EPA and CDPHE are concerned about the safety of the drinking water within farm worker communities. A variety of contaminants may affect drinking water quality in these communities, These contaminants include pesticides and nitrates from agricultural runoff, lead and biological contaminates. Although the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 regulates public water systems, many migrant community drinking water sources may be untested and unregulated because of the small number of people served by the individual systems.

Together, EPA and CDPHE are conducting a study of drinking water in selected camps housing migrant farm workers in Colorado. The goal of our project is to ensure that migrant farm workers have safe drinking water. EPA is testing the drinking water at selected camps at no charge to the owner, operator or lessee. This offer is extended to any owner, operator or lessee.

If the results of the test indicate that there may be a significant risk to the health of the people who use the water, EPA and CDPHE will work with the grower to find a way to correct the problem. At a later date, retesting will be done to confirm that the water has been made safe. You can obtain more information from EPA on the human health effects of these contaminants.