B A C T E R I A Bacteria are microscopic organismsthat can be found just about anywhereBacteria in your water can cause

bull Strep throatbull Infections of any kind including ear kidney and bladder

bull Intestinal flu symptomsbull Gastrointestinal illness

C A D M I U M Cadmium is a metal found in natural ore deposits and in smoke from burning fos-sil fuels municipal waste and cigarettes Smokers have higher cadmium levels than non-smokers Short-term exposure to high levels (above 5 ppb) can cause nausea vomiting diarrhea muscle cramps con-vulsions and shock Long-term health ef-fects can include liver kidney bone and blood damage and elevated levels of can-cer

I R O N Iron is a metal that occurs naturallyworldwide Rainwater dissolves iron in rocks and can leach into aquifersIron can turn water reddish-brown and will stain fixtures tableware and laundry Sometimes bacteria will react with iron and create a slime (or biofilm) that will clog plumbing and smell bad People with arthritis or any arthritic condition should avoid iron

A R S E N I C Arsenic occurs naturally in many rocks especially minerals and ores Arsenic in drinking water is a serious health risk Long-term exposure has been linked to

bull Cancer of the lung skin bladder and kidneys

bull Hypertensionbull Cardiovascular disease bull Diabetes bull Reproductive defectsbull Changes to skin such as pigmen-tation and thickening

Drinking water concentrations of less than 01 mgL have shown increased risks of lung and bladder cancers A recent local study found a significant correlation between arsenic in drinking water and heart disease

S O D I U M High levels of sodium in drinking water (20 mgL) can increase blood pressure and contribute to heart disease

p HThe pH value of water is the measure of acidity or alkalinity A lower number indi-cates acidity and a higher value indicates alkalinity Water with a low pH is acidic soft and corrosive Corrosive water can include high levels of iron manganese copper lead and zinc which can dam-age plumbing discolor laundry cause a metallic or sour taste and create a blue-green stain on plumbing fixtures HigherpH numbers indicate that water is hard which may cause accumulation on dish-es and plumbing fixtures

YOUR WATERYOUR WATER YOUR HEALTH

N I T R AT E S Nitrates are a naturally occurring form of nitrogen found in soil High levels of nitrates are associated with bull Fertilizers bull Manure bull Animal feedlots bull Septic systems bull Municipal wastewatersludge Nitrates are absorbed into the blood and can reduce oxygen supply to the brain In babies this can cause blue baby syndrome and can result in death Pregnant women and adults with reduced stomach acidity are also susceptible Nitrate levels exceeding 10 mgL have been documented to cause birth defects

When 442 people in the City of Alamosa had confirmed cases of salmonella poisoning in spring 2008citizens all over the San Luis Valley became aware of the importance of clean water to good health Municipal systems are required to regularly test their water and take care of problems private well owners are not Your health is affected by the water you drink Do you know what is in your water

con en s o no necessar y re ec s po c es ac ons or pos ons

CO 17 US 285

CO 150

CO 159

SSaannggrr eeddeeCCrr ii ss tt oo

MMoouunntt aaii nnss

THE SLV LEAP HIGH PROJECT

Since 2005 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its Office of Environmental Justice have been working with the San Luis Valley Ecosystem Council (SLVEC) to test private wells in the San Luis Valley Free tests in 2006 showed that 285 percent of household wells tested positive for bacteria (such as e-coli) 14 percent for nitrates 11 percent for arsenic 14 precent for lead 31 percent for uranium and 36 percent for fluoride

Based on these findings EPA and SLVEC recognized the need for more community outreach and information sharing as well as additional well testing In 2007 SLVEC received a Collab-orative Problem Solving (CPS) grant from the EPA We formed a collaborative partnership called the SLV LEAP HIGH project which has met monthly and provided information and training about issues associated with household wells In 2009 meet-ings were conducted in Costilla Conejos Alamosa Saguache and Rio Grande counties These meetings included information on how to take water samples and read the results how to iden-tify problems with the well how to shock chlorinate a well and

2009 Well Testing ResultsExceeding EPAs MaximumContaminant Level (MCL) forSafe Drinking Water

Contaminants gt MCL (total wells) 7 Contaminants gt MCL (1 well)

4 Contaminants gt MCL (2 wells)

3 Contaminants gt MCL (16 wells)

2 Contaminants gt MCL (49 wells)

1 Contaminant gt MCL (70 wells)

None gt MCL (199 wells)

