Well Water in San Miguel County, CO: Testing, Contractors and Rules
About 1,100 households in San Miguel County, 35% of the county, rely on a private well. Nobody tests that water unless the owner does.
About one in 3 households in San Miguel County relies on a private well, around 1,100 homes. Outside the towns with public water, wells are the norm here.
Local rules for wells in San Miguel County
Every well in San Miguel 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 San Miguel County
San Miguel 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.
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Licensed well contractors serving San Miguel County
No licensed contractor lists San Miguel County as a home base or service area yet. The finder below searches the whole state; most drillers travel several counties for a job.
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Well depth and water chemistry
Well depth and water chemistry in San Miguel 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: Ouray County, San Juan County, Montrose County, Hinsdale County.
What well work costs in San Miguel County
National ranges from published 2025 to 2026 contractor pricing. Local quotes vary with depth, access and materials.
Questions San Miguel County well owners ask
How many homes in San Miguel County are on a well?
About 1,100, or 35% 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 San Miguel 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 San Miguel County?
Yes. A permit from the Colorado Division of Water Resources is required before any drilling.
What does a well test cost near San Miguel 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.