ACZ Laboratories, Inc.
CO certified
Homeowner samples
- Arsenic
- Lead
- Nitrate / Nitrite
- Uranium
Colorado county well guide
Well Water in Jackson County, CO: Testing, Contractors and Rules
About 214 households in Jackson County, 40% of the county, rely on a private well. Nobody tests that water unless the owner does.
of households on a private well
Share on wells, county vs state
0licensed contractors serve the county
32 mito the nearest certified lab, ACZ Laboratories, Inc.
Nostatewide test required when a home is sold
About one in 3 households in Jackson County relies on a private well, around 214 homes. Outside the towns with public water, wells are the norm here.
Local rules for wells in Jackson County
Every well in Jackson 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
Water test for a new wellNot required statewide
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.
Water test when a home is soldNot required statewide
No statewide requirement. Lenders often require a test; some counties recommend one at transfer.
What the state recommends
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.
Free or low-cost testingAvailable
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 Jackson County
The nearest certified lab is ACZ Laboratories, Inc. in Steamboat Springs, about 36 miles from the county center, and it accepts samples from homeowners. There is one more within 40 miles, listed below with what each tests for.
2 certified labs within 40 miles
Routt County Env. Health Dept.
CO certified
Homeowner samples
- Coliform Bacteria
Licensed well contractors serving Jackson County
No licensed contractor lists Jackson 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 Jackson County follow the rock underneath it. Depth varies across the county; the state well record search shows logs for nearby wells.
Typical well depth
Varies by location. Check the state well record search for logs of nearby wells.
Contaminants to test for
- Uranium
- Radon
- Fluoride
- Nitrate
- Hardness
- Coliform bacteria
- Arsenic (some basins)
Neighboring counties: Routt County, Grand County, Larimer County, Moffat County.
What well work costs in Jackson County
Basic bacteria and nitrate test$25 to $75lab fee, homeowner sample
Full panel lab test$150 to $400metals, VOCs, radiologicals
Well inspection$250 to $550flow, pressure, visual, water test
Submersible pump replacement$1,200 to $4,500parts and labor
Pressure tank replacement$400 to $1,200installed
Whole-house treatment system$800 to $6,000softener, iron filter, UV, RO
New well drilled$5,500 to $25,000about $25 to $65 per foot
Shock chlorination$80 to $300or about $20 as a DIY job
National ranges from published 2025 to 2026 contractor pricing. Local quotes vary with depth, access and materials.
Questions Jackson County well owners ask
How many homes in Jackson County are on a well?
About 214, or 40% 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 Jackson County?
ACZ Laboratories, Inc. in Steamboat Springs, about 36 miles away. It accepts homeowner samples.
Do I need a permit to drill a well in Jackson County?
Yes. A permit from the Colorado Division of Water Resources is required before any drilling.
What does a well test cost near Jackson 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.