Elbert County — the Front Range's biggest rural-land market — runs the modern two-pit evaluation under its 2018 OWTS regulation: visual and tactile evaluation of two or more soil profile pits, perc testing optional, performed under the 'competent technician' standard. Pits must remain open until the health agency evaluates them, if required, and be barricaded meanwhile.

The baseline	Visual and tactile evaluation of two or more soil profile test pit excavations to determine soil type and any limiting layer; percolation testing may supplement the pits. At least one pit must be in the proposed soil treatment area.
Who performs	A person with the appropriate expertise to conduct and interpret soil profile test pit excavations, percolation tests, and site evaluations (the regulation's 'competent technician' standard) — in practice, soil engineers and septic designers.
Open-pit rule	Test pits and holes must be flagged, must remain open until after evaluation by the local public health agency if required, and must be barricaded to prevent unauthorized access.
Fees	The local board of health may set fees for inspections, percolation tests, and soil evaluations — check Elbert County Public Health's current schedule.

Details to confirm with the county

We couldn't confirm the following from Elbert County's official pages. Check these with the county before you rely on them:

• Current fee amounts.
• Whether Elbert requires county staff on site at the evaluation or accepts reports (the regulation allows either posture).

Verified July 2026 · Source: Elbert County — On-Site Wastewater Treatment System Regulation (soil evaluation sections)