Water Smarts 2002

• Year: 2002
• Title: Water Smarts
• Author: Upper Arkansas Area COG USGS Pueblo Office
• Description: A well and septic system owner's guide to ground water in the upper arkansas area chaffee, custer, fremont, and lake counties, Colorado
• Publications - Doc Type: Other

Outside, landscape design using native trees,
shrubs and grass mixes is recommended
because additional watering is not necessary.
Consult your local nursery and landscape
professionals.
Are there different types of
septic systems? If so, how do
they vary in quality,
maintenance, and cost?
There are several types of septic systems
available. Contact an installer for
descriptions of types and uses. With the
proper construction and maintenance, a
standard septic system can be an effective
treatment option. The quality of the
materials used in the construction determines
its effectiveness. The entire septic system,
including leach fields, should be inspected
before you purchase any home. Sometimes
septic installation companies and/or previous
owners cut costs by using alternate materials.
In some cases, water quality or other site
factors determine the need for an alternative
system. The most common is the advanced,
nitrogen- reducing septic system. This
system requires a smaller leaching field
because nitrate levels are reduced internally
before wastewater leaves the septic tank.
This system performs well, but costs more,
and requires a maintenance contract.
For information on a specific septic system,
some counties keep "as built" drawings of
existing systems. These are drafted by the
county inspector when he checks the
installation of the septic system to ensure that
the system was installed in accordance with
county regulations.
What are the different types of
wells and what are the
differences in efficiency, quality,
maintenance, and costs?
Some wells may be used in -house only and
do not allow outside watering. Others may
allow in -house use and limited watering of
domestic animals and up to one acre of grass
and/or garden. Some may allow water for
livestock. In Colorado, it is best to contact
the Division of Water Resources of the
Office of the State Engineer for specifics.
The efficiency of a well is dependent on well
construction, pumping equipment installed,
depth to water, and aquifer characteristics.
Typically, a small capacity well will employ
either a jet -type pump or a submersible
pump. Consult with a licensed pump installer
to determine the type of pumping equipment
best suited for your area and conditions. The
cost of well construction, pump installation
and maintenance, water quality testing and
treatment vary considerably. It is best to
contact these professionals directly. Well
drillers, pump installers, and water quality
laboratories are licensed by the State of
Colorado and must comply with established
standards.
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