Septic Systems (OWTS)
NOTE DATE/TIME CHANGE:
Delta County Board of Health has postponed adopting the revised onsite wastewater treatment system (OWTS) regulations until the June 21st Board of Health Meeting. Public comment was received and minor changes were made based on feedback from the state health department and a handful of local engineers and installers. Revisions are below, along with the draft Resolution for adoption.
Documents As Reviewed at the Public Hearing on April 19th:
2022 Pre-adoption RegulationsThe citations in [brackets] in this document refer to sections of the Colorado Septic Systems Regulations (Reg 43).Appendix A Appendix B |
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Septic Systems- Getting Started:
START YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM APPLICATION | OBTAIN A COPY OF AN EXISTING PERMIT |
Other Documents to Get You Started
ENGINEERS- Register https://forms.gle/RPLA381RE3czKtpeA | INSTALLERS OWTS Installers and Cleaners List (pdf) |
| Email Paul Chadwick, (970) 201-3523 Email AAA Septic and Drain, (970) 323-8703 Email Delta County Environmental Health, (970) 874-2165 |
New Systems:
Completed applications should be returned to the Delta County Health Department. Please note that you must apply for and obtain the Access/Address Permit before obtaining the on-site wastewater treatment system (OWTS) permit "Final Approval."
What about Graywater?
At this time "Graywater" systems are NOT allowed in Delta County. All wastewater must enter a septic or sewer system. Runoff from storm drains, french drains, etc. is not allowed in septic systems. Learn more about graywater in Colorado or download our Graywater FAQ's.
New to Delta County or Planning to Develop a Property?
Get Permit Information to help you get things done in the right order.
The standard septic system involves a septic tank (to hold wastewater from drainpipes until solids settle out in the tank) and a system of pipes that distributes the remaining liquid waste underground over a large area — the leach field. The goal is to make sure that this filtration through the soil is sufficient to clean the wastewater before it reaches drinking water, well sources, or surface waters.
Building in a Floodplain?
All development within designated flood plains requires a permit from the Delta County Environmental Health Division prior to installing any septic system. The property owner is responsible for ensuring this determination takes place. If you think that you will be building in or near a floodplain, you can easily search for the floodplain status on the FEMAs website. Floodplain FIRM (Flood Insurance Rate Maps) are downloadable or contact Environmental Health at 874-2165 to obtain information regarding flood plain development. A flood plain application is required (fillable PDF application), and a flood plain checklist (pdf) is available for developers to guide the process. The floodplain application fee is $250.00.
State and county laws require that a septic permit is to be issued by the department prior to installing, constructing, or making repairs to a septic system.
Delta County Septic Regulations | Colorado Septic System Regulations |
Would You Like to be a Septic System Installer in Delta County?
The deadline to apply for a license as a Septic System Installer has passed. Any renewal will be processed as a new license ($100.00= renewal fee + late fee). Any installer that is unlicensed will need to get licensed before an installed system is permitted. Delta County OWTS Regulations (Effective: August 3, 2018) require that: "Licensees shall demonstrate to the Public Health Director or his agent an adequate knowledge of all applicable regulations. Applications for a license shall be made on a form supplied by the Health Department." (4.1C) NAWT Certified installers can provide their completion certificate number and exam date as proof for this requirement. All previously licensed non-NAWT installers will need to complete the OWTS application. An exam will be required after November 2022 for all installers. This exam will cover the new regulations adopted during the summer of 2022.
The license renewal fee is $50 per year. As allowed by the OWTS regulations, a late fee of $50 will be charged for all renewals received after January 31, 2022.