Colorado’s summers are no strangers to danger—from extreme heat to raging wildfires. But in 2025, there’s another serious threat developing out of sight: a deepening groundwater crisis.

According to satellite data from NASA, the Colorado River Basin has lost 27.8 million acre-feet of groundwater since 2003. That’s roughly the same volume as Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States. And unlike surface water, groundwater losses are rarely replenished quickly—if at all.

As fire season intensifies and drought lingers across much of the state, the twin challenges of wildfire and groundwater depletion are colliding in ways that demand attention from homeowners and local governments alike.

Groundwater Is Disappearing Faster Than Surface Water

NASA’s Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) has shown that groundwater in the Colorado River Basin is vanishing 2.4 times faster than surface water sources. These underground aquifers, once considered a reliable fallback during dry seasons, are now under serious stress.

This decline is especially concerning in fire-prone areas where surface water access may be cut off or contaminated. Once groundwater is depleted, it can take decades—or even centuries—to recharge.

Wildfire Season Compounds the Crisis

Though wildfires and groundwater might seem like separate issues, they are tightly connected:

• Drought and heat reduce snowpack and runoff, shrinking both river levels and groundwater recharge.
• Increased groundwater reliance occurs when reservoirs are low and fire-related water demand rises.
• Contaminants from burn areas (ash, sediment, PFAS) can enter both surface and shallow groundwater supplies, especially after heavy rains or flooding events.

If you rely on a well or live near a recent fire zone, your household water could be at elevated risk—not just from shortages, but from pollution.

What You Can Do as a Colorado Homeowner

Whether you live in a mountain town, the Front Range, or rural farmland, here’s how to stay protected this summer:

1. Test Your Water

Especially if you use a private well or live near burn areas. Routine water testing can detect PFAS, sediment, nitrates, and other fire-related contaminants.

2. Explore Filtration Options

Whole-home filtration systems can help guard against both chemical and physical pollutants. Aqua Serve offers a variety of certified filtration solutions tailored to Colorado’s unique conditions.

3. Take Advantage of Our June Offer

This month, we’re offering a free water test with the purchase of any PFAS-certified whole-home filter system. These systems are ideal for reducing “forever chemicals,” chlorine, sediment, and more.

4. Practice Smart Water Use

Limit outdoor watering, fix leaks quickly, and consider low-water landscaping to reduce your draw on strained supplies.

Why This Matters—Now and for the Future

Groundwater isn’t just a backup—it’s the foundation of our entire water system. It feeds rivers, sustains farms, supports wildlife, and provides drinking water to thousands of Colorado homes.

This summer, we face a two-front challenge: stopping fire from destroying what’s above ground and protecting the water below it. By testing, filtering, and conserving, homeowners can play a vital role in preserving Colorado’s water future.

Need Help Protecting Your Water?

Visit Aqua Serve’s Water Testing Page or explore our full filtration services today. And don’t miss the June promo to protect your home with added peace of mind.