Apply for Septic Permit
If you are building a new home served by a septic system, also called an on-site wastewater treatment system (OWTS), your building permit cannot be released until Environmental Health issues an OWTS permit.
If you are adding bedrooms to a structure served by an OWTS, please contact Environmental Health regarding OWTS sizing requirements and obtaining an OWTS alteration permit.
If your OWTS fails (example: wastewater surfacing) or needs to be repaired, please contact Environmental Health regarding the requirements for obtaining an OWTS repair permit.
On-site Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) installers are required to be licensed annually by Environmental Health prior to installing, altering or repairing any OWTS.
Eagle County OWTS Regulations Require Pumpers/Cleaners to Submit Pumping Reports. This online report can be submitted for pumping and/or inspections of OWTS: Online Pumping and Inspection Report Form **Use Google Chrome Browser for Online Forms**
OWTS cleaners are required to be licensed annually by Environmental Health prior to cleaning or pumping any OWTS by by submitting the Contractor/Cleaner Application and paying the license fee ($25). Contractors (both installers and cleaners are also required to submit and pass a written examination for a new license after 2019 and every five years. The examination is based on the Eagle County Public Health Agency OWTS Regulations (includes Water Quality Control Commission OWTS Regulation 43) and common contractor and cleaner practices, respectively. You may request an exam in the online license application linked below.
Licensed OWTS contractors and cleaners will be listed on Environmental Health's website with their contact information and any professional credentials (example: NAWT).
Search Septic Permit Records
If your septic system was permitted and installed in the last 45 years, Environmental Health likely has a septic permit record for your property. This record generally contains information on the septic system design and location of components. Environmental Health does not have records for septic systems installed prior to 1972
To search for records, please first search the public OWTS Records database and search by either street address, parcel, or permit number. We continue to add records as we move toward having all accessible online. However, if you do not find the record online, please submit a request by completing this form** with your contact information, and the physical address of the parcel.
**Use Google Chrome Browser for Online Forms**
Care and Maintenance
The proper installation of an adequately sized septic system is the best insurance against failure. In addition, for a septic system to provide years of worry-free service, proper maintenance of all system components is essential. General information regarding septic system components and maintenance can be found at:
Rules and Regulations
Monitoring
In 1998, Eagle County initiated a study with the USGS referred to as the Retrospective Analysis of the Eagle River Watershed. Retrospective Analysis projects result in dynamic data bases maintained and accessible to the public on the Internet. Data can easily be obtained from selected sites within a watershed to assess trends in water quality. A similar project is underway in the Roaring Fork Watershed. With the help of other involved parties in every watershed, these ongoing projects will help us determine what actions are necessary to maintain or improve our water quality.
Eagle County’s major watersheds include the Colorado, Roaring Fork and Eagle Rivers. You can learn more about these watersheds by visiting Environmental Protection Agency’s Surf Your Watershed website. Another excellent organization committed to protecting and restoring Colorado’s watersheds is the Colorado Watershed Assembly. To become more involved in local watershed issues, please contact the Eagle River Watershed Council at 970-827-5406 for both the Eagle and Colorado Rivers or the Roaring Fork Conservancy at 970-927-1290.
The Eagle River Watershed Plan outlines a collaborative, local philosophy for protecting and improving water quantity, water quality, wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities, and promoting compatible land use practices. The Colorado River Water Conservation District (CRWCD) can help you learn how water from the entire Colorado River basin is managed for various beneficial uses.
The following links to stream gages, courtesy of the USGS, are selected sites on the Roaring Fork, Eagle and Colorado Rivers. To compare watersheds, you may visit the main USGS Real-Time Data site.
The Colorado Water Quality Control Division regulates and inspects public water suppliers.
Public water suppliers in Eagle County include:
Wells
Well Permitting
Eagle County Environmental Health does not issue or keep records of private well permits and water rights.
Eagle County is located in Division 5 of the Division of Water Resources. Direct any questions you may have to the Water Resources Department at 970-945-5665.
Resources:
Eagle County Environmental Health does not have a laboratory facility to test drinking water. Private well owners are responsible for the quality and safety of their own drinking water. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) recommends testing your well water every year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH levels. If you suspect other contaminants, test for these also based on your specific situation. These chemical tests for other contaminants can be expensive.
Resources:
If you are building a new home served by a septic system, also called an on-site wastewater treatment system (OWTS), your building permit cannot be released until Environmental Health issues an OWTS permit.
If you are adding bedrooms to a structure served by an OWTS, please contact Environmental Health regarding OWTS sizing requirements and obtaining an OWTS alteration permit.
If your OWTS fails (example: wastewater surfacing) or needs to be repaired, please contact Environmental Health regarding the requirements for obtaining an OWTS repair permit.
- Online OWTS Permit Application**Use Google Chrome Browser for Online Forms**
- OWTS Permit Application Instructions
- OWTS Permit Application
- OWTS Fees Defined by Permit Type
- OWTS Professionals- Engineers, Certified Inspectors, Contractors and Cleaners Currently Licensed in Eagle County
On-site Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) installers are required to be licensed annually by Environmental Health prior to installing, altering or repairing any OWTS.
