Council members adopted Ordinance 9 36 on first reading to prohibit the installation and use of graywater treatment systems within the city of Monte Vista.

Public works/attorney staff introduced the ordinance, explaining that a change in state law (effective Jan. 1) flips the local decision framework so municipalities must opt out if they do not wish to authorize graywater systems. The staff rationale emphasized limited local infrastructure and the regulatory and staffing burden needed to implement a graywater reuse program. "Because of the significant regulation and administrative oversight that would be required ... the city council has determined that it is in the best interest of the city and its inhabitants to prohibit the use of graywater and graywater systems within the city of Monte Vista," the ordinance text states.

The city attorney clarified the purpose of the opt-out: it is not meant to criminalize simple household practices such as dumping dishwater on flowers but to address full systems that would require municipal oversight. The attorney also noted that the county and many municipalities the attorney works with have opted out.

Councilor motioned and seconded the ordinance and members voted to adopt it on first reading; the meeting record shows multiple ayes and a statement that the motion carries. The ordinance text references state regulatory citations and Colorado Revised Statutes provisions as the basis for the local action.

The ordinance was introduced, read in full, adopted and signed in December 2025 with Mayor Becker noted as signing. As recorded in the meeting, the council can revisit specific provisions later; the city manager and staff signaled that local enforcement and reporting steps would be handled in line with state requirements.

Next procedural steps include any required notice to the state division and final adoption procedures (the ordinance text directs the city clerk to notify relevant state agencies).