Who Do You Call About a Well or Septic System Near Lake City, Colorado?

For a septic system (an onsite wastewater treatment system, or OWTS) in Hinsdale County, the county's Building Department takes the OWTS permit application, and Silver Thread Public Health District runs the Hinsdale County Public Health office in Lake City. For a private well permit, the Colorado Division of Water Resources is the state agency to ask. Confirm which office handles your parcel before you make an offer.

This post is a directory, not an inspection guide. I could not find a Hinsdale County page that spells out septic inspection or sale requirements, so I list who to call rather than state rules. This is general information, not legal advice.

Who handles septic permits in Hinsdale County?

Per the county's Building Department page, as I reviewed it in an earlier post on October 27, 2026, a project involving an OWTS submits an OWTS Permit Application to the building department. The listed forms are the OWTS Permit Application, Permit Guidelines and Permit Checklist. State rules are in 5 CCR 1002-43 (Regulation 43), and the county points to Silver Thread Public Health District for more information. The Building Department is at 311 Henson St., Lake City, CO 81235. The phone is 970-944-2225, ext. 104, and the email is building@hinsdalecountycolorado.us.

What does the state say about local septic rules?

CDPHE's OWTS page says Regulation 43 governs septic systems. It says local counties handle permitting for systems with flows of 2,000 gallons per day or less, and each local public health agency has rules at least as strict as Regulation 43. It shows a map of local agencies that run a transfer-of-title inspection program but does not explain what those programs require. I did not find that Hinsdale County has one, so ask the county and the public health office whether any inspection applies to a sale.

What is Silver Thread Public Health District?

The district serves Mineral and Hinsdale counties. Its Hinsdale County office is at 304 W. Third St., Lake City, CO 81235 (PO Box 187). The phone is 970-944-0321, and the page lists hours of Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Its listed services include Consumer Protection and Environmental Health, along with counseling, youth and senior services, immunizations, assistance programs and vital records. The page does not say that septic permitting happens at this office, so call the public health office and the Building Department to confirm who does what for your property.

Who issues well permits?

The Colorado Division of Water Resources (DWR) issues well permits in Colorado, not the county. A licensed well driller can help with the permit to drill. The page I reviewed on Hinsdale County's Building Department did not mention wells, so ask DWR, which has offices in Montrose and Denver, about permit history and allowed uses for any well on a property you are considering.

What should I ask about a septic system?

• Where are the permits and records? Ask the seller for the original permit, pumping receipts and inspection reports.
• Where is the tank, and is it accessible? Snow cover in winter can hide lids.
• How old is the system, and what type? Ask the county and the seller.
• Is it sized for the bedrooms? An addition may require an updated permit.
• Is there an inspection requirement on a sale? Ask the county and public health office.
• Who services it? Ask for the pumper's name and the last service date.

What should I ask about a well?

• Is there a permit on file? Ask for the permit number and confirm it with DWR.
• What uses are allowed? Household use differs from irrigation or livestock.
• How is the water quality and flow? A water test and a flow test by a qualified professional are worth doing during your inspection period.
• Is it shared? A shared well should have a written agreement.
• Radon in water? Rare and mostly a private-well question. A Walking Mountains guide says to test indoor air first.

Why does timing matter in Lake City?

Winter can limit access to tanks, wells and soils, and can slow inspectors and contractors. If you are buying between late fall and spring, build extra time into your contract, and ask what can be inspected now and what must wait.

What about homes on town water and sewer?

If the property is on Town of Lake City water and sewer, you do not need your own septic or well. See my post on the Town's 2026 water and sewer tap fees. Ask the Town whether service is connected and whether any tap fees are owed.

What is the bottom line?

In and around Lake City, wells and septic systems are a normal part of buying rural property, and the key is knowing who to call: the Hinsdale County Building Department for OWTS permits, Silver Thread Public Health for health and environmental questions, and the state Division of Water Resources for wells. A local agent can help you build those calls into your due diligence.

Frequently asked questions

Who issues septic permits in Hinsdale County?

Per the county, OWTS permit applications go to the Hinsdale County Building Department, 970-944-2225 ext. 104.

Who issues well permits near Lake City?

The Colorado Division of Water Resources, not the county.

What is the Hinsdale County Public Health office phone number?

970-944-0321, at 304 W. Third St., Lake City, per the Silver Thread Public Health District.

Does Hinsdale County require a septic inspection when I buy?

I could not find a published requirement. Ask the Building Department and Silver Thread Public Health.

Connect with a great real estate agent in Lake City, Kelsey Loftis with Crystal Peak Properties.

Phone: (970) 784-6768 · Email: kelseyloftis@gmail.com · Website: crystalpeakproperties.com

Sources: Hinsdale County Building Department page (reviewed October 27, 2026); Hinsdale County Public Health Office / Silver Thread Public Health District pages; CDPHE, Clean water: On-site wastewater treatment systems (cdphe.colorado.gov/OWTS); Walking Mountains, "Real Estate and Radon"; reviewed November 4, 2026 unless noted. Not legal advice.