Eagle County OWTS Regulations Require Pumpers/Cleaners to Submit Pumping Reports. This online report can be submitted for pumping and/or inspections of OWTS: Online Pumping and Inspection Report Form **Use Google Chrome Browser for Online Forms**
OWTS cleaners are required to be licensed annually by Environmental Health prior to cleaning or pumping any OWTS by by submitting the Contractor/Cleaner Application and paying the license fee ($25). Contractors (both installers and cleaners are also required to submit and pass a written examination for a new license after 2019 and every five years. The examination is based on the Eagle County Public Health Agency OWTS Regulations (includes Water Quality Control Commission OWTS Regulation 43) and common contractor and cleaner practices, respectively. You may request an exam in the online license application linked below.
Licensed OWTS contractors and cleaners will be listed on Environmental Health's website with their contact information and any professional credentials (example: NAWT).
- OWTS Contractor/Cleaner Application **Use Google Chrome Browser for Online Forms**
- Eagle County OWTS Regulations
- OWTS Math Presentation
- CDPHE Water Quality Control Division OWTS Resources
Search Septic Permit Records
If your septic system was permitted and installed in the last 45 years, Environmental Health likely has a septic permit record for your property. This record generally contains information on the septic system design and location of components. Environmental Health does not have records for septic systems installed prior to 1972
To search for records, please first search the public OWTS Records database and search by either street address, parcel, or permit number. We continue to add records as we move toward having all accessible online. However, if you do not find the record online, please submit a request by completing this form** with your contact information, and the physical address of the parcel.
**Use Google Chrome Browser for Online Forms**
Care and Maintenance
The proper installation of an adequately sized septic system is the best insurance against failure. In addition, for a septic system to provide years of worry-free service, proper maintenance of all system components is essential. General information regarding septic system components and maintenance can be found at:
Rules and Regulations
- Eagle County Public Health Agency On-site Wastewater Treatment System Regulations (Effective August 24, 2018)
- CDPHE: Clean water: OWTS; Regulation 43 additional policies, documents, and guidance
- Colorado Professionals in Onsite Wastewater
- Environmental Protection Agency: Septic Systems
- National Association of Wastewater Transporters
- National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association
- Clerk and Recorder’s Online Record Search
Monitoring
In 1998, Eagle County initiated a study with the USGS referred to as the Retrospective Analysis of the Eagle River Watershed. Retrospective Analysis projects result in dynamic data bases maintained and accessible to the public on the Internet. Data can easily be obtained from selected sites within a watershed to assess trends in water quality. A similar project is underway in the Roaring Fork Watershed. With the help of other involved parties in every watershed, these ongoing projects will help us determine what actions are necessary to maintain or improve our water quality.
Eagle County’s major watersheds include the Colorado, Roaring Fork and Eagle Rivers. You can learn more about these watersheds by visiting Environmental Protection Agency’s Surf Your Watershed website. Another excellent organization committed to protecting and restoring Colorado’s watersheds is the Colorado Watershed Assembly. To become more involved in local watershed issues, please contact the Eagle River Watershed Council at 970-827-5406 for both the Eagle and Colorado Rivers or the Roaring Fork Conservancy at 970-927-1290.
The Eagle River Watershed Plan outlines a collaborative, local philosophy for protecting and improving water quantity, water quality, wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities, and promoting compatible land use practices. The Colorado River Water Conservation District (CRWCD) can help you learn how water from the entire Colorado River basin is managed for various beneficial uses.
The following links to stream gages, courtesy of the USGS, are selected sites on the Roaring Fork, Eagle and Colorado Rivers. To compare watersheds, you may visit the main USGS Real-Time Data site.
- Colorado River near Dotsero
- Eagle River below Gypsum
- Eagle River near Wolcott (Eagle County shares the cost with CRWCD)
- Eagle River near Minturn (Eagle County shares the cost with Viacom)
- Roaring Fork near Emma
The Colorado Water Quality Control Division regulates and inspects public water suppliers.
Public water suppliers in Eagle County include:
- Eagle River Water and Sanitation District
- Town of Eagle
- Town of Minturn
- Town of Basalt
- Mid-Valley Metropolitan District (970-927-4077)
Wells
Well Permitting
Eagle County Environmental Health does not issue or keep records of private well permits and water rights.
Eagle County is located in Division 5 of the Division of Water Resources. Direct any questions you may have to the Water Resources Department at 970-945-5665.
Resources:
- Colorado Division of Water Resources (DWR)
- DWR: Ground Water Administration and Well Permitting
- DWR: Water Rights
Eagle County Environmental Health does not have a laboratory facility to test drinking water. Private well owners are responsible for the quality and safety of their own drinking water. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) recommends testing your well water every year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH levels. If you suspect other contaminants, test for these also based on your specific situation. These chemical tests for other contaminants can be expensive.
Resources:
- Eagle River Water and Sanitation District: Laboratory Services (local laboratory)
- CDPHE: Water Testing Laboratory Services
- CDPHE: Certified Safe Drinking Water Laboratories Lists
ecg tv