Rio Grande Watershed 170 wells were not tested for all contaminants

some of the health problems associated with bacteria or heavy metals in the water We shared DVDs and bilingual information from the CSU Extension Service and EPA We were also able to provide free well testing to over 300 households with funding from EPA to a partner organization

Well testing data have been compiled in a database and maps showing the locations of all tested wells have been developed Test information has been analyzed to look for areas of concern such as locations with high arsenic or nitrate levels Several test results indicated high cadmium levels which had not previously been an issue of concern In this case cadmium is probably naturally occurring Certain areas such as around Crestone showed a higher-than-average incidence of low pH High iron levels are a valley-wide issue

Crestone

Saguache

Creede

Center Great Sand Dunes National Park

Del Norte

SS aa nn JJ uu aa nn iMM oo uu nn tt aa i nn ss

South Fork

Monte Vista

Fort Garland Alamosa

0 5 10 20 Miles F

La Jara San Luis

Manassa

Antonito This map has been funded in whole or partly through the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)rsquos Technical Assistance Services for Communities

Garcia(TASC) program and the San Luis Valley Ecosystem Council (SLVEC) Its t t d t il fl t EPArsquo li i ti iti

HOW TO KEEP YOUR WATER SAFE HAVE YOUR WATER TESTED Well water should be tested annually for bacterial contamination and every five years for minerals and other concerns Water should be tested more often ifbull Someone in the household is pregnant or nursing bull There is an unexplained illness in the household bull Your neighbors find a contaminant in their well bull There is a change in the taste color odor or clarity of your water bull There is a chemical or fuel spill nearby bull Any part of your system is repaired or replaced

CHECK FOR WELL SAFETY bull Well casing should be intact - not cracked corroded or damaged bull Surface seals should have no settling or cracking problemsbull The area around the well should be sloped for drainage away from the well (rainwater can contain bacteria and chemicals that can seep into the well)

bull Install a well cap or sanitary seal to make sure nothing can get in (like mice or snakes)

bull The electrical line should be protected from rodent access bull The well casing should be at least 12 inches above the groundbull A certified well driller should be used for any new well construction modification abandonment or closure

MAINTAIN PROPER DISTANCE Wells should be located away from possible sources of contamination including bull Septic tanksmdashat least 50 feetbull Livestock yards silos septic leach fieldsmdash50 feet (some county regulations require 100 feet)

bull Petroleum tanks manure amp fertilizer storage amp handlingmdash100 feet

bull Manure stacksmdash250 feet

CHECK FOR POSSIBLE SOURCES OF CONTAMINATION

bull Avoid mixing or using pesticides fertilizers herbicides degreasers fuels motor oil or other pollutants near the well

bull Dry or abandoned wells should be plugged so nothing can get in bull Pump and inspect septic systems as often as recommended by your local health department

bull Dispose of chemicals solvents and petroleum products properly (See wwwacesnmsuedupubs-gg-312pdf)

bull Wells located near septic systems (yours or your neighbors) or near roads that are salted or sprayed with de-icers in winter should be tested regularly

bull Wells located near landfills storm water drains burning sites recycling centers road maintenance depots or any industrial operation should be tested regularly

WATER TREATMENT OPTIONS SHOCK CHLORINATION Shock chlorina-tion will address bacteria problems in wells Chlorine pellets can be purchased from a certified laboratory or well driller Pellets are poured into a well and allowed to sit in the well for 24 hours Well water is then circu-lated through pipes and allowed to sit in the system for another 24-48 hours Alternatively chlorine bleach can be poured into the well and then circulated through the system where it must also be allowed to sit for at least 24 hours In both approaches the chlorinated water should then be flushed out of the system not into septic tanks

FILTRATIONTURBIDITY CONTROL Filters remove particles of sand silt solid organic mat-ter plant debris precipitated iron and some bacteria Activated carbon filtration can reduce offensive taste color odor chlorine odor or taste volatile organic chem-icals pesticides herbicides and radon Activated car-bon filtration will not remove bacteria dissolved metals such as iron lead manganese or copper or chlorides nitrates and fluorides

REVERSE OSMOSIS (RO) is the most eco-nomical way to treat water containing arsenic or other heavy metals RO systems also remove dissolved min-erals such as nitrates sulfates calcium magnesium potassium manganese aluminum fluoride silica and boron and treat high salt content RO systems should only be used for water that is bacteriologically safe

