If you own property in a Colorado mountain community, there's a good chance your water comes from a private well. But how much do you really know about what's in that water, where it comes from, or how future development could impact it?

In this episode of Real Estate in the Rockies, Ashley Kappel and Jessica Chariton sit down with geochemist Dr. Devin Castendyk to explore groundwater, private wells, water quality, mining history, and what property owners should know about protecting one of Colorado's most valuable resources.

Devin explains:

• how aquifers actually work
• what well owners should be testing for
• the difference between water rights and water availability
• how drought and development affect groundwater
• Colorado's mining legacy
• water quality concerns around historic mine sites
• and why future growth decisions should include water quality discussions

Whether you own a well, are considering purchasing rural property, or simply care about the future of Colorado mountain communities, this conversation offers practical insights and valuable perspective.

In This Episode

• Why private well owners should test their water
• The difference between city water and well water
• Common contaminants found in groundwater
• Understanding aquifers and groundwater systems
• Why water rights don't guarantee water supply
• How drought impacts private wells
• The relationship between development and groundwater
• Historic mining and Colorado's environmental legacy
• Mine tailings, waste rock, and water quality
• Modern mining and environmental improvements
• What local governments should consider when approving development
• Protecting Colorado's water resources for future generations

Memorable Quotes

"Having the right to a well doesn't guarantee there will be water."

"Groundwater changes very slowly. Surface water changes very quickly."

"If you're on a private well, testing is your responsibility."

"We should be discussing both water quantity and water quality when evaluating development."

Dr. Devin Castendyk is a Principal Geochemist with SRK Consulting in Denver, Colorado. He holds Bachelor and Master degrees in Geology and a PhD in Environmental Science.

From 2005 to 2015, Devin served as an Associate Professor of Water Resources at the State University of New York at Oneonta, where he taught groundwater hydrogeology, water chemistry, and water resources management.

Today, he works with the mining industry to help minimize impacts on water quality. Devin previously served on the Chaffee County Planning and Zoning Commission and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association (GARNA).

Guest Links

SRK Consulting:
https://www.srk.com/en/contact-us/denver

Greater Arkansas River Nature Association (GARNA)

Real Estate in the Rockies is the podcast exploring Colorado mountain real estate, housing, land use, development, zoning, community growth, and mountain living in Salida, Buena Vista, Chaffee County, and communities across the Rockies.

Hosted by Colorado real estate attorney Ashley Kappel and local realtor Jessica Chariton, the show brings together developers, community leaders, housing experts, investors, and local voices to break down the conversations shaping mountain towns today.

Whether you’re buying property in Colorado, navigating real estate development, exploring affordable housing challenges, or simply interested in the future of mountain communities, Real Estate in the Rockies delivers real conversations and local insight from the people living and working in these communities every day.

Subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify for new episodes every week.

Connect with Jessica: https://jessicachariton.homesmartpreferredrealty.com/

Connect with Ashley: https://www.collegiatepeakslawandmediation.com/

Please share this podcast with anyone who is interested in Real Estate development, Community Conversations about living in Colorado Mountain Towns.