Septic System Information

Quick Links:

Tri-County Health Department
OWS Voluntary Inspection and Required 4 Year Pump Out Information
OWS Inspection Program
List of Tri-County Health Certified Septic Pumpers
Helpful info from Tri-County Health on Septic Systems Potable and Irrigation Meter
Vegetation Over Apsorption Area
Section 10.0 Maintenance and Cleaning

The District offers an OWS (septic system) management program that provides the customers the ability to have their OWS inspected bi-annually. The cost for this bi-annual inspection is $50 and is applied to the customers water utility bill in the month the inspection is performed.

Customers are required by Tri-County Health to have their system pumped every four years and provide the District proof of pumping.

1. Who has authority to require a septic system management program?

Three governmental agencies - Tri-County Health Department, Adams County and the Todd Creek Village Metropolitan District have varying levels of authority to require a program:

Article 10, Section 25 of Colorado Revised Statues authorizes Tri-County Health Department's Board to adopt rules for inspection, maintenance, cleaning schedules and practices to ensure proper functioning of OWS. As noted above, the Tri-County Health Board adopted a requirement that OWS be pumped and inspected every four years. To date, the Board has not adopted other specific requirements for system inspections. However, since 1994 Tri-County has consistently recommended that all subdivisions served by OWS voluntarily establish a management program including regular inspections and homeowner education. Tri-County suggests that either the appropriate Special District or the Homeowners' Association administer the program.

Colorado State statute authorizes counties to adopt standards and regulations for land development that are necessary to protect and promote the public health, safety and general welfare of their citizens. Under this authority, on September 23, 2002 the Adams County Board of County Commissioners adopted a new countywide program for the management of OWS. The program will be required in all new subdivisions in Adams County that are served by OWS. Program elements include inspection, pumping and reporting elements like those in the Todd Creek program.

Section 4.3 Sewer System of the Todd Creek Village Metropolitan District Rules and Regulations, adopted December 9, 1996 states in part, District residents or proposed service users maintaining individual septic systems shall comply with certain maintenance requirements with respect to the individual septic systems so that the system does not adversely impact the District's water supply. The District will have the right to inspect the individual systems during construction as well as during operation to insure compliance.

2. Why do we need an OWS management program?

The purpose of the management program is to provide preventive maintenance. Periodic inspections allow for early detection of system defects or problems, while regular pumping keeps the system working efficiently. Together, inspections and maintenance can help avoid costly system failures and prevent sewage releases that can negatively impact your family's or your neighbors' health.

3. Todd Creek Village Metro District's Management Program

The bi-annual system inspection is a voluntary program for existing subdivisions.

If you choose to participate in the inspection portion of the program:

• The District's contractor will inspect your system for a fee of $50
• District inspectors are certified by Tri-County Health Department.
• The inspector will check the condition of your absorption field, tank and risers, as well as the operation of valves and pumps that are part of engineered systems.
• The inspector will provide you a copy of the inspection checklist, with instructions for correcting problems if any are identified. (see attached)
• If you choose not to participate in the District's voluntary inspection program you will be responsible for the following:
  
  You will assume the responsibility for inspection and maintenance of your system. You will need to provide the District proof of pumping of your septic tanks every four years. Customers who want to hire a contractor to conduct a system inspection for them can obtain a list of licensed contractors from the District or Tri-County Health Department.

It is a local health department regulatory requirement that septic systems be pumped every four years. Companies that pump OWS do not currently share pumping records with Tri-County Health Department unless specifically requested. To allow the health department to track pumping data, all residents will be required to provide the Todd Creek Village Metro District proof of pumping at least every four years. The District, in turn, will include this information in its annual report to Tri-County.

4. How do I let the District know whether or not I want to sign up for an bi-annual septic system inspection?

Attached is the Sign up Form for the voluntary OWS inspection program. Please fill out this form completely and return to the District office. If the District does not receive this form, it will be assumed that you do not want to participate in the voluntary inspection program. [back to top]

Tri-County Health Department

Dear Property Owner:

Tri-County Health Department requires that your septic tank be pumped and inspected every four years to keep it in good working order. Your on-site wastewater system (OWS) consists of a septic tank and absorption area, also called a leachfield. The septic tank removes solids from the wastewater. The wastewater then flows to the absorption area, where it is purified and returned to the environment. If the solids in the septic tank build up too much and are not removed, the septic tank does not function properly. If the septic tank is not functioning properly, it may also damage the leachfield. Having your septic tank pumped and inspected on a regular basis can improve the performance of your OWS and may extend the life or prevent failure of your OWS. In addition to creating potential public health risks, premature system failures can unnecessarily cost you thousands of dollars in repair costs.

If you have not had your septic tank pumped and inspected in the last four years, contact one of the licensed systems cleaners on the attached list to arrange to have your septic tank pumped and inspected. Please provide the Todd Creek Village Metro District a copy of the receipt after you have had your system pumped. As the OWS Program Manager in Todd Creek, the District is working with Tri-County Health Department to document that our regulatory requirement for pumping has been met.

We appreciate your cooperation.

If you have any questions, please call me at (303) 846-6225 or email at wbrown@tchd.org .

Sincerely,

OWS Voluntary Inspection and Required 4 Year Pump Out Information

Todd Creek Village Metropolitan District is providing a voluntary OWS Inspection Program for all customers in the District. This program provides the customer with an every two year inspection of their complete system. This inspection is recommended by Tri-County Health Department (TCHD).

Customers participating in the program will be provided a written report from the TCHD Certified Inspector as to the condition of their OWS at the completion of the inspection. Cost for the inspection is $50 and this fee will be added to the customers water bill in the month following the inspection.

Tri-County Health does require every OWS customer to pump their system every 4 years. Customer must provide a copy of the pump out invoice to the District office. The District provides a yearly report to TCHD showing all inspections and pump outs for the year. Please help us by providing us the documentation needed for compliance with the State regulations.

The District has several good brochures from the EPA-National Small Flow Clearinghouse that provides excellent information on septic systems. Call our office if you wish to receive these brochures.

Please help us to help you in the management of your Septic System.

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OWS Inspection Program

SIGN UP FORM

Todd Creek Village Metro District is providing a voluntary Onsite Waste Management Inspection Program for all homeowners in the District. This program will provide the homeowner with a yearly or every 2 year inspection of their complete OWS. This is a recommendation of Tri-County Health Department.

The homeowner will be provided a written report from the Tri-County Health certified inspector as to the condition of the OWS. It will be up to the homeowner to conduct any repairs that might be necessary as a result of this inspection.

The cost for this inspection is $50 per inspection per year. The inspection fee will be charged to the water bill the month following the inspection.

This is a voluntary program. Please fill out the information below and return to the District office. If we do not receive a completed form we will assume you do not wish to be entered into the program.

List of Tri-County Health Certified Septic Pumpers

click here to preview

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Section 10.0 Maintenance and Cleaning

MAINTENANCE, CLEANING AND EFFLUENT TESTING SCHEDULES - In order to insure good working order, the following minimum schedule shall apply to all individual sewage disposal systems:

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10450 E 159th Ct. | Brighton, CO 80602 | 303.637.0344 | fax 303.637.0423