BOILING WATER A temporary solution for water systems with bacteria Boiling water for two min-utes can remove most disease-causing agents Howev-er boiling water also concentrates minerals (like iron arsenic cadmium and salts) and is not advisable in ar-eas with high mineral content Exposure to bacteria can still occur through brushing teeth and bathing For more information about well water testing and treat-ment information contact Sangre de Cristo Labs at (719) 589-1024 After treatment please have your water tested again to make sure the system is working properly

For more information about any other water quality issues or to learn more about the LEAP-HIGH project please visit wwwslvecorg

con en s o no necessar y re ec s po c es ac ons or pos ons

CO 17 US 285

CO 150

CO 159

SSaannggrr eeddeeCCrr ii ss tt oo

MMoouunntt aaii nnss

THE SLV LEAP HIGH PROJECT

Since 2005 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its Office of Environmental Justice have been working with the San Luis Valley Ecosystem Council (SLVEC) to test private wells in the San Luis Valley Free tests in 2006 showed that 285 percent of household wells tested positive for bacteria (such as e-coli) 14 percent for nitrates 11 percent for arsenic 14 precent for lead 31 percent for uranium and 36 percent for fluoride

Based on these findings EPA and SLVEC recognized the need for more community outreach and information sharing as well as additional well testing In 2007 SLVEC received a Collab-orative Problem Solving (CPS) grant from the EPA We formed a collaborative partnership called the SLV LEAP HIGH project which has met monthly and provided information and training about issues associated with household wells In 2009 meet-ings were conducted in Costilla Conejos Alamosa Saguache and Rio Grande counties These meetings included information on how to take water samples and read the results how to iden-tify problems with the well how to shock chlorinate a well and

2009 Well Testing ResultsExceeding EPAs MaximumContaminant Level (MCL) forSafe Drinking Water

Contaminants gt MCL (total wells) 7 Contaminants gt MCL (1 well)

4 Contaminants gt MCL (2 wells)

3 Contaminants gt MCL (16 wells)

2 Contaminants gt MCL (49 wells)

1 Contaminant gt MCL (70 wells)

None gt MCL (199 wells)

Rio Grande Watershed 170 wells were not tested for all contaminants

some of the health problems associated with bacteria or heavy metals in the water We shared DVDs and bilingual information from the CSU Extension Service and EPA We were also able to provide free well testing to over 300 households with funding from EPA to a partner organization

Well testing data have been compiled in a database and maps showing the locations of all tested wells have been developed Test information has been analyzed to look for areas of concern such as locations with high arsenic or nitrate levels Several test results indicated high cadmium levels which had not previously been an issue of concern In this case cadmium is probably naturally occurring Certain areas such as around Crestone showed a higher-than-average incidence of low pH High iron levels are a valley-wide issue

Crestone

Saguache

Creede

Center Great Sand Dunes National Park

Del Norte

SS aa nn JJ uu aa nn iMM oo uu nn tt aa i nn ss

South Fork

Monte Vista

Fort Garland Alamosa

0 5 10 20 Miles F

La Jara San Luis

Manassa

Antonito This map has been funded in whole or partly through the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)rsquos Technical Assistance Services for Communities

Garcia(TASC) program and the San Luis Valley Ecosystem Council (SLVEC) Its t t d t il fl t EPArsquo li i ti iti

HOW TO KEEP YOUR WATER SAFE HAVE YOUR WATER TESTED Well water should be tested annually for bacterial contamination and every five years for minerals and other concerns Water should be tested more often ifbull Someone in the household is pregnant or nursing bull There is an unexplained illness in the household bull Your neighbors find a contaminant in their well bull There is a change in the taste color odor or clarity of your water bull There is a chemical or fuel spill nearby bull Any part of your system is repaired or replaced

CHECK FOR WELL SAFETY bull Well casing should be intact - not cracked corroded or damaged bull Surface seals should have no settling or cracking problemsbull The area around the well should be sloped for drainage away from the well (rainwater can contain bacteria and chemicals that can seep into the well)

bull Install a well cap or sanitary seal to make sure nothing can get in (like mice or snakes)

bull The electrical line should be protected from rodent access bull The well casing should be at least 12 inches above the groundbull A certified well driller should be used for any new well construction modification abandonment or closure

