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As County leaders, we must protect our region. Our quality of life is directly connected to our commitment to build a tomorrow that preserves the best of today. This vision includes protecting our natural resources, utilizing our county’s resources in a fiscally-smart manner, and wisely planning for our future. Thank you for standing with us.
Perry Park Provides A Warning Sign About Water Safety, Security, and Adverting Water Crises Before They Hit
Water security and water safety are inextricably linked.
Just ask the people of Perry Park.
The small unincorporated Douglas County community northwest of Larkspur is facing the deep, daily challenge of a water supply contaminated by radium.
In recent weeks, residents were made aware that the testing of their water dramatically exceeded safe levels of the mineral that can seep into water supplies. As a result, many residents are investing in bringing in their own water or purchasing their own filtration systems – at significant personal cost.
It’s so bad that, while authorities tell residents they can at least shower in their tap water, they must keep their mouths closed to not ingest any of the water.
In addition to being concerned about how to restore the safety of the Perry Park water supply, the bigger lesson is to understand the risk of when a community is overly dependent on limited water sources.
When this happens and contamination hits, residents’ options are limited.
Perry Park is not the only community in Douglas County that faces issues of radium and water safety concerns. Sedalia and Louvers residents face similar dangers.
In fact, Douglas County granted $1.6 million to Louvers to assist the building of a radium treatment system.
This is yet another strong argument for Douglas County to expand and diversify its water resources, with emphasis on finding renewable, sustainable water supplies.
This is critical not only to meet sharply growing demand, but to help increase protection against contamination incidents such as the one now besetting the residents of Perry Park.
Increasing supply, diversifying sources and increasing safety comprise the water security equation that Douglas County must address in the near future.
Or we will sadly have more water crises like Perry Parks in the years ahead.
Recent Headlines
Proposition JJ passes: Colorado to keep all sports betting tax revenue to fund water projects
Coloradans voted Tuesday to approve Proposition JJ, a ballot measure that allows the state to keep all of the sports betting tax revenue it collects and use those dollars for water projects.
Since 2019, the state has kept up to $29 million and returned any additional revenue to sports betting operators. Tuesday’s decision removes that cap, allowing the state to keep all sports betting tax revenue and opening up more potential funding for water projects.
Republican Jeff Hurd beats Democrat Adam Frisch in Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District
Republican Jeff Hurd defeated Democrat Adam Frisch in Colorado’s sprawling 3rd Congressional District, reinforcing its GOP tilt and returning mild-mannered representation to the district after the departure of Lauren Boebert.
Perry Park neighbors concerned over high radium levels in their drinking water in Colorado
Neighbors in a Douglas County community are worried about the safety of their drinking water. It's happening in Perry Park, an unincorporated community west of Larkspur, which is home to natural red rock formations. The area's geology is naturally rich in minerals, including radium.
Concerns rise over record high radium levels in Perry Park water
...The Perry Park Water and Sanitation District, which conducts quarterly tests for radium, found that the third-quarter sample contained 12.9 picocuries of radium — nearly double the highest level previously recorded and far exceeding the Environmental Protection Agency’s limit of 5 picocuries.
“It was a very surprising number. Before this, there is the highest level they'd ever seen was 6.9,” said Michael Gerstner, the district’s engineer. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) warns that radium levels above the federal limit can increase cancer risk.
Gerstner explained that the district doesn’t know how long the water had been contaminated with such high radium levels. CDPHE recommends residents drink bottled water if levels are ever that high again.
Radium contamination found in Douglas County community’s water system
Residents in the Perry Park Metro District near Larkspur are without safe drinking water after being notified by the sanitation district on Sept. 5 that test results showed an extremely high level of radium in their system.
Did you know?
2024 Election - A Win for Water
Colorado voters sent a clear message election night with over 75% support Prop JJ, which allows the state to spend excess tax revenue for use on water projects. This was the largest victory among all the statewide ballot issues and one step forward in addressing our state’s water crisis.
The revenue will help fund projects like improving canals and head-gates that bring water to farms and ranches throughout the state, helping endangered fish habitat, supporting water-based recreation needs, and funding conservation projects and drought plans.
Upcoming News from DCFF
Every other week, DCFF will report on important news and challenges impacting our community. We hope you will stay engaged and connected with us.
