Well Water in Bent County, CO: Testing, Contractors and Rules
Wells are the exception in Bent County: about 0 households, under 1% of the county, are on a private well. Being in the minority means less local help, so this page gathers what applies.
Local rules for wells in Bent County
Every well in Bent County needs a permit from the Colorado Division of Water Resources before drilling, and only licensed contractors may drill or set the pump. Water quality is not regulated for private wells, so testing is entirely the owner’s call.
At a glance
A DWR well permit is required before drilling and contractors must notify DWR before construction, but no water quality test is required by the state.
No statewide requirement. Lenders often require a test; some counties recommend one at transfer.
CDPHE recommends yearly testing for coliform bacteria and nitrate, and a broader panel (metals, uranium, radon, fluoride, hardness) every few years. Colorado groundwater commonly has naturally occurring uranium, radon and fluoride.
Colorado offers a free PFAS testing program for private wells. Several county health departments (Weld, El Paso, La Plata, Mesa, Pueblo, Routt, Gilpin, Northeast Colorado) run certified labs that accept homeowner samples.
Getting your water tested near Bent County
Bent County has no certified lab within 40 miles, so most owners here test by mail. Order bottles from a certified lab, sample from the cold tap before any treatment, and ship the same day with an ice pack.
No listings yet for this area. Try widening your search.
Licensed well contractors serving Bent County
No licensed contractor lists Bent County as a home base or service area yet. The finder below searches the whole state; most drillers travel several counties for a job.
No listings yet for this area. Try widening your search.
Well depth and water chemistry
Well depth and water chemistry in Bent County follow the rock underneath it. Depth varies across the county; the state well record search shows logs for nearby wells.
Varies by location. Check the state well record search for logs of nearby wells.
- Uranium
- Radon
- Fluoride
- Nitrate
- Hardness
- Coliform bacteria
- Arsenic (some basins)
Neighboring counties: Otero County, Prowers County, Kiowa County, Crowley County.
What well work costs in Bent County
National ranges from published 2025 to 2026 contractor pricing. Local quotes vary with depth, access and materials.
Questions Bent County well owners ask
How many homes in Bent County are on a well?
About 0, or 0% of households, based on Census housing data and state well surveys. The share is highest outside the towns with public water.
Where is the closest certified lab to Bent County?
There is no certified lab within 40 miles. Use a mail-in kit from a Colorado certified lab, or the county health department if it collects samples.
Do I need a permit to drill a well in Bent County?
Yes. A permit from the Colorado Division of Water Resources is required before any drilling.
What does a well test cost near Bent County?
A bacteria and nitrate test runs $25 to $75 at most certified labs; a full panel with metals is $150 to $400. County health department labs charge less than commercial labs, and PFAS testing is free through the state.