Boulder County wants to make sure we are balancing the need for ensuring that wastewater is handled appropriately with the financial burden that comes with upgrading a septic system. By providing sufficient time before homeowners must make potential repairs, it allows them time to plan for the added expense. Furthermore, if the repair happens when the homeowner sells the property, they may be in a better position to afford the repairs.

Addressing septic systems is not a one-time effort. Boulder County wants to ensure that these systems are working now and into the future. More frequent inspections of systems and maintenance by homeowners are needed to accomplish this. A property transfer regulation would require that systems be inspected whenever they change hands.

In evaluating property transfer permits nationwide, we found that these programs are effective at identifying problems with septic systems. For instance, in Washtenaw County, Michigan, when they implemented a point-of-sale program, they discovered that:

• 1,144 homes of the 5,720 inspected between 2000 and 2006 needed some correction to either their water supply or sewage disposal system.
• 425 homes during this time had been issued permits to replace failing or undersized septic systems.
• During the first 18 months of the program, 1 out of every 7 wells tested (14%) had chemical or bacterial contamination.

Other Q&A:

What feedback have we received so far?

How does it work?

Because it matters to your health & family, our water, and your home value.

 Glossary | Return to Home