New onsite wastewater treatment system regulations go into effect May 28 – Garfield County, Colorado
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Concrete house septic tank or waste water tank from a detached house.

New onsite wastewater treatment system regulations go into effect May 28

Summary of changes is available on the Garfield County OWTS webpage

PRESS RELEASE
April 17, 2026

The Garfield County Board of Health has adopted new onsite wastewater treatment system (OWTS) regulations, which go into effect on May 28, 2026. At that time, all new, repaired, or altered wastewater treatment systems are subject to the new regulation. A summary of changes to the existing regulation and a copy of the new regulation can be obtained on the Garfield County OWTS webpage.

The process for shaping the new local regulation began in August 2025, with multiple levels of review, including local stakeholder feedback from the OWTS community.

“We are grateful for the involvement of the regulated community,” said Garfield County Environmental Health Specialist Ted White. “From pumpers to installers and designers, people provided their time and feedback in reviewing these changes to help us create a regulation that protects ground and surface water from contamination. This is just one way we ensure safety for public health.”

A helpful summary of the local administrative changes and changes required by state, can be found on the OWTS webpage. Garfield County OWTS staff are available to provide support and answers to questions throughout the transition to the new regulation.

To contact Garfield County Public Health, email owts@garfieldcountyco.gov or call 970-625-5200, ext. 8150.