Septic and Well Information

Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (Septic Systems)

The Department of Public Health is responsible for the regulation of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS) in Gilpin County. 

Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Construction/Repair Permit Inspections

Inspections are done on Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can request an inspection online through the permit portal. If you need assistance scheduling an inspection, please contact staff at (303)-582-5803. 

Apply to Construct/Repair/Modify an OWTS

Major Repairs are defined as soil treatment area changes/replacement, septic tank replacement repair, pumps, pump tanks, control panel. Requires engineering plans to be submitted. Major repairs must be completed by someone who is licensed with Gilpin County. 

Minor Repairs are defined as repair/replacement of sewer lines, effluent lines, distribution boxes, risers, effluent filters. Engineering plans not required. A Colorado State licensed plumber can perform minor repairs.  

Use Permits for Title Transfer/Selling a Property

If you are selling a property with a home in unincorporated Gilpin County, you must have the property's septic system inspected and obtain a Use Permit prior to going under contract. Failure to obtain a Use Permit prior to the date of a covered transaction can subject you to daily accruing penalties under Colorado law. 

Do you need to obtain a use permit when:

1. You are selling a home in unincorporated Gilpin County? Yes. 
2. You are selling a home in unincorporated Gilpin County with an OWTS (septic system) that was permitted and installed 5 years or less from the date of sale? No.
3. You are selling vacant land? No. 
4. You are selling vacant land with an installed OWTS but it is not connected to a permitted home or commercial structure and not operational? No. 
5. You are selling vacant land with a permitted but unfinished/unconnected/non-operational OWTS? No. 
6. You are selling a property with a permitted but unfinished home or commercial structure that is connected to a permitted but non-operational OWTS? No.
7. You are selling a home or property with limited use structures such as seasonal cabin or home that is not connected to a permitted OWTS? Yes.
8. You are selling a home that is connected to a sealed vault type OWTS? Yes. 

There are two separate applications now. One for conventional treatment level systems (TL1) and one for higher level treatment systems (TL2+) that require the property buyer or title grantee to obtain a maintenance contract and Operating Permit. It is your responsibility as the seller/title grantor to inform the buyer of these requirements. Failure to do so can result in enforcement action against you. Use permits are valid for 6 months and must be obtained prior to the transaction date of the transfer of property subject to the use permit requirement. Active and unexpired use permits can be easily extended as long as you request the extension prior to expiration of the permit. 

Apply for Use Permit TL1 Conventional System

Apply for a Use Permit & Operating Permit TL2+ Higher Level System

Operating Use Permits and Maintenance Contracts without Title Transfer/Selling a Property

All high level treatment systems (TL2+) are required to have an operating use permit. A maintenance contract from a licensed septic contractor must first be obtained. Then apply for the operating use permit TL2+ higher level system. On step 3, select “Operating Permit Only (I’m the property owner and I am not currently selling or transferring the property)”. Upload the current signed maintenance contract in the attachments step. There is no fee for this permit.

OWTS Property Records

Copies of a property’s OWTS records can be obtained by filling out a Colorado Open Records Act Requests form on the Clerk and Recorder’s webpage.

Onsite Wastewater Regulations and Fees

Comprehensive Fee Schedule 2025

Gilpin County OWTS Regulations 2018

Colorado Regulation 43

Wells

View the recorded webinar from February 11th, 2025 on Radon, Well, and Septic information presented by Gilpin Public Health and the Gilpin CSU Extension Office

The use and construction of private wells is regulated by the State of Colorado Division of Water Resources. To apply for construction of a well, locate permitted well records, and to view the state's well permit map click below: 

DNR Well Permitting

Well Water Testing Services 

Resources

CSU Private Well Fact Sheet

EPA Site for Septic Information