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Weld County approves first reading to ban graywater systems in unincorporated areas
Summary
On March 10, Weld County commissioners approved on first reading Code Ordinance 2025-02 to prohibit installation of graywater treatment systems in unincorporated parts of the county, citing public-health, enforcement and consistency concerns and asserting local authority to opt out of a recent state law.
Weld County commissioners on Monday approved on first reading Code Ordinance 2025-02 to prohibit installation of graywater treatment systems in unincorporated areas of the county.
County staff told commissioners the change is meant to exercise a local opt-out allowed under a recent state measure, which the presentation identified as "house bill 24 13 62," and cited public-health and enforcement concerns. "The installation of graywater treatment systems on lands and in structures located in unincorporated areas of Weld County is prohibited," staff said as the ordinance language the board was being asked to approve.
The staff presentation said three factors drove the recommendation: public health and safety — a lack of local capacity to properly maintain, install or inspect graywater systems; regulatory and enforcement limits in county code and staffing; and the need for consistency because current county codes and wastewater policies do not account for graywater use. Staff said integrating graywater regulation would require significant amendments to county code and additional resources.
Commissioner Ross moved to approve the ordinance on first reading; Commissioner James seconded. The motion carried by voice vote.
The first-reading approval amends section 2-3-30 of the Weld County Code to add the prohibition language. A public hearing was opened for the first reading; no members of the public spoke at the hearing.
Because this was a first reading, the ordinance will return to a later meeting for a second reading or final adoption under the county's ordinance schedule. The staff presentation noted the action would exercise Weld County's local option under the state measure and that approval on first reading is the formal step required to opt out.
Speakers quoted or attending on this item included the unnamed county staff member who presented the ordinance and the commissioners who moved and seconded the measure.
