New Monitoring Schedule Website

The Drinking Water Compliance Assurance Section (DWCAS) is updating how Monitoring Schedules are displayed. Monitoring Schedules communicate water system’s sampling and reporting requirements, as well as additional compliance requirements. DWCAS recognizes that this is a significant change. Which is why the rollout of this change will be implemented in phases. Please share this article with others who may not have received it.

The new schedules come with added features (listed below) that will be beneficial to many users. The reasons for the change are complex: First, the current system has been in place since 2012, and is intertwined with our aging data system. Second, with our data system potentially nearing its end-of-life, and to ensure continuity with any potential future changes, we are transitioning to a new adaptable platform. Lastly, the new system will allow us to make updates faster, increase accessibility, and offer an interactive display. 

The new schedules are now available, along with the current system, at our drinking water monitoring schedule website.

Before diving into the features this new system has to offer, we encourage water systems to refer to our new Drinking Water Schedules Information and Guide or overview video. 

As a part of the update, the new schedules system allows for interactive tables. The tables within the monitoring schedule can be filtered by water system, operator, facility, analyte, monitoring period, frequency, and compliance schedule type. This means, associated contacts can filter to view all systems they are linked to. This will be helpful for contract operators managing multiple systems.

After using the filters, water systems are able to create a specific link that can be bookmarked or saved for future use. For more information about creating your own unique link, please refer to our Drinking Water Schedules Information and Guide. Using the link will automatically filter the report. The new system retains the ability for PDF downloads. For more information about downloading the report, please refer to our Drinking Water Schedules Information and Guide. The new system also allows for individual table exports for offline access. This feature will be helpful for large public water systems with requirements across numerous facilities. 

DWCAS recently made updates to the AIMS (Am I Missing Something) Tool. This update now shows all satisfied sampling schedules. The satisfied schedules section in the monitoring schedules links directly to the AIMS tool without extra filtering (this link is also available in SWIFT). This process is also more consistent as it uses the same system we use internally for determining compliance. Next, compliance schedules are linked to the website for systems to easily get to the relevant information and form. The new platform is better aligned with Colorado’s digital accessibility requirements (CDPHE digital accessibility).

Anticipated Questions:
Q: Why is this happening?
A: Our data system is nearing its end-of-life. Updating now positions us for continuous service regardless of the future data system. In addition, this will help us better meet accessibility requirements established by State law.

Q: How do I use the new system?
A: It is available at the same website. A detailed Monitoring Schedules Help Guide and overview video have been created to help users. It also includes steps for downloading as a PDF and exporting tables.

Q: How will I know that samples have been received in the new system?
A: Schedules in the new system contain a direct link to the recently updated AIMS Tool, providing confirmation of satisfied monitoring requirements. This has the following improvements:

• Fully aligned with how compliance is determined internally.
• Includes monthly schedules, so all analytes and frequencies are in one location.
• Shows the number of samples received (instead of just stating the schedule was satisfied).

Q: Will the data still be updated weekly?
A: Yes, there is no change to the data update frequency. The updated schedules and AIMs tool will be available every Thursday morning.

Q: When is this happening?
A: We are targeting a complete implementation of the new Monitoring Schedule platform in Winter 2025. However, to ease the transition to the new system, from now through January 2026, both monitoring schedules are available online. 

Q: I am having issues accessing my schedules. How can I fix this?
A: The monitoring schedules do not require a Google account to view. If you run into an issue, then your browser might not be up-to-date or a Google account might be tied to your browser. To fix this, you can try updating your browser, try a different browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari are all supported), or open a new window using Private or Incognito Mode (this will remove any saved login information). In the new Private window or Incognito Mode window, then try accessing the monitoring schedules.

Please do not hesitate to contact us during this transition for assistance. Thank you all for your commitment to Colorado’s drinking water and for your continued support as we update the Monitoring Schedule system. 

➽ Phillip Stanwood; Data, Records, and Reporting Unit Manager 

Colorado Adopts Federal PFAS Rule

Resources: 

• Frequently asked questions on PFAS Initial Monitoring 
• PFAS in Finished Drinking Water for PWS interactive and dynamic map 

The State of Colorado’s Water Quality Control Commission recently took final action in August 2025 and has adopted the April 2024 EPA PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation into the Colorado Primary Drinking Water Regulations (Regulation 11). EPA has indicated that they plan to make changes to this rule and finalize them in 2026.  Colorado’s PFAS Rule will adjust to these changes, but remain at least as stringent as the federal rule to maintain program primacy. However, no changes are expected to the initial monitoring rule’s timeline. Many drinking water systems have already started these efforts. For the PFAS rule, all community and non-transient, non-community water systems are required to complete initial monitoring for PFAS in all entry points by April 1, 2027.

