Hand-Pumped Wells Disinfection Updates Underway

Did you know that Colorado has over 100 hand-pumped wells that provide drinking water to transient public water systems throughout the state at areas such as campgrounds? These hand-pumped wells are regulated by CDPHE and have very specific procedures and guidelines must be followed to ensure that they are providing potable water. Hand-pumped wells are, as the name implies, water sources that are pumped by hand and do not have continuous disinfection treatment. For seasonally operated hand-pumped wells, the well water, pump and piping must be disinfected within 30 days of opening for the season. The hand-pumped wells typically have a removable plug that can be removed and a chlorine solution can then be poured into the well to disinfect the well. However, operators have reached out to the Division with concerns about disinfecting hand-pumped wells where there is no removable plug or the plug is seized and cannot be removed. In 2024, the Division worked with hand-pumped systems to update the department’s “Hand-pumped wells operational guidance and handbook” and develop an alternative disinfection procedure. Based on communications with operators and hand-pumped systems, the current configuration on disinfecting hand-pumped wells was not the most conducive method. In close collaboration with operators, an alternative disinfection procedure (below) was developed to utilize for situations where there is no removable plug or if the plug is seized. 

Gallon Chlorine Solution Method – Utilizing the hand-pump’s weep hole, chlorine solution is applied via the spout and into the pump base. One (1) gallon of chlorine solution is added to the hand-pump according to the standing water height in the well casing. A chlorine solution of 3 tablespoons of 8 ¼ percent bleach will be added to a 1 gallon jug of water for every 10 feet of standing water. For example, 18 tablespoons of 8 ¼ percent bleach will be added to the 1 gallon water jug and inserted into the hand-pump base for 60 feet of standing water. A table showing the amount of bleach used per gallon jug of water is presented below for different chlorine bleach strengths. To ensure that the chlorine solution entered the well casing, wait a few minutes for all the chlorine solution to drain from the weep hole. Pump the well one to two times to ensure no solution is pumped out and that all the chlorine solution enters the well casing.  After completely pouring the 1 gallon chlorine concentrate into the well, operate the hand pump until the distinct odor of chlorine is detected in the discharge. Remove the pump handle and allow the chlorine solution to remain in the well for a minimum of 6 hours. Reinstall the pump handle and flush the well until the free chlorine residual is below 0.2 mg/L. Chlorine residual must be measured with an approved chlorine test kit. After successfully completing the disinfection process please continue to follow the “Hand-pumped wells operational guidance and handbook” on completing the necessary steps to bring the well online.

Disinfection of hand-pumped wells is an important step in ensuring safe drinking water and the division appreciates the coordination with operators on this issue. The Field Services Section will be working on an update to the “Hand-pumped wells operational guidance and handbook” in the future. If you have questions regarding hand-pump disinfection, please email the Field Services Section at cdphe_wqcd_fss_questions@state.co.us. The department, operators and the supplier share the same goal – “Always Safe Drinking Water.” 

➽ Thomas Valenta, Field Services Work Group Lead

Asset Management - A Resource for Now

For years, the water sector has been preparing for a dynamic future—navigating evolving regulations, economic shifts, and changing climate conditions. Today, that future has arrived, giving us the opportunity to put our planning into action. Following the scarce winter with little snow to recharge our source waters, Colorado communities are already stepping up to wisely manage our vital water supplies. Now is the time to implement or improve upon a good Asset Management program. It is necessary now more than ever. 

Free Asset Management training!
The Local Assistance Unit (LAU) is now offering Asset management on a quarterly basis as part of their regular training courses. The Asset Management (AM) course curriculum will review the 5 core criteria of asset management and demonstrate how to apply each of them to your system. You will learn how to get started and review some tools to assist you in developing an asset management plan. No need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to AM, there are many tools and templates available that fit the needs of every sized system. 

Can’t make a workshop and need assistance with asset management or capacity development?
The Colorado Department of Public Health (CDPHE) Water Quality Control Division (WQCD) has capacity coaching available for free through the Local Assistance Unit (LAU). A Public Water System can request assistance by filling out the Coaching Assistance Form. 

Join us for an Asset Management course and learn how to begin your asset management program and earn 0.2 TU’s for attending. 

What is Asset Management?
Asset Management is a proactive approach to managing a public drinking water system’s infrastructure and capital assets. It gives systems tools to optimize output at the lowest possible operating cost. By prioritizing assets, estimating useful life, and improving decisions about asset rehabilitation, repair, and replacement, it enables more accurate budgeting. Budgeting will continue to become more critical as systems face continued and potentially worse drought conditions. Water restrictions mean less revenue for systems which means doing more with less and making strategic long term planning even more necessary. Asset Management is a tool to help with this critical next step. 

