Colorado county well guide

Well Water in Rio Grande County, CO: Testing, Contractors and Rules

About 1,849 households in Rio Grande County, 40% of the county, rely on a private well. Nobody tests that water unless the owner does.

Labs within 40 milesLicensed contractors
40%of households on a private well
Share on wells, county vs state
Rio Grande County40%
Colorado average11%
8licensed contractors serve the county
23 mito the nearest certified lab, Sangre De Cristo Laboratory
Nostatewide test required when a home is sold

In Rio Grande County, roughly 40% of households, about 1,849 homes, draw their water from a private well. Nobody tests it, treats it or inspects it unless the owner does.

Local rules for wells in Rio Grande County

Every well in Rio Grande 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 Rio Grande County

The nearest certified lab is Sangre De Cristo Laboratory in Alamosa, about 22 miles from the county center, and it accepts samples from homeowners. Mail-in kits fill the gap for anything it does not run.

1 certified labs within 40 miles

Licensed well contractors serving Rio Grande County

Licensed help in Rio Grande County includes Burk Drilling Inc. and Cooper Drilling LLC and 6 others. Every listing was matched to the Colorado license list; the “verify” link on each profile opens the state lookup.

Well depth and water chemistry

Well depth and water chemistry in Rio Grande 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: Alamosa County, Saguache County, Conejos County, Mineral County.

What well work costs in Rio Grande 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 Rio Grande County well owners ask

How many homes in Rio Grande County are on a well?

About 1,849, 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 Rio Grande County?

Sangre De Cristo Laboratory in Alamosa, about 22 miles away. It accepts homeowner samples.

Do I need a permit to drill a well in Rio Grande County?

Yes. A permit from the Colorado Division of Water Resources is required before any drilling.

What does a well test cost near Rio Grande 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.