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Water Quality Department

Call (970) 264-1390 or Email Water Quality for:

  • Submitting OWTS designs and applications
  • Submitting documents or requesting records
  • Requesting an inspection for a new OWTS that has been issued an Authorization to Construct
  • General OWTS questions or other Water Quality inquiries

Please include the property address, permit number (if applicable), and a brief description of your request to help us respond as efficiently as possible.

Design/Application Checklist

To help ensure your application and design can be reviewed and approved in a timely manner, we have provided the checklist we use when reviewing OWTS applications and designs.

OWTS Design Plan Check List

Online Applications

OWTS Permit Application

ACWQ Payment Portal

ACWQ OWTS Installers License Application

Transfer of Title Application

Other Helpful Information:

OWTS Document Center

Disaster Recovery Guide

File a Complaint

Quick Links

  1. Regulation 43 (CO OWTS Regulations)
  2. Archuleta County On-site Wastewater Treatment System Regulations 2026
  3. Water Quality Fee Schedule
  4. CDPHE Water Quality
  5. Disaster Recovery Guide

Contact Us

Water Quality Manager

Jessica Green

Office: 970-264-8342
Cell: 970-507-1366
Email Jessica Green

Water Quality Specialist

Danielle Brower

Office: 970-264-8343
Cell: 970-398-6097
Email Danielle Brower

Hours
Monday – Friday
8:00 am – 4:00 pm

1122 Hwy. 84
P.O. Box 1507
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147

Mission Statement

“Our mission is to protect public health and the natural environment through the effective regulation and oversight of onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS), while meeting or exceeding applicable state and federal environmental quality requirements. We are committed to ensuring OWTS are properly designed, installed, and maintained to protect public health, safety, and water quality.”

Objectives

The Water Quality Department protects public health and safety through the regulation and oversight of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS). The Department reviews OWTS applications and designs, conducts inspections, and provides guidance to property owners, designers, and installers to help ensure systems are properly designed, installed, and maintained in accordance with applicable regulations. While the Department’s regulatory responsibilities are focused on OWTS, staff are also available to answer general questions and provide information related to water quality and other water-related concerns.

CDPHE does not endorse specific laboratories or testing kits, but wanted to give people the options we are aware of.