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Septic Systems
On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems
An On-Site Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS), commonly known as a septic system, treats sewage on an individual’s property in the ground. Septic systems are installed on properties that cannot be served by publicly-owned wastewater collection and treatment systems which move sewage away from properties. Proper site evaluation, system selection and layout, installation, inspections and maintenance are essential in the onsite treatment of sewage.
An On-Site Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS), commonly known as a septic system, treats sewage on an individual’s property in the ground. Septic systems are installed on properties that cannot be served by publicly-owned wastewater collection and treatment systems which move sewage away from properties. Proper site evaluation, system selection and layout, installation, inspections and maintenance are essential in the onsite treatment of sewage.
On-Site Wastewater Treatment Requirements
Tri-County Health Department regulates all OWTS in Adams, Arapahoe, and Douglas counties and the program includes:
- Issuance of permits to install, repair, expand, use, or operate a system
- Plan review, site evaluation(s) before installation, final inspection(s) after installation, and certification before the system is put into use
- Investigation of malfunctions of systems
- Enforcement
Education and Care
- Septic Care & Maintenance Guidelines
- Recommendations for Selecting a Septic Professional
- Standing Water in Monitoring Pipes
- Vegetation Over Absorption Areas
- EPA SepticSmart
- Field Book For Sampling and Describing Soils - Natural Resources Conservation Service
- Mound Systems
- Distribution Networks
- Natural Resources Conservation Service Web Soil Survey
- EPA Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manual - Environmental Protection Agency
- Clarification Regarding the term “Infiltrative Surface” - Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
- Clarification Regarding Soil Replacement - Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
- Clarification for Determining the Number of Chamber Units in OWTS Design Under Regulation 43 - Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
- Clarification on Required Setbacks from On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems to Wells or Cisterns - Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
- Vertical Isolation & Media Depth Chart & Explanation - Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
- Soil Texture-LTAR-Triangle Chart
- Approved Septic Tanks - Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
- Clarification on the Acceptable Location of a Pump or Dosing Siphon - Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
- Clarification on the Design of Unlined Sand Filters - Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Regulation, Applications, and Forms
- Regulation No. O-14, On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems (revised effective February 23, 2015)
- Shallow Waste Disposal System/Well Inventory Request Form - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Required for commercial systems.
A septic permit is required for new installations, expansions, and repairs (with some exceptions). To obtain a permit, the following will be required: completed permit application, payment of permit fee, soil investigation and design document. Tri-County can accept permit applications at our Environmental Health Offices, or via email at: EHWebFillableForms@tchd.org. Tri-County staff will then review the information and make a site visit. If the application, engineer design (if applicable), design document and site meet our requirements, Tri-County will issue a permit to construct or repair an OWTS. Tri-County may require additional information depending on the conditions at the site. After the system is constructed (but before it's covered with soil) or is repaired, Tri-County staff will make a final site visit to ensure the work was completed per the OWTS Regulations. A Use Permit will be issued when the system is approved.
- Application for a Septic Permit
- Directions to Property Form
- Sample Site Plot Plan
- As-Built Drawing Form
- Percolation Test Summary and Data Form
- Soil Profile Test Pit Log
- Soil Investigation Summary
- Report, Site and Soil Evaluation Completeness Checklist
- Site Plan and Design Document Checklist
- Conventional Septic Design Worksheet
- Application to Install a Lift Station
A “Use Permit” expressly authorizes the use of a septic system. The most common circumstances that require obtaining or renewing a “Use Permit” include the sale or change of ownership of a property, change in use of the property (i.e., a residence is changed to a business), additional bedrooms added, or a separate “modular” home added. Tri-County can accept permit applications at our Environmental Health Offices, or via email at: EHWebFillableForms@tchd.org. For more information review the Use Permit Questions and Answers document below.
- Use Permit Question & Answers
- Application for a Septic Use Permit
- Certified Use Permit Inspectors (Search Engine)
- Use Permit Inspection Form
- Use Permit Inspection Form Guide
- Use Permit Repair Verification Form
- Agreement to Forego Expansion of an OWTS
- Agreement to Repair a Septic
Finding Septic Professionals
Septic System Installers / Contractors
A person or company installing or repairing an On-Site Wastewater Treatment System in Adams, Arapahoe, or Douglas County must be licensed with Tri-County Health Department. To obtain a license, Tri-County must receive a completed application, affidavit of citizenship, and license fee. In addition, the applicant must take and pass the system’s contractor exam. The exam covers various sections of the Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Regulation and you can take an exam at one of our four Environmental Health offices during business hours. The license is valid from January 1 to December 31 and must be renewed every year. If your license is not renewed by January 31, then you will be required to retake and pass the exam.
Septic Tank Cleaners / Pumpers
A septic system cleaner / pumper must be licensed with Tri-County Health Department. To obtain a license, Tri-County must receive a completed application, affidavit of citizenship, and a license fee. The license is valid from January 1 to December 31 and must be renewed every year. Cleaners / Pumpers must also maintain a Septic Cleaners Log.
- How to Select a Septic Professional
- List of Septic Engineers
- List of Licensed Installers
- List of Licensed Cleaners / Pumpers
- List of Higher Level Treatment Inspectors
- Certified Use Permit Inspectors (Search)
Septic System Installers / Contractors
A person or company installing or repairing an On-Site Wastewater Treatment System in Adams, Arapahoe, or Douglas County must be licensed with Tri-County Health Department. To obtain a license, Tri-County must receive a completed application, affidavit of citizenship, and license fee. In addition, the applicant must take and pass the system’s contractor exam. The exam covers various sections of the Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Regulation and you can take an exam at one of our four Environmental Health offices during business hours. The license is valid from January 1 to December 31 and must be renewed every year. If your license is not renewed by January 31, then you will be required to retake and pass the exam.
Septic Tank Cleaners / Pumpers
A septic system cleaner / pumper must be licensed with Tri-County Health Department. To obtain a license, Tri-County must receive a completed application, affidavit of citizenship, and a license fee. The license is valid from January 1 to December 31 and must be renewed every year. Cleaners / Pumpers must also maintain a Septic Cleaners Log.
- How do I get a permit to build a new, or repair an on-site wastewater treatment system (OWTS)?
- Under what conditions must an on-site wastewater treatment system (OWTS) be designed by a Colorado Licensed Professional Engineer?
- How do I get a Use Permit?
- Who can do Use Permit inspections?
- I am moving and need to get my septic system certified. What do I do?
- What is the minimum lot size for an on-site wastewater treatment system (OWTS)?
- How often do I need to pump my septic tank?
- Will I be able to irrigate or have horses where my absorption field is located?
- Can I install a bathroom in a garage, barn, etc., and connect it to my existing on-site wastewater treatment system (OWTS)?
- I am unsure where my septic system is located. Do you have records of my system?
- I accidentally damaged some components of my septic system. Who should I call to inspect and repair the damage? Do I need a permit?
- Do I need a license to install and repair septic systems?
- How do I become a licensed septic system pumper/cleaner?
- How do I become a Certified Use Permit Inspector?
- Can Tri-County recommend an Septic System Professional such as an installer or pumper?
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