Septic System Permitting

An Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) is commonly known as a septic system. It is made up of two main parts: the septic tank and the soil treatment area. The septic tank is divided into sections so that wastewater from the house can separate into solids and liquids. The liquid (effluent) then flows out to the soil treatment area, which can be designed in different ways to promote the best effluent treatment methods.

The Delta County Health Department follows both the "Delta County Individual Sewage Disposal System Regulations" and Colorado's "Regulation No. 43 - On-Site Wastewater Treatment System Regulation."

Delta County has an addressing resolution (Delta County Resolution 2007-R-44) that requires that each livable structure on a piece of property have its own address. In other words, addresses are not tied to your parcel, but rather the livable building itself. 

The reasoning behind this resolution is to better coordinate emergency service vehicle responses. Please call the Delta County Planning Department at (970) 874-2110 if you have any questions. 

A conditional permit allows an installer to begin constructing the septic system. After all inspections have been completed and we have received the professional engineer's record drawing and letter, the final permit will be issued.

First, try searching the permit by the different options in the system. If a permit still does not pop up, it is possible that we do not have a permit for the septic system. If you need to have work done on your system, you should first contact a septic inspector. 

Need contact information for inspectors? Click here to access our OWTS installers, cleaners, and inspectors list.

The short answer is if your property can accommodate a full septic system, then you may not install a vault. However, vaults may be permitted under the following circumstances:

• Vaults for full time use may be permitted when a failing septic system cannot be replaced.

• Vaults may be permitted for limited use occupancy on a property which cannot accommodate an OWTS with a soil treatment area.

• A vault may be permitted if the facility is on land where the installation of an OWTS with a soil treatment area is not permitted.

• Vaults may be permitted for systems where some of the wastewater flows are separated, such as toilet wastes only, into a vault. The portion not retained in the vault must be treated in an adequately-sized OWTS.

Refer to the permit that was issued for the system. If the engineer's design accounted for a future home, check to see the number of bedrooms that the system was designed for. If you intend to build a home with the same number of bedrooms, then you can use the system. If you intend to build a home with more bedrooms, then you will need to contact an engineer and obtain a new OWTS permit. 

These are some of the common signs that your system is malfunctioning or failing:

• Water and sewage from drains backing up into the house

• Bathtubs, showers, and sinks draining very slowly

• Gurgling sounds in the plumbing system

• Standing water or damp spots near or over the septic tank or leach field

• White salt on the ground near or over the septic tank or leach field