seeks to enhance human wellbeing by monitoring and improving environmental conditions. Services provided through Environmental Health aim to promote quality management of natural resources including air, water, and soil, and to maintain the health of the communities that use them.

Water Testing:

Starting July 2024, residential well water tests will include nitrate and nitrite detection at no additional cost.

• Nitrates and nitrites are particularly harmful to pregnant women and young infants as well as those with genetic conditions or reduced stomach acidity. Consuming high amounts of nitrate and or nitrite can cause a condition called methemoglobinemia, which affects the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. Learn more about nitrates and nitrites in drinking water.
• Nitrate and nitrite tests offered through Gilpin County Public Health will only indicate if there are nitrates and or nitrites present in your water. If your test indicates the presence of nitrates and or nitrites, it is strongly recommended to have an additional test done to provide you with an exact level. In the event of a positive nitrate or nitrite test, Gilpin County Public Health will provide you with guidance for further testing.

Gilpin County Public Health has a water quality lab certified by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. It is recommended that all private wells be tested by the owner every year for nitrates, nitrites, and bacteria, which are the most common sources of well water contamination. We can test your well water for the presence of nitrates, nitrites, and total coliform bacteria and E.coli for a $30.00 fee (cash or check only).

To Have Your Well Water Tested:

1. Come to our office and pick up a sample bottle and instructions; please follow the instructions carefully. We cannot accept samples that are over or under the fill line.
2. Drop off the sample within 24 hours of collection at our office with your payment. We accept cash or checks.

3. NOTE: Samples are only accepted Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:00 PM. Results will be emailed to you within 48 hours.

   If you would like to have further water testing done, we recommend the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's (CDPHE) water testing services. 

   The Golden Water Quality Lab also offers a range of testing options.

Prescribed Burns:

Prescribed burns are an important tool for maintaining and restoring the ecological health of our forests. These burns are conducted by experts at the US Forest Service under specific weather conditions and are closely monitored and maintained to ensure the safety of nearby lands.

There are a variety of resources available if you would like to stay up-to date on controlled burns in Gilpin County or if you would like to learn more.

• Sign up for email news, alerts, and updates from the US Forest Service 
• Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest Current Burn Activity 
• Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest GIS Prescribed Burn Map
• Pile Burn FAQ
• Air Quality Map through PurpleAir
• USFS Air Now Air Quality Map 
• Wood Smoke and Health 
   

Main Office Phone:           303-582-5803

Email: Marie Larson, Community Health Specialist

Address
15193 Hwy. 119
Black Hawk, CO 80422
Located in the new Human Services Building across the street from the County Transfer Station (dump).

Office Hours
Monday - Thursday
7:30 am to 5:30 pm

Water Samples
Water samples are accepted Monday through Wednesday 8:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m. Samples will not be run the day before State holidays. Water samples must be tested within 24 hours of collection.