MAINTAIN PROPER DISTANCE Wells should be located away from possible sources of contamination including bull Septic tanksmdashat least 50 feetbull Livestock yards silos septic leach fieldsmdash50 feet (some county regulations require 100 feet)

bull Petroleum tanks manure amp fertilizer storage amp handlingmdash100 feet

bull Manure stacksmdash250 feet

CHECK FOR POSSIBLE SOURCES OF CONTAMINATION

bull Avoid mixing or using pesticides fertilizers herbicides degreasers fuels motor oil or other pollutants near the well

bull Dry or abandoned wells should be plugged so nothing can get in bull Pump and inspect septic systems as often as recommended by your local health department

bull Dispose of chemicals solvents and petroleum products properly (See wwwacesnmsuedupubs-gg-312pdf)

bull Wells located near septic systems (yours or your neighbors) or near roads that are salted or sprayed with de-icers in winter should be tested regularly

bull Wells located near landfills storm water drains burning sites recycling centers road maintenance depots or any industrial operation should be tested regularly

WATER TREATMENT OPTIONS SHOCK CHLORINATION Shock chlorina-tion will address bacteria problems in wells Chlorine pellets can be purchased from a certified laboratory or well driller Pellets are poured into a well and allowed to sit in the well for 24 hours Well water is then circu-lated through pipes and allowed to sit in the system for another 24-48 hours Alternatively chlorine bleach can be poured into the well and then circulated through the system where it must also be allowed to sit for at least 24 hours In both approaches the chlorinated water should then be flushed out of the system not into septic tanks

FILTRATIONTURBIDITY CONTROL Filters remove particles of sand silt solid organic mat-ter plant debris precipitated iron and some bacteria Activated carbon filtration can reduce offensive taste color odor chlorine odor or taste volatile organic chem-icals pesticides herbicides and radon Activated car-bon filtration will not remove bacteria dissolved metals such as iron lead manganese or copper or chlorides nitrates and fluorides

REVERSE OSMOSIS (RO) is the most eco-nomical way to treat water containing arsenic or other heavy metals RO systems also remove dissolved min-erals such as nitrates sulfates calcium magnesium potassium manganese aluminum fluoride silica and boron and treat high salt content RO systems should only be used for water that is bacteriologically safe

BOILING WATER A temporary solution for water systems with bacteria Boiling water for two min-utes can remove most disease-causing agents Howev-er boiling water also concentrates minerals (like iron arsenic cadmium and salts) and is not advisable in ar-eas with high mineral content Exposure to bacteria can still occur through brushing teeth and bathing For more information about well water testing and treat-ment information contact Sangre de Cristo Labs at (719) 589-1024 After treatment please have your water tested again to make sure the system is working properly

For more information about any other water quality issues or to learn more about the LEAP-HIGH project please visit wwwslvecorg

HOW TO KEEP YOUR WATER SAFE HAVE YOUR WATER TESTED Well water should be tested annually for bacterial contamination and every five years for minerals and other concerns Water should be tested more often ifbull Someone in the household is pregnant or nursing bull There is an unexplained illness in the household bull Your neighbors find a contaminant in their well bull There is a change in the taste color odor or clarity of your water bull There is a chemical or fuel spill nearby bull Any part of your system is repaired or replaced

CHECK FOR WELL SAFETY bull Well casing should be intact - not cracked corroded or damaged bull Surface seals should have no settling or cracking problemsbull The area around the well should be sloped for drainage away from the well (rainwater can contain bacteria and chemicals that can seep into the well)

bull Install a well cap or sanitary seal to make sure nothing can get in (like mice or snakes)

bull The electrical line should be protected from rodent access bull The well casing should be at least 12 inches above the groundbull A certified well driller should be used for any new well construction modification abandonment or closure

MAINTAIN PROPER DISTANCE Wells should be located away from possible sources of contamination including bull Septic tanksmdashat least 50 feetbull Livestock yards silos septic leach fieldsmdash50 feet (some county regulations require 100 feet)

bull Petroleum tanks manure amp fertilizer storage amp handlingmdash100 feet

bull Manure stacksmdash250 feet

CHECK FOR POSSIBLE SOURCES OF CONTAMINATION

bull Avoid mixing or using pesticides fertilizers herbicides degreasers fuels motor oil or other pollutants near the well

bull Dry or abandoned wells should be plugged so nothing can get in bull Pump and inspect septic systems as often as recommended by your local health department

bull Dispose of chemicals solvents and petroleum products properly (See wwwacesnmsuedupubs-gg-312pdf)

bull Wells located near septic systems (yours or your neighbors) or near roads that are salted or sprayed with de-icers in winter should be tested regularly

bull Wells located near landfills storm water drains burning sites recycling centers road maintenance depots or any industrial operation should be tested regularly

