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Colorado’s PFAS map series: sampling efforts across the state

PFAS sample results map, private well and groundwater sample grid and concentration map collage. The image is described by the contents of this page.

  • Colorado has three PFAS maps to meet different stakeholder needs. These maps show results from multiple sampling projects where water, leachate, soil, sediment, and fish tissue have been sampled for PFAS in Colorado. Leachate forms when rainwater filters through wastes at a landfill. When this liquid comes in contact with buried waste, it draws out (leaches) chemicals or other materials in the waste.
  • These maps show sampling supported or required by CDPHE and do not include all sampling efforts by outside entities.
  • Not all points on the maps are places where PFAS are being released into the environment. Some facilities may contain and properly dispose of PFAS releases.
  • The maps include PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, and GenX chemicals. The EPA established maximum contaminant levels for these five PFAS in April 2024. MCLs are enforceable levels in drinking water that account for health information, available testing technology, treatment techniques, and costs
    • The water samples in these maps represent untreated raw water and do not have to meet the MCL regulations in the Safe Drinking Water Act. However, MCLs can guide private well users in assessing the quality of their drinking water.
  • Samples that were below detection limits are labeled as zero, though their true value may be somewhere between zero and the detection limit.
  • This map will be updated as more information becomes available.

  • The PFAS sample results map shows locations where projects evaluated water, soil, sediment, leachate, and/or fish for PFAS in Colorado. The purpose of this map is to provide transparency about the sampling actions CDPHE is taking to address PFAS impacts and understand PFAS contamination in Colorado.

  • The PFAS concentration map shows results from sampling projects where water, soil, and sediment have been sampled for PFAS in Colorado. The purpose of this map is to provide information about levels of PFAS that have been detected throughout the state.

    The PFAS Concentration Map shows the level of PFOA and PFOS combined at each sampling location. PFOA and PFOS are commonly detected PFAS in Colorado and will allow map users to assess differences in PFAS levels by area.

  • The PFAS private well and groundwater sample grid map shows results from sampling projects where private wells or groundwater have been sampled for PFAS in Colorado. The purpose of this map is to provide private well users information to assess their relative risk of exposure to PFAS through drinking water. This map will help users decide whether they should consider testing their well for PFAS or getting a filter.

For more information on the data and to download the data in the map, view the PFAS Map Series: Dataset Descriptions.

For guidance using the maps, please read the PFAS Map Series: How To Guide.