PFAS Grant Program is open and accepting applications

The PFAS Grant Program opened January 3, 2023, and is accepting applications until March 31, 2023.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (department) opened the PFAS Grant Program on January 3rd, 2023. The grant program aims to help avoid future contamination and ensure safe drinking water for all Coloradans from PFAS chemicals. The department formed the PFAS Grant Program in the fall of 2021 to identify, assess, and reduce the impacts of PFAS on human health and the environment. 

Public water systems, local public health agencies, private well owners, tribal governments, other government entities, not-for-profit non-governmental organizations or non-profit educational institutions can apply for the grant. The deadline is March 31, 2023 and grants will be awarded by May 1, 2023, with a project start date in summer of 2023. 

The PFAS Grant Program provides money to eligible entities through three project categories:

1. Sampling - for standard sampling and independent environmental studies.
2. Emergency assistance - for communities and water systems affected by PFAS.
3. Infrastructure - treating existing PFAS and strategies for preventing upstream sources of PFAS.

In addition, a project site must be located within an area where the groundwater and surface water are vulnerable to PFAS contamination or have previously identified elevated levels of PFAS. Potential PFAS sources and previous PFAS data can be found on the PFAS Concentration Map.

Additionally, eligible entities and private well owners may request private well or small-scale sampling on the PFAS Projects webpage. This is to request small-scale sampling (up to five samples) before deciding to complete the entire grant application process.

More information on PFAS

PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals called per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). 

Also known as forever chemicals, PFAS stays in the environment after contamination, and can cause health impacts to those exposed. Exposure to PFAS can lead to adverse human health effects including low infant birth weights, cancer, and negative immune system effects. PFAS from firefighting foam, personal products, and other sources can contaminate water supplies including groundwater and surface water posing risks to drinking water, the environment, and public health.

Colorado has funding available now to help entities determine if your water contains any level of PFAS. If PFAS is found, funding can also be used to help eliminate the contamination through the SB20-218 emergency assistance grant. 

For more information click below!

You can update your preferences at any time using the link at the bottom of this email.

cdphe.colorado.gov/water-quality

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