New System
Step 1: Hire a licensed professional

You will need to contact and hire a licensed professional to provide expertise, analysis, and determine design requirements for your septic system.

A registered professional engineer (RPE) or professional geologist will perform a percolation test or soil analysis and locate property water lines. Suitability of soil is a major factor in the success or failure of a septic system. Appropriate soil-filtering capacity is a condition that affects the system design and success.

An eight-foot profile hole will need to be dug. This hole is necessary to help evaluate the soil and establish groundwater and bedrock levels.

Later, a licensed installer will actually build the system.

Questions & Answers

What is the difference between engineers, installers, and geologists?

A licensed engineer typically determines the design requirements of a system. Often, an engineer must also inspect a system, once installed, to ensure those requirements were met. Engineers often conduct some of the soil testing as well.

A licensed installer is typically responsible for the actual construction or repair of a system. Many installers also assist in the excavation of the eight-foot profile hole.

A professional geologist can assist with the soil analysis, although he cannot ultimately determine design requirements or complete the installation.

Resources

Engineers List (PDF)

Geologists List (PDF)

Installers List (PDF)

NOTE: This list is not intended to be inclusive and Boulder County Public Health does not endorse any of these companies.