➽ Angela Green Garcia, Drinking Water Training Specialist

Upcoming Perchlorate Rule

Program Manager message:

Colorado’s Safe Drinking Water Program is not the only such program in the United States with a newsletter. Over the years, I have subscribed to a few of these newsletters, and sometimes we have reprinted or used articles from them with permission. In this case, I recently read an excellent article in the Arkansas Drinking Water Update newsletter regarding EPA’s proposed perchlorate rule. I reached out to my counterpart in Arkansas, Lance Jones, who authored the article and gained his permission to reprint it here. We are also adding a Colorado perspective regarding likely perchlorate rule impacts on Colorado’s public water systems. 

➽ Ron Falco, P.E., Safe Drinking Water Program Manager

EPA Proposes Perchlorate Rule

On January 2, 2026, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a proposed Rule under the Safe Drinking Water Act to regulate perchlorate (ClO4-) in drinking water as part of the National Primary Drinking Water Standards.

The proposed Rule includes a Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) of 20 micrograms per liter (ug/L). EPA is also co-proposing enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) of 20 ug/L, 40 ug/L, or 80 ug/L for perchlorate and will apply to community and non-transient public water systems.

Initial monitoring consists of quarterly monitoring or semi-annual for small ground water systems, for a 12-month period, with routine monitoring determined by those results. Systems with a running annual average above the MCL require quarterly monitoring, systems less than the MCL but greater than or equal to 4 ug/L require annual monitoring (surface water) or triennial (ground water) monitoring, and every 9 years for systems less than 4 ug/L. 

Perchlorate has had a back-and-forth regulatory history for the past 25+ years. Starting with including perchlorate levels in drinking water systems under the 1999 Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR). The results led to a 2011 decision by EPA to regulate perchlorate in drinking water. EPA proposed a Rule to regulate perchlorate in drinking water in 2019. In July 2020, EPA withdrew the determination to regulate perchlorate. A legal challenge of the decision to withdraw was filed and led to a 2023 court decision to vacate the withdrawal. EPA entered into a consent decree to sign and issue a final Rule to regulate perchlorate in drinking water by May 21, 2027.

Perchlorate is commonly used in solid rocket propellants, munitions, fireworks, matches, signal flares, and vehicle airbag initiators. It has also been associated with some imported fertilizers and trace amounts can result from improper handling and degradation of hypochlorite solutions.

Perchlorate can potentially interfere with the thyroid gland hormone production. Changes in thyroid hormone production in pregnant women are associated with adverse neurodevelopmental effects in their children. Thyroid hormone level changes at other life stages can lead to hyperthyroidism, developmental outcomes, and cardiovascular system impacts.

EPA’s data show that perchlorate is not widespread in drinking water systems and EPA expects less than 1,300 of the over 135,000 regulated water systems nationwide to find perchlorate levels above the proposed limits. For systems that do find elevated levels of perchlorate, treatment options include ion exchange, biological reduction, reverse osmosis, and blending with another source.

The sampling of several Arkansas water systems in 2001 and 2002 found no detects of perchlorate. ASD will add sampling of perchlorate to the current compliance monitoring efforts upon EPA promulgating a final Rule.

More information about perchlorate in drinking water can be found on the EPA website at:

https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/perchlorate-drinking-water#proposed-perchlorate

➽ Lance Jones, P.E. Health Program Administrator, Arkansas DPHP Environmental Health Engineering

Listening to the Certified Operators: Updates on the Operator Certification Experience

 

In 2025, the Water and Wastewater Facility Operators Certification Board (WWFOCB) issued a survey to the water sector to learn about your experience with the certification exam process. We’ve heard your feedback, and we want to ensure you have the most up-to-date information on the changes and resources available to you.

Enhancing Accessibility and Efficiency

We are committed to making the certification process as smooth and inclusive as possible. To that end, we have implemented several key updates:

• Spanish Language Exams: As of August 2025, both Class D and Class 1 examinations are available in Spanish. Operators can request this option during the scheduling process with PSI.
• Application Turnaround: We know you're eager to get to work. Between June 2024 and May 2025, our team reviewed 5,965 applications. We are proud to report that 91% of all applications were reviewed in less than 10 days.

Evolving the Exam Process

The Board recently revised Regulation 100 to better balance workforce entry with high professional standards.

Important Change: The eligibility period for retaking an exam has been shortened

 from 180 days to 100 days.

This change allows for three testing attempts under a single application while ensuring operators take sufficient time to study and prepare between tries. Our goal is to ensure the program produces quality operators, not just good test-takers.

Resources and Support

We understand that preparing for exams can be daunting. To help, we recommend utilizing the Need-to-Know Criteria on the WPI website. However, please ensure you are using the correct versions; Colorado operators should not use the new 2025 criteria yet, as they are not currently aligned with the exams our state administers.

If you run into trouble, knowing who to contact can save you a lot of time:

Looking Ahead

We are currently working on a public matrix of approved roles and narrative job descriptions to clarify experience categories. We also recognize the interest in partial credit for related backgrounds (like military or lab experience). While current regulations do not allow for this, we are exploring the regulatory changes that would be required to make it a reality.

Your feedback continues to shape how we serve the operator community. Thank you for your continued professionalism and for being the backbone of Colorado's public health.