WATER TREATMENT OPTIONS SHOCK CHLORINATION Shock chlorina-tion will address bacteria problems in wells Chlorine pellets can be purchased from a certified laboratory or well driller Pellets are poured into a well and allowed to sit in the well for 24 hours Well water is then circu-lated through pipes and allowed to sit in the system for another 24-48 hours Alternatively chlorine bleach can be poured into the well and then circulated through the system where it must also be allowed to sit for at least 24 hours In both approaches the chlorinated water should then be flushed out of the system not into septic tanks

FILTRATIONTURBIDITY CONTROL Filters remove particles of sand silt solid organic mat-ter plant debris precipitated iron and some bacteria Activated carbon filtration can reduce offensive taste color odor chlorine odor or taste volatile organic chem-icals pesticides herbicides and radon Activated car-bon filtration will not remove bacteria dissolved metals such as iron lead manganese or copper or chlorides nitrates and fluorides

REVERSE OSMOSIS (RO) is the most eco-nomical way to treat water containing arsenic or other heavy metals RO systems also remove dissolved min-erals such as nitrates sulfates calcium magnesium potassium manganese aluminum fluoride silica and boron and treat high salt content RO systems should only be used for water that is bacteriologically safe

BOILING WATER A temporary solution for water systems with bacteria Boiling water for two min-utes can remove most disease-causing agents Howev-er boiling water also concentrates minerals (like iron arsenic cadmium and salts) and is not advisable in ar-eas with high mineral content Exposure to bacteria can still occur through brushing teeth and bathing For more information about well water testing and treat-ment information contact Sangre de Cristo Labs at (719) 589-1024 After treatment please have your water tested again to make sure the system is working properly

For more information about any other water quality issues or to learn more about the LEAP-HIGH project please visit wwwslvecorg

San Luis Valley Ecosystem Council 537 Main Street PO Box 223 Alamosa Colorado 81101

Address Service Requested

SAN LUIS VALLEY ECOSYSTEM COUNCIL EnvirEnvironmental Health is theonmental Health is the Foundation forFoundation for Public HealthPublic Health The San Luis Valley Ecosystem Council is a public lands ad-vocacy organization that has been active in environmental is-sues involving public lands in the San Luis Valley since 1998 We believe in economic growth for the San Luis Valley but want to ensure that it is done in an environmentally respon-sible manner We have been involved in several projects including travel management planning on the Rio Grande Na-tional Forest the proposed Village at Wolf Creek and gas and oil development on public lands including the Baca National Wildlife Refuge We have witnessed the degradation of air soil and water quality that can result when development is not checked such as what has happened in Pinedale Wyoming and the Western Slope of Colorado We appreciate the beauty of the San Luis Valley and want to see it protected for future generations We believe that environmental health is the foundation for public health

The San Luis Valley EcosystemCouncil exists largely throughdonations from individuals who believe in the work we do We appreciate your support

FIRST-CLASS MAILPOSTAGE amp FEES

PAID NON-PROFITPermit No 290

SLV LEAP HIGH PARTNERS Adams State College bull Agro Engineering bull Alamosa County Commissioners Alamosa County Nursing Service bull Alamosa Riverkeepers bull Dr Bill Brinton bull Conejos County Commissioners bull Conejos County Nursing bull Costilla Coun-ty Commissioners bull Costilla County Nursing bull Hospice del Valle bull Immigrant Resource Center bull Natural Resource Conservation Service bull Rio Grande County Nursing bull Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust bull Rocky Mountain Pre-vention Resource Center bull ScSEED bull Saguache County Nursing bull Represen-tative John Salazar bull San Luis Valley GISGPS Authority bull San Luis Valley Water Conservancy District bull Seniors Inc bull US Department of Agriculture bull US Environmental Protection Agency - Environmental Justice Program

SANGRE DECRISTO LABS 2329 Lava Lane Alamosa CO 81101 bull (719) 589-1024 Owned and Operated by Evelyn Vigil Your local certified laboratory

COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITYEXTENSION SERVICEwwwextcolostateedu

This mailer has been funded in whole or partly through the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)rsquos Technical As-sistance Services for Communities (TASC) program and the San Luis Valley Ecosystem Council (SLVEC) Its contents do not necessarily reflect EPArsquos policies actions or positions