The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has suspended testing of drinking water at the state lab after a scandal involving chemists falsifying data came to light. Two chemists have been accused of cutting corners and manipulating quality assurance tests. The scandal has raised concerns about the accuracy of water testing in the state.
The specific test in question is Method 200.7, which looks for harmful metals in drinking water samples. The chemists allegedly did not conduct quality control tests correctly, leading to inaccurate results. The state has transferred testing duties to third-party labs to ensure accurate results.
While the state has not found any evidence of immediate health threats, they are retesting samples to verify the accuracy of previous results. The scandal has impacted 69 water systems in the state, mainly smaller municipalities and suppliers.
The issue was first identified last December, and investigations have been ongoing since then. The lab director took action in February, leading to the suspension of the first chemist and eventually the second as well. The state is now reviewing past test results to identify any irregularities.
Moving forward, the state is outsourcing EPA-certified tests to accredited labs and working to restore trust in the water testing program. The department aims to address the lapses in the water quality assurance system and ensure accurate testing in the future.