Buying a Home With a Well or Septic System in Colorado

A well and a septic system are separate decisions

A private well provides water; a septic or onsite wastewater treatment system (OWTS) treats household wastewater. Each has separate inspections, maintenance considerations and county or state requirements. Do not assume a general home inspection covers either system.

For a private well, ask for records and testing

Request the well permit, available production and service records, water test results and information about the pump, pressure tank and water treatment equipment. Consider an appropriate water-quality test and professional evaluation of system capacity and condition. Confirm what the well permit and water rights allow.

For septic, obtain the county file

Request OWTS permit information, system design or as-built documents, maintenance and pumping history, and prior inspection records. A qualified specialist can assess the tank, absorption field and other components. Colorado counties can have transfer-of-title inspection rules; confirm them with the county where the property sits.

Financing and the appraisal

Depending on the loan program, lender and property circumstances, the mortgage file may require evidence that water and wastewater systems meet applicable requirements. A lender appraisal is not a substitute for specialized testing or inspections.

Ask these questions before inspection deadlines

Is the system permitted? Who owns and maintains it? Are there easements or shared-use agreements? When was it last serviced? Has there been a failure, repair or health-department notice? What would replacement cost for this specific site?

Build the inspection plan before making the offer

Your agent, qualified inspectors, water specialist, county environmental health department and loan originator should all understand the property early. Coordinate deadlines for specialized reports, rather than discovering the issue days before closing.

Educational information only; not a commitment to lend. Programs, fees and eligibility vary and may change. Edge Home Finance, LLC · NMLS #891464 · Mortgage Broker · Equal Housing Opportunity. Grant Brewster · NMLS #737321.