garfield county residential water well drilling regulations

2023-06-01

Garfield County is committed to providing its residential homeowners with safe, healthy water through the enforcement of specific water well drilling regulations. Every effort has been made to ensure that these regulations are in place and properly followed in order to guarantee a quality water supply for your home.

Nestled in the northwest corner of Colorado, Garfield County hosts a number of rural dwellings. As many local residents depend on private wells for their water supply, it is essential to maintain the sanitation and dependability of this resource. Traced over to nearby oil and gas activities, agricultural processes, or incorrect well development and upkeep practices, such measures can prove hazardous to the public’s welfare. To preserve their health and comfort, Garfield County has mandated residential well drilling regulations that ensure its inhabitants have reliable access to a pure, clean water supply.

To guarantee access to safe drinking water, the Colorado Division of Water Resources has implemented regulations for private water wells in Garfield County, covering the necessary requirements for placement, design, and construction. In addition to prohibiting contamination from exteriors like livestock and surface water, these standards endeavor to guarantee that the well is dug deeply enough for dependable availability of H2O year-round. For instance, all well builds must include grout and casing for protection against seepage of polluted water from outdoors sources, and delve to at least 100 feet beneath the surface.

All residential wells located in Garfield County must satisfy the state’s regulations in addition to a list of localized mandates. These localized restrictions encompass many matters, such as where wells can be placed, the necessary distance between them and other potential sources of contamination (septic systems or livestock feedlots, for instance) when applied (which is at least 100 feet), and wellhead protection safeguards. Plus, if an area has scarce groundwater availability, then county policymakers might mandate that a conservation agenda is formulated to guarantee the bordering waters are unaffected by any existing wells.

Garfield County mandates that all new residential wells endure testing for bacteria, nitrates, and other hazardous chemical substances prior to utilization. If any contaminants are identified in the water, it must be remediated or treated before the well can become operational. Furthermore, the county highly suggests well owners perform an annual check-up on their water to maintain its quality and safeguard human health.

Homeowners across Garfield County looking for assistance in ensuring their water supply is safe and reliable will benefit from the resources and guidance available from the county. Comprehensive guidelines on well maintenance, disinfection, and troubleshooting of common issues provide invaluable support to well owners. Furthermore, funds are available for eligible individuals to help with the installation of treatment systems and other associated expenses. By taking advantage of these resources, private well owners can take on the challenge of making sure their water remains safe and sound.

In summary, the regulations surrounding residential well-drilling in Garfield County play an indispensable part in safeguarding the people’s welfare. By adhering to these regulations, Garfield County households can guarantee their personal wells are founded and managed correctly, guaranteeing clean and dependable water sources for their households. For more insight into Garfield County’s residential water well-drilling guidelines, residents may visit the county’s website or get in touch with the Division of Water Resources for support and advice.