This is a public health protection measure to facilitate positive public health outcomes (and environmental protection) in Colorado and the nation. This class of omnipresent chemicals and their serious effects on human health have been recently addressed with this regulation, both in drinking water and PFAS reductions in source waters. Thanks to the new PFAS regulations, this class of chemicals can be monitored and public exposure issues addressed. 

The Water Quality Control Division (WQCD) wants to help water systems start sampling for per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) now, reducing the sampling demand as systems prepare for this upcoming deadline. To this end, WQCD has been reaching out to systems that have yet to start PFAS sampling to notify them that we are offering to fund one-time sampling through the PFAS Grant Program. The deadline to apply for this free sampling opportunity is January 9, 2026. After this deadline passes, funding for one-time sampling will no longer be available, and systems will need to contact a certified lab and complete the sampling requirements as required under the regulation at their own expense.

The current six regulated PFAS chemicals and their respective Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) include:

• PFOA - 4.0 ppt
• PFOS - 4.0 ppt
• PFHxS - 10 ppt
• PFNA - 10 ppt
• HFPO-DA (GENX) - 10 ppt
• Mixture of two or more: PFNA, PFHxS, GenX, and PFBS - Hazard Index of 1.0

Sampling results from initial monitoring will be used to determine the future compliance monitoring schedule for each system. If PFAS results are found to exceed the current MCLs, completing initial monitoring will also allow systems to fully understand their PFAS system issues and begin the appropriate planning to address the contamination. If treatment is necessary, funds like the PFAS Grant Program, the Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities Grant Program (EC-SDC Grant Program), and the State Revolving Fund are available to assist systems.

Unfortunately, some drinking water wells in remote rural areas have been shown to be vulnerable to PFAS contamination due to a variety of potential sources such as fire fighting foams, individual sewage disposal systems (ISDS), biosolids applications on farm fields, various industries, and landfills. PFAS compounds are pervasive in the environment, and early sampling can provide more opportunities for funding support. Fortunately, PFAS in drinking water is treatable, and the Division is here to assist public water systems and communities with technical and financial support.

➽ Adam J. Taubman Emerging Contaminants Coordinator 

➽ Claire Wadler PFAS Program Specialist

Inspection Year 26 is Here!

The Field Services Section (FSS) wrapped up Inspection Year 2025 (IY25), completing 496 sanitary surveys and four (4) Level 2 assessments/sanitary surveys. We would like to extend a big “Thank You” to all the water suppliers and operators for all their help in making IY25 a success! 

After one inspection year ends, another starts, and the new Inspection Year 2026 (IY26) started on October 1, 2025 and will end on September 30, 2026. A total of 555 sanitary surveys are planned for IY26. The list of suppliers included in the IY26 sanitary survey plan takes into consideration a number of factors including:

• Last sanitary survey date and EPA required frequency for sanitary surveys - community water systems are required to have a sanitary survey every 3 years, non-community systems are required to have a sanitary survey every 5 years.
• Recently activated public water systems are prioritized for sanitary survey.
• Other conditions or concerns may also lead to a prioritized sanitary survey.

Please note that if your system is due for a sanitary survey, your inspector will be reaching out to you to schedule the survey anytime during the IY26 inspection year (October - September), and that the scheduling is not based on the date of the previous inspection (i.e., will not be in March or after March every 3 years).

The Field Services Section also performs Level 2 assessments or Level 2 sanitary surveys as they are triggered under the Total Coliform Rule. Level 2 assessments are triggered by either an E. coli MCL violation or two Level 1 assessment situations occurring within 12 consecutive months. Level 2 assessments are site visits that include review and identification of atypical events that could affect distributed water quality or indicate that distributed water quality was impaired. Items also evaluated include changes in distribution system maintenance and operation, including water storage, that could affect distributed water quality, source and treatment considerations that affect distributed water quality, existing water quality monitoring data, and inadequacies in sample sites, sampling protocol, and sample processing. Level 2 sanitary surveys (L2SS) are a combination of the Level 2 assessment and a sanitary survey. Level 2 assessments/sanitary surveys must be performed within 30 days of the date of issuance of the violation that triggered the Level 2 assessment. More information on Level 2 assessments can be found in Regulation 11.16 - the Total Coliform Rule. Thankfully, due to Colorado’s disinfection requirements and the great work by our operators, we had only four (4) L2SS occur in IY25, and typically we experience under five (5) of these events a year. Compared to other states that do not require a minimum disinfection concentration in the distribution system, this number is very low. 

Field Services recommends that suppliers take advantage of the free sanitary survey preparation course from the Local Assistance Unit. Operators who participate will receive 0.3 training units. The training provides concrete steps for your system to prepare for your next sanitary survey including:

The ability to recognize, address, and eliminate potential violations and system deficiencies

Actions to take to address potential violations and system deficiencies before your survey

If you are interested in this FREE training, please visit this document and click on the date that you would like to attend and fill out the associated registration form. Please reach out to cdphe.wqdwtraining@state.co.us with any questions or feedback, or if you do not receive an invitation email.

