Grand County opts out of state graywater authorization, citing public-health and local infrastructure concerns

The Grand County Board of County Commissioners voted Dec. 23 to opt out of the statelevel graywater authorization created by House Bill 24-1362 (regulation 86), a move county staff and public-health officials recommended to avoid local permitting and inspection obligations for small, unincorporated well-and-septic parcels.

County Manager (speaker 6) told commissioners the state rule would automatically authorize graywater use statewide unless a county opted out by Jan.1, 2026. Community development staff (Chris Maguso, speaker 11) and Grand County Public Health (Hannah Weine, speaker 19) advised opting out. "I don't think this is a good idea for us to go through a permitting process," the community development representative said, citing small subdivisions and older lots where graywater systems could complicate well permits, water rights and septic systems. Deputy public-health director Hannah Weine said many Colorado counties were choosing to opt out and raised program staffing and safety concerns.

A commissioner moved for Grand County to opt out of HB 24-1362 and regulation 86; the motion passed with vocal approval. County staff said the decision allows Grand County to avoid developing new permitting, inspection and oversight processes and gives departments time to assess any future statewide guidance and local implications.

The board asked staff to track state guidance and report back on any changes. No regulatory penalties or enforcement actions were discussed as a result of the vote; the action is the county's choice under the statute's opt-out provision.