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The cost of installing or repairing an OWS is
the most important factor to many people. Most types of OWS
are of the conventional type, consisting of a septic tank and
an absorption field.
The septic tank, which usually has a capacity
of about 1,000 gallons and is composed of two compartments, is
buried in the ground in series with a gravel-filled bed or a
number of gravel-filled trenches. The
property of a home must be large enough to accommodate the
septic tank and absorption field.
Generally, at least 1 acre of land is needed
for an OWS to function adequately. The following information
is presented in order to give residents of Boulder County the
necessary cost information when planning an OWS installation
or repair.
Establishing Cost to Repair or Replace
There are many factors involved in the price
of an OWS, including but not limited to:
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Location: The property location is
the most important factor. Installation of an OWS in the plains on
flat ground can range from $7,000 to $15,000, while
installation in the mountains can range from $10,000 to
$35,000.
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Substrate: The ability of the soil
surrounding the drain field to absorb and treat the effluent
is an important concern in regard to water quality. The
composition of soil on the property is an important
factor. Rocky soil will require extensive excavation work
and will require imported soil for bedding, while a clay
soil will require a larger absorption area and more
construction materials.
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Level of Water Table: An OWS
installed in an area of high groundwater will require
imported soil to raise the system to a height where effluent
can be adequately treated in the soil prior to entering the
groundwater. The imported soil will need to be
re-percolated by the design engineer to verify its
suitability to treat the effluent.
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Property Terrain: Slope is an
important factor, as leveling the leach field on a hill will
require more extensive excavation. Removal of objects such
as trees and boulders will also increase the cost of
excavation.
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Property Size: Especially when
replacing a system, the property size can affect cost. When
replacing the leach field, most installers will simply
install a second field; however if there is not sufficient
room for a second field, the original field will need to be
excavated and hauled away, resulting in a significantly higher cost.
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House Size: The number of bedrooms in
your home legally determines the size of the OWS that must
be
installed.
The above factors are major components of an
OWS install or repair price. The following figures are from
actual OWS repairs or replacements in Boulder County:
Minor Repair: Costs ranged from
$2,100 to $3,920, with an average cost of $3,066.
Major Repair: Costs ranged from
$4,860 to $21,800, with an average cost of $9,173.
New System: Costs ranged from $7,790
to $35,000, with an average cost of $14,866
Hiring an Engineer
The costs of hiring an engineer can range from
$700 to $1,500, but certain sites may be more difficult and
engineer costs can range up to $2,000.
Permitting
Financial Assistance
A low-interest loan program is in place to help low-to
moderate-income households construct or repair onsite
wastewater systems (OWS).
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Please Note: This information is
intended to provide a better understanding of the functions of
onsite wastewater treatment and the need for proper design,
installation, and maintenance. Always consult a licensed
professional or public health official with questions
regarding engineering, installation, and servicing of onsite
wastewater systems.
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