For any questions or concerns about sanitary surveys, please email our Field Services team at cdphe_wqcd_fss_questions@state.co.us. We look forward to working with you on your next sanitary survey, and thank you for all your efforts to protect public health!

➽ Heather Young, PE, CWP, Field Services Section Manager

Cybersecurity - Please fill out the WaterISAC survey by 11/7/25

CDPHE is sharing the following survey opportunity in partnership with Water Information Sharing & Analysis Center (WaterISAC). Please take a few minutes to share your response with this critical cyber partner! The survey will close Friday, November 7, 2025.

Link to survey

WaterISAC is asking utilities to respond to its survey asking about physical and cyber incidents and suspicious activities they've experienced in the past quarter, from July 1 to September 30, 2025. WaterISAC will share with any utilities that complete the survey its next Quarterly Water Sector Incident Summary report. Even if you have no incidents to report, WaterISAC is asking utilities to complete the survey anyways, simply indicating you experienced no incidents.

Why participate?

Providing this information helps keep the water sector and its partners apprised of the threats facing water and wastewater utilities, helping to inform the prioritization of preparedness measures that can prove critical to prevention, mitigation, and response efforts. WaterISAC understands incidents and suspicious activities constitute sensitive information. Only WaterISAC staff see the full responses and, for the report and any other products it develops, it maintains the confidentiality of utilities to include by omitting their names, locations, and other details that could be used to identify them. The report will be marked TLP:AMBER, which recipients may only share with members of their own organization and with clients who need to know the information to protect themselves or prevent further harm.

WaterISAC has included further details about how it maintains respondents’ confidentiality and protects the information on the first page of the survey. It also welcomes any questions you might have, which can be submitted by emailing analyst@waterisac.org or calling 866-H2O-ISAC.

Submitting a coaching request has never been easier!

The water sector is more engaged now than ever before. With evolving regulations and emerging contaminants, the way we treat and distribute safe drinking water is constantly transforming. Water system owners and operators are expected to stay informed in real time as new technologies are implemented and new findings arise. Public Water Systems throughout Colorado each have varying capabilities and challenges to meet the changing compliance standards and keep up with the daily operations and maintenance. To take action in aiding systems and continuing compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Colorado Department of Public Health’s Water Quality Control Division offers free customized coaching and assistance through the Local Assistance Unit (LAU). This program provides technical assistance to public water systems that request support using the new WQCD Coaching Request Form. 

*Please Note: There is a new google form link to submit a coaching request. The previous formsite link is no longer available and will redirect you to the current form linked above.    

Who should submit a Coaching Request form?

If you are a water system administrator, operator, owner, or decision maker seeking assistance to increase your Technical, Managerial and Financial (TMF) capacities our coaches are available. TMF topics LAU coaches specialize in include: 

• Meeting and understanding regulatory compliance 
• Water resource management
• System organization and planning
• Operator certification
• Asset management and Operations and Maintenance Planning 
• Navigating grant and loan application and implementation

Specific examples of coaching requests that can be submitted include:

• Drinking water systems seeking additional support within the water sector.
• New or current system owners needing help hiring and defining roles and responsibilities for an Operator In Responsible Charge.
• Systems encountering enforcement order requirements.
• Assistance with public notices.
• Navigating backflow or storage tank plan requirements.
• Support creating and managing a sampling schedule.
• Preparing for or responding to a Sanitary Survey
• Capital improvement plans, emergency response plans or monitoring plan assistance.
• Guidance on submitting documents, the CDPHE website, and identifying funding opportunities.

The Local Assistance Unit encourages the use of this valuable service provided throughout the state of Colorado for public water systems. Coaches offer compliance courses, direct assistance, onsite visits and arrange plans to help systems achieve or maintain compliance. Whether in a small rural town or a larger municipality, our goal remains to upkeep the culture of health and ensure communities have access to safe, reliable drinking water.

• To learn more about how the LAU can support your system visit the Aquatalk article: How can the Local Assistance unit help you?
• To learn more about TMF capacity please visit the Aquatalk article: Capacity– why is it important, and what can I do about it?

Ready to get started? Submit a WQCD Coaching Request form here for tailored coaching sessions specific to your system's needs. 

➽Priscila Lopez,  Excellence Coach

EPA Cyber Alerts: Mitigate Vulnerabilities in F5 Devices

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing this alert to inform water and wastewater systems about Emergency Directive (ED) 26-01 issued by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). This directive highlights an ongoing exploitation campaign by a nation-state affiliated cyber threat actor that has compromised F5 systems. The actor has exfiltrated data, including portions of F5’s BIG-IP source code and vulnerability information, providing them with a technical advantage to exploit F5 devices and software. This poses a critical threat to water and wastewater systems using F5 products. F5 is a is a technology company that provides products and services to protect and enhance the speed, reliability, and security of applications and networks.