➽ Kyra Gregory, Local Assistance Unit Manager

Partnering for public health during Drinking Water Week

Governor Jared Polis has proclaimed next week, May 3-9, as Drinking Water Week in Colorado. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will observe the week with the theme, "Clean, accessible drinking water is a pillar of community and public health."

As drinking water providers and key stakeholders, you are the foundation upon which this pillar rests. This annual celebration is an opportunity to remind Colorado residents and leaders that the ability to simply turn on a drinking water tap is a modern achievement, one that requires continued vigilance and investment.

Providing reliable, high-quality drinking water is an essential service that underpins the quality of life for every community in Colorado, and it is tied directly to the dedication of water professionals. From source water protection to advanced treatment and robust distribution, your work ensures high-quality water reaches every home and business. Take time during Drinking Water Week to celebrate your expertise and inspire greater public appreciation for drinking water.

The department created a commemorative bookmark for the observance week. The printable bookmark and other Drinking Water Week materials are available on our 2026 Drinking Water Week web page.

We encourage our partners to join in this effort. The department will post content on Facebook and Instagram throughout the week. By sharing our posts and promoting your own local successes, we can work together to ensure that every Coloradan understands the value of their water source and the crucial role you play in delivering a safe and reliable supply. For more information about Drinking Water Week, visit the American Water Works Association website.

➽ Lilie Waterman, Marketing and Communications Specialist

Tracking Progress: Design Review Project Status and the Importance of RFI Timelines

The Engineering Section supports the WQCD mission by ensuring drinking water and domestic wastewater infrastructure is safely designed and operated. To help stakeholders navigate the review process for drinking water and domestic wastewater projects, we are highlighting our online tracking tools and the importance of timely responses to Requests for Information (RFI).

Enhanced Project Visibility

The Engineering Section maintains a public-facing Project Status Page that tracks every design application currently in our system. This tool is designed to give you full visibility into your submittal's journey. By using this page, you can identify:

• Your Review Team: Quickly identify the assigned Review Engineer and the Quality Control (QC) Engineer for your specific project.
• Active Projects: See which projects are currently under review by our engineering staff or if we are waiting for more information from the applicant.
• Backlog/Awaiting Payment: Projects only enter the backlog once invoices are paid (if applicable). These are queued and awaiting staff availability.
• Historic Projects: This includes a record of projects that have been completed, closed, or canceled.

By checking these status updates regularly, you can better estimate your project’s timeline and ensure the "ball" isn't accidentally left in your court.

Why Timely Responses Matter

A critical part of the technical review is the Request for Information (RFI), which our engineers use to seek clarification or additional details to ensure the design meets Department Design Criteria.

To keep our review queue accurate and focused on construction-ready projects, we are implementing a new administrative update:

• Important: If a project remains in an "Awaiting More Info" status for more than 120 days without communication, the project will be flagged and may be closed out in the future.

What this means for you:

• Project Closure: If an RFI goes unanswered for over four months, the project will be flagged for potential closure. Additional communications will be sent to the applicant alerting them of the need to respond.
• The Resubmission Requirement: If a project is closed, it cannot be "reopened." To move forward, the applicant must resubmit a new design application, which includes paying new application fees (if applicable) and restarting the review at the back of the current queue.
• Stay Updated: We will always notify entities before closing a project for lack of response, but the best way to avoid delays is to respond to RFIs as soon as possible.

Keeping the Queue Moving

Responding promptly helps us all. Idle projects make it difficult to forecast workloads and assign resources to those ready for construction.

Our ask to you:

• Check your status: Regularly visit our Project Status Page.
• Respond Promptly: Aim to address RFI comments as soon as they are received.
• Stay in Touch: If you anticipate a delay in responding to an RFI, contact your assigned reviewer to keep the Department updated.

We value your partnership in protecting Colorado’s water resources. Let’s work together to keep the application process flowing smoothly.

➽ Clayton Moores, Engineering Section Manager

New Limited Series Training: An Introduction to the New Monitoring Schedule Tool

Are you experiencing difficulties with the updated Monitoring Schedules? Do you need some assistance understanding and using this essential tool? The Local Assistance Unit will be hosting FREE training sessions focused on navigating the new Monitoring Schedule webpage and its associated tools. Participating operators can earn up to 0.1 training units. 

This webinar will cover:

• A general overview and associated resources
• Navigating and printing your Monitoring Schedules 
• Troubleshooting, tips & tricks

You can register for this FREE training by clicking on one of the available dates below and filling out the associated registration form. After registering, you will receive an email with information on how to access the course. 

This training opportunity will only be offered for the following sessions:

Dates and Registration	Time (MST)
April 21, 2026	12 - 1 PM
May 11, 2026	11 AM - 12 PM

Please contact us with any questions at cdphe.wqdwtraining@state.co.us.

For other training opportunities and resources, please visit our website: Training opportunities

➽ Elicia Vigil WIIN Program Coach