In mid-2023, the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment (PDPHE) secured a sampling grant from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). The grant was dedicated to funding sampling efforts aimed at testing groundwater and surface water within Pueblo County. The full results of the testing are available in the link below.
PFAS, or Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, constitute a diverse group of human-made chemicals that have seen extensive use in industry and consumer products since the 1940s. These chemicals are pervasive in our environment and are associated with specific health impacts. Most notably, PFAS has been found in toxic firefighting foam and a wide range of products, including water and stain-resistant carpets and clothing. These chemicals have become a concern due to their widespread presence in the environment and the health risks associated with them.
Research indicates that most people living in the United States have detectable levels of PFAS in their blood. Individuals residing in communities exposed to PFAS contamination, whether through water or other sources, face an elevated risk of health impacts. This risk is particularly pronounced for children aged 0-5 years, as well as for pregnant individuals, those planning to become pregnant, and breastfeeding mothers.
Test Results
May 7 Pueblo Public Meeting: Introduction to PFAS TAP
Meeting Recording
You can access the full recording of the meeting via Zoom (you may be prompted to sign in to your Zoom account).
Don’t want to watch the whole recording? View clips of the meeting below.
Topics Covered in the Meeting:
- Understanding Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) in drinking water
- Common Well Water Contaminants and PFAS
- What to Expect from the PFAS Testing and Assistance Program (PFAS TAP)
- Additional Resources for PFAS Exposure Reduction and Well Water Testing
- Questions and Answers from CDPHE
Feedback
If you have any feedback about the public meeting on May 7, please let us know.
Fill out our anonymous five-question survey. (Your responses will help us improve for next time!)
Sign-Up for Free PFAS Testing & Filter Application
Free PFAS Testing
Sign up for free PFAS testing!
Free Water Filter Application
PFAS TAP participants can apply for both free PFAS testing and a free filter at the same time. To receive the filter, we will need to verify your income by sending us your most recent completed tax return through our encrypted portal.
Eligibility for a free filter is based on income below the 80% area median income limit for your county and well test results above the MCL. All filter applicants must meet these criteria to receive a free filter.
Learn more about the filter we provide.
If you tested your well independently (e.g., not through PFAS TAP), you can still apply to receive a free water filter if you meet the income criteria and have PFOS or PFOA results higher than 4 ppt. Results must be shown by a lab report or other official documentation.
Alternative Filter Options
- Visit the Washington Department of Health point-of-use filters factsheet for alternative filter options.
- Visit the CDPHE PFAS and Health Webpage to learn more about how to reduce your exposure to PFAS.
Public Resources
Resources from the Meeting Presentation
Contact Information
If you have any follow-up questions, feedback, or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or call 303-906-8052.
- PFAS Fact Sheet308.3 KB