• Link to Emergency Directive 26-01
• Specific Common Vulnerability and Exposure (CVE) information can be found on the vendor’s webpage

Mitigations

Although Emergency Directive 26-01 is directed at federal agencies, EPA strongly recommends that water and wastewater systems review the Emergency Directive and follow the mitigation steps. Systems that outsource technology support should consult with their service providers for assistance with these steps.

Important: Water and wastewater systems are not required to report their activities to CISA, including those outlined in mitigation steps 2.b, 6, and 8 in the Emergency Directive. This requirement applies only to federal agencies; however, systems may choose to report voluntarily and are encouraged to do so if a compromise is detected.

Conclusion

If you have questions about any of the information in this alert, including assistance with the mitigation steps included in the Emergency Directive, please submit a request to EPA’s Cybersecurity Technical Assistance Program for the Water Sector. Additionally, CISA has provided the following contact information specific to this Emergency Directive:

• General information, assistance, and reporting: CyberDirectives@cisa.dhs.gov
• Reporting indications of compromise: contact@cisa.dhs.gov

Wildfire Response and Recovery Resources for the Water Sector

The Water Quality Control Division has resources available to assist your county, municipalities, communities, and water and wastewater systems through wildfire response and recovery processes. 

General resources

• CO - Post Fire Playbook: updated May 2025. 
• After the Flames: general community resource. 
• CoWARN: Use CoWARN if you need to, update your profile so you receive activations, and utilize the message board to discuss post-fire treatment issues, etc. 

Best practices to protect public health and comply with regulatory requirements

Communicate with the division if your water or wastewater system’s source water, collections system, treatment, or distribution system may be impacted by a wildfire. 

Non-emergency concerns for planning and response: 

• Drinking water - communicate with your compliance specialist. 
• Wastewater - communicate with the division’s Lead Wastewater Engineer - David Kurz  (303)692-6298.

Emergency concerns: 

• Immediate challenges with treatment, distribution, and collections, call the department’s 24-hour Incident Report Line - 1-877-518-5608
• Drinking water - Please consult the Pressure Loss Response Guidance for additional information on pressure loss/outages. 
• If any portion of your distribution system was burned by the fire, please consult the WQCD acute team regarding flushing, sampling, and potential advisories. Contact Lead Drinking Water Engineer, Chelsea Cotton, chelsea.cotton@state.co.us, and the acute team email inbox, cdphe.wqacutes@state.co.us 
• If any portion of your distribution system loses pressure for any reason, such as wildfire impacts to infrastructure, power outage or intentional shutdown due to evacuation, please call the department’s 24-hour Incident Report Line - 1-877-518-5608.
• If you are a surface water system and have filtration concerns, including but not limited to, if you are unable to meet your microbial removal or are getting close to exceeding your turbidity limits, following a wildfire, please call your compliance specialist. If you are calling outside of normal business hours please call the Incident Report Line. 

Best management practices for immediate response: 

Communicate the following information to the incident management team: locations of critical infrastructure, special considerations or hazards such as high-voltage power, chlorinators, source water protection areas.  If you don’t have a direct line of communication with the incident management team, please reach out to our 24-hour report line and the department emergency management team will assist you with getting the correct point of contact. 

• Evacuation 
• Pay attention to all emergency alerts, instructions, and evacuate immediately if asked by authorities.
• Turn off air conditioning or air circulation systems.
• Detach any electrical garage doors.
• Have an N-95 or other type of respirator available, if possible, to limit exposure to smoke and other toxic fumes.
• Re-entry
• Consult with the local incident management team before any utility personnel re-enter the facility. 
• Minimize the risk of inhaling dust particles by wetting debris.
• If returning from evacuation, remember that dangers could still exist for personnel such as hot spots, charred and fallen trees, downed power lines, smoldering and falling debris, sinkholes, mud, and landslides, etc.
• Resources
• EPA’s Incident Action Checklist 
• Tier 1 public notice instructions - Use for boil or bottled water advisory once you receive the advisory for the division.
• National Environmental Health Association - WILDFIRE RESPONSE Guide for Environmental Public Health Professionals

Best management practices for long-term recovery:  

• Purdue University - Addressing Contamination of Drinking Water Distribution Systems from Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) After Wildfires
• Center for Disease Control - Private Wells after a Wildfire
• Boulder County Health Department - Fire Recovery Resources for Private Wells and Septic 

➽ Kyra Gregory Drinking Water Training Specialist 

➽ Chelsea Cotton, P.E. Lead Drinking Water Engineer