Terry Stokka has lived in Black Forest for 29 years. He is president of the Friends of Black Forest, chairman of the Black Forest Land Use Committee and chairman of the Black Forest Water & Wells Committee.
County commissioners receive water report
By Terry Stokka
Every so often, another story appears about contaminated water. It might be PFAS chemicals, microplastics, lead or other hazards. Such stories usually produce alarming headlines, and it’s no wonder bottled water sales are in the billions.
Cities go to great lengths to purify their water, but people remain skeptical and wonder whether that water is really pure. Nearly all the people reading this article rely on private wells or metropolitan water districts for their water. For us, that water comes from deep underground, far away from pollutants. Our water contains beneficial minerals, tastes good and is better than the best water treatment system could ever produce. We are extremely fortunate in this regard.
A recent letter to The Gazette editor cited researched facts that caught my attention. Right here in El Paso County, South Cheyenne Reservoir — a source for Colorado Springs Utilities water — had multiple E. coli readings well above the EPA limit. The lake was recently closed to hikers and their dogs, who often swim there. Prospect Lake recorded blue-green algae toxins at triple the safe level. Turkey Creek showed high E. coli readings after storms. Monument Creek tested positive for caffeine and acetaminophen, compounds commonly found in cold medicines.
There are simply so many chemicals around us that it is nearly impossible to keep them out of surface water sources.
The El Paso County Public Health Department tests about 3,000 wells per year in the county and recommends testing private wells annually. I don’t believe that frequency is necessary. Our aquifer water is so pure that testing is warranted only if you notice changes in color, odor, sink staining or taste. One of our neighbors tests his water every year and has never had a problem.
However, if you choose to test your well, go to the Citizens Service Center on Garden of the Gods Road. On the second floor, at the Public Health Department, you’ll find a window for water testing. You can purchase a variety of testing packages, but I recommend either the Real Estate package ($80, testing for nitrates, coliform and E. coli) or the Quantitative package ($25, testing for and reporting levels of coliform and E. coli). Additional tests are available if desired. The department will provide a sample bottle for collection and return.
The most common tests are for coliform, E. coli and nitrates. Nitrates are most often associated with agricultural land where fertilizers are used, so they are not a concern for us. E. coli is found in fewer than 1% of wells. It is a harmful bacterium that requires treatment. Coliform bacteria are found in about 3% of wells and exist in roughly 20 forms, most of them harmless and many naturally occurring in the human digestive system.
Public health tests do not identify whether detected coliform bacteria are harmful. Coliform is commonly found on faucets and is present in the air as well. I tested my own well after carefully cleaning the faucet outlet with bleach and still detected coliform. I tested a neighbor’s well without cleaning the faucet, and no coliform was found. We have enjoyed excellent water from our well for 30 years, so we chose to accept the coliform finding.
The treatment for E. coli or coliform contamination is to pour chlorine into the well and then pump water for several hours to disinfect it. This procedure was required when our pump was replaced, and we experienced a chlorine taste in our water for weeks. I do not recommend this process unless it is absolutely necessary or required — and then only when performed by a licensed well pump company.
Pure water is a wonderful gift that is often taken for granted. Many people around the world do not enjoy this simple necessity. Thousands die each year from contaminated water because they have no other options. When a well is drilled to bring clean water to a village, the entire community is transformed in spirit, productivity and longevity. We can be thankful that we do not face such severe challenges in our country.
