Have you wondered who handles your water, sewer, or septic if you buy or sell in or around Berthoud? It is not always the same from home to home, and the details can impact your budget and timeline. You want clear answers before you write an offer or list your place. This guide breaks down providers, septic rules, fees, and practical steps so you can move forward with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Who serves water and sewer
Town of Berthoud services
If a property is inside town limits, the Town of Berthoud provides drinking water and wastewater service. The town operates local treatment plants and maintains lift stations and collection lines. Start with the town’s utilities pages to confirm service status and who to call for account setup and billing. You can review the town’s wastewater division and contacts on the Town of Berthoud Wastewater Management page.
Visit Town of Berthoud Wastewater Management
Little Thompson Water District
Many properties just outside town limits are served by Little Thompson Water District. Service depends on the exact parcel, not the mailing city. Use LTWD’s service area resources to verify whether they serve a specific address.
Check the Little Thompson Water District service area
Northern Water context
Berthoud-area utilities often rely on regional supplies from Northern Water’s Colorado-Big Thompson Project. You do not set up service with Northern Water, but it helps to know they manage key wholesale water that local providers use in planning.
Special and metro districts
Some subdivisions around Berthoud are organized as special or metropolitan districts. These districts can finance and manage local water and sewer infrastructure, and they may set tap fees or assessments. Always review the district’s service plan and fee schedules before closing.
See a local example, Berthoud 160 Metropolitan District
Septic systems in Larimer County
Larimer County Environmental Health is the local authority for on-site wastewater treatment systems. New systems, repairs, and major changes require permits. If you are exploring new construction or a replacement system, confirm requirements early with the county.
Start with Larimer County OWTS guidance
The 400-foot sewer availability check
Larimer County’s guidance notes a practical threshold of about 400 feet. If a public sewer is available within that distance, the county may not permit a new septic system. Always verify the exact determination with Larimer Environmental Health for your address.
Maintenance and records
The county recommends septic tank pumping about every 3 to 4 years, depending on use and tank size. Keep pumping receipts, permits, and repair records. Buyers and title companies often ask for these during a sale.
Review Larimer County septic maintenance tips
Sewer availability and connections
Inside town limits, properties that abut a sewer main are generally expected to connect rather than use a private septic. Policies and any distance thresholds are set locally, so confirm with the Town of Berthoud before closing. Outside town limits, your parcel may be served by Little Thompson Water District, a sanitation district, a private well, or a septic system. Always verify at the parcel level.
Counties and towns often set timelines to connect once sewer becomes “available.” In Larimer County, the 400-foot distance is a practical marker for septic permitting, but connection requirements are tied to local code and case-by-case decisions. Ask the town or county about any notices, deadlines, or exemptions that could affect your plans.
Fees and tap costs
There is no single price for connecting to public systems. Costs vary by provider, meter size, location inside or outside town limits, and whether main extensions are needed. Berthoud has also discussed adjustments to developer water dedication requirements, which can impact project budgets.
See a local news example on water dedication discussions
To understand range, nearby districts publish tap fee examples. One district lists a sewer tap around $10,500, while another shows a price near $19,600. Your actual number could be lower or higher based on your provider and meter size.
View Three Lakes Water & Sanitation sewer fee example
View Niwot Sanitation District fee example
Typically, owners pay for the lateral from the property line to the home, inspection and plan review, and tap or system development charges. Ask if any credits apply when converting from a private septic or well, since policies differ by jurisdiction.
Step-by-step checklist
- Confirm the exact provider and service status
- If the home is inside town limits, call Town of Berthoud Utilities. If outside, contact Little Thompson Water District or the local sanitation district to verify water and sewer service and account history.
- Search county septic records
- In Larimer County, use the county’s OWTS resources to locate permits, as-built drawings, and maintenance records. If you cannot find documents, contact Environmental Health.
- Order a septic inspection, if applicable
- For homes on septic, schedule a licensed inspection and request pumping records. The county outlines maintenance standards and common repair triggers.
Larimer County septic guidance
- Confirm if a sewer connection is required
- If a main is within the local distance threshold or the town deems sewer available, you may have to connect. Ask about timelines, notices, and any exemptions.
- Get written fee quotes
- Request current tap and system development charges, plus costs for lateral work, bores under roads, and inspections. If there is a metro district, ask about fee schedules and whether property tax assessments apply.
- Review water quality reports
- Towns and districts publish annual Consumer Confidence Reports. Ask for the most recent report for nitrates, lead, and other regulated items.
Find Berthoud’s water quality resources
- Check for special or metro districts
- Confirm if the subdivision is in a metro district and whether bonds, assessments, or maintenance responsibilities affect your ongoing costs and title.
Key contacts and links
- Town of Berthoud Wastewater Management: service status and contacts
- Little Thompson Water District: service area verification
- Larimer County OWTS: permits, records, and 400-foot guidance
- Berthoud Water Management: annual water quality reports
Wrap up
Water and wastewater details in the Berthoud area vary block by block, which is why verifying the provider, rules, and fees for your exact parcel matters. With the right checklist and a few phone calls, you can prevent surprises and budget with confidence. If you would like a local partner to help you map out next steps, connect with Kendra Bajcar.
FAQs
Who provides water and sewer for homes in Berthoud?
- Inside town limits, the Town of Berthoud provides water and sewer, while many nearby properties are served by Little Thompson Water District or a sanitation district, so verify by parcel.
How do I tell if a Berthoud-area home is on septic or sewer?
- Confirm with the Town of Berthoud or the applicable district, then check Larimer County’s OWTS resources for permits, as-builts, and maintenance records.
What is the Larimer County 400-foot septic rule?
- Larimer County guidance notes that if public sewer is available within about 400 feet, a new septic permit may not be issued, so always confirm for your address with Environmental Health.
What should I expect for sewer tap fees near Berthoud?
- Fees vary widely by provider and meter size; regional examples show taps around ten to nearly twenty thousand dollars, so request a current written quote for your property.
How do metro districts affect water and sewer costs?
- Metro districts can set tap fees, assessments, and maintenance responsibilities inside their boundaries, which may add costs through fees or property taxes.
Where do I find Berthoud water quality reports?
- Review the Town of Berthoud’s water management resources for the latest Consumer Confidence Reports and contact information for water quality questions.
