Free Water Quality Testing

How is the quality of your household well drinking water? Protect your family health through an SLV environmental public health initiative. 

Caption: Earth, Sky and Water. San Luis Valley style. 

Photographer: Roy Oliver

Location: Oliver Ranch near Alamosa

Date taken: April 22, 2020

Drought and Water Sampling 

Study 1:

As drought increases in the Valley, the concentration of the pollutants in drinking water can increase. Drought may also influence the water quality due to changes in the geochemistry of the aquifer.

 

SLVEC is partnering with Dr. Katherine James to study the impacts of drought on water quality in the SLV. Free water quality testing is available for people with household drinking water wells in the San Luis Valley. Test your well to ensure your water is safe to drink. The testing will indicate the health of our aquifer by measuring pH, age, hardness, and heavy metal concentrations.

 

This public health issue intertwines with the health of our environment. Participate in this citizen science initiative to make sure your water is safe for drinking as drought in the Valley continues to increase. 

Learn More

Participate

Participants will receive:


 Free sample kit including instructions sent to their preferred address


 Options for sample drop off or prepaid shipment to University of Colorado, Anschutz MedicalCampus


 Free laboratory analysis at a university water laboratory


 Individual results mailed or emailed to each participant with full explanation of chemical
measures (pH, age, hardness, heavy metals, temperature).


 Community-level summary report at the end of the study

Participate Today

Q and A:

1)      Will the participants be given the results and data for all parameters measured in the water?

 

A: YES! Any parameters (metals, pH, age, etc) that is measured will be provided to the participant along with detailed explanation of the results and reference levels. We ensure full transparency of all laboratory analyses and reporting of results directly to participant.

2)      Is this study associated with any efforts or plans to purchase water, export water, or sell water filters?

 

A: No. Our sole objective is to collect water quality data spanning across the valley to develop the best models to describe how the drought is impacting water supplies to aid the community in adaptation and mitigation strategies to build water resources capacity in the SLV. Our priority is supporting the community.

Agricultural Workers Survey

Study 2: We need your help learning about behavioral health resources for agricultural workers in the San Luis Valley.

1)      I am interested in participating, who is eligible?

A: All agriculture workers including farm owner operators, field laborers, seasonal workers, and cattle ranchers.

 

2)       Is my data confidential?

A: Yes! This study is completely anonymous and all data is confidential and will only be released on an individual-level to you.

 

3)      Will I be compensated for my time to participate?

A: Yes! All participants will be provided with a $40 gift card.

What information are we collecting?

 

In this confidential survey, we are inquiring about the individual and community resources and connections that agriculture workers have for behavioral health. We are also inquiring about behavioral health, stress, and anxiety, across the workforce to ascertain the extent to which
resources and help are needed.

Survey

Contact:

(either study)

You can reach either Nick Stoll, Project Coordinator or Kathy James Project Lead via email.  If you prefer to discuss via telephone, please email us your number and we will call you right away.

Nicholas.Stoll@cuanschutz.edu

Kathy.James@cuanschutz.edu

Environmental Health is the foundation for Public Health

A: P.O. Box 223, Alamosa, CO, 81101
T: 719-589-1518

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