Understanding Utilities for Your Off-Grid Costilla County, Colorado Property
Congratulations on turning your dreams into reality with your Costilla County Colorado property purchase! This article speaks to Costilla County since our properties reside here, but the foundational information can be applied to any state. So, let’s talk about water, sewer, and power. Before you build your dream home, you first need a water source, a septic system, and a power system! Note: in some areas, sometimes there is power in the area, but it would be the buyer’s responsibility to have it run from the closest pole, which may be up to 2 miles away.
Let’s dive in!
Water
There are three ways to get water on your property: a groundwater well water, cistern, or rainwater system.
Groundwater Well System
The most common way to get water into your home is a groundwater well system. A contractor needs to dig a well deep enough to achieve a water source with this option. The average well depth in Costilla County is 100-300 feet deep, but it can vary from 80 feet to over 1,000 feet deep. Due to the depth variation, knowing how much this could cost can be more complex. On average, a 100 ft well costs around $7,000, and a 450 ft well, around $12,000.
Luckily, groundwater in Costilla County is high quality and needs minimal attention. Additionally, flow rates here are over 0.5 gallons per minute – perfect for the average household!
Cistern System
If you’re interested in a cost-effective, green option, a cistern system may be the way for you, especially if you plan to be on your property only part-time. Cisterns have become popular options in Costilla County for these reasons.
To use a cistern system and handle it yourself, you will need a trailer with a 300-500 gallon tank on it to haul the water to your property. The San Luis Water Department offers 500 gallons for $25.
Sangre de Cristo Water Services transports water to Sangre de Cristo Ranches and Forbes Park if you prefer your water delivered. It will cost you $6.50/mile to your property plus $100 for 1,000 gallons with their 1000 gallon minimum. It’s important to note that this option will require having a cistern of at least 1000 gallons.
Moreland Mercantile LLC can also deliver up to 1,000 gallons charging $.15/gallon. Call (720) 483-1105 for more information.
Other Water Resources:
- For cistern installers & retailers, click HERE to read more about Valley Pump Co.
- Heersink Driling and Pump – (719) 589-5407
Lastly, a 12v pump is needed to run the 1000 gallon tank cistern system.
Now, if you want to go top of the line with your cistern for around $4000, you will get a 1500 gallon winterized, fully buried tank and pump house with a pressure tank and heat tape wrapping the pipes.
Rainwater Collection
Once illegal, rainwater collection is now allowed in Colorado! In 2013, Colorado legalized this process allowing two rain barrels with a total capacity of 110 gallons per household. This allowance is an exciting and doable option for a weekend and/or holiday cabin!
Septic Systems
Next up are options for waste removal. For anything other than camping, this is essential.
You can expect to pay between $2200 and $2500 for a septic system where you get the permit, witness the percolation test, and install the piping. See approximate itemization:
- About $650 to have a 1000 gallon septic tank delivered and dropped into a hole.
- An extra $600 for connective and perforated distribution piping.
- $500 for excavation and backfill
- $375 for a permit and a percolation test.
If you opt to go with a contractor for all of this, expect to pay between $3500-$4000.
Colorado Well and Septic Resources
- Click HERE to understand Colorado’s codes and regulations for wells and cisterns.
- Costilla County Planning & Zoning is a helpful resource for planning your water system. You can also contact them at (719) 937-7668.
- To obtain a groundwater well permit and fully understand water rights, contact the Colorado Division of Water Resources at (719) 589-6683. You can also email John Skinner at john.skinner@state.co.us
#3 Power
Last but not least is addressing how to access power on your new property. Living off-grid, your electricity is independent of any state-owned/run power grid. So, what are the options?
Currently, in non-incorporated Costilla County, 50% of all residents rely on the following off-grid power systems, all backed by a 1000w to 5000w gas generator.
- One to four solar panels
- One or more wind generators
- A 12v to 120v converter and battery pack
Several reliable local vendors exist in Costilla County for regular 200-500 gallon propane tanks deliveries. Monte Vista Cooperative gets high marks.
A popular choice with residents is to use propane gas is for cooking, baking, and heating with wood stoves as the primary heat source. Several times a year for $10/load, the Woodfest event allows anyone to enter the private forests and cut down trees for firewood.
For refrigeration, full-size propane refrigerators and freezers are available from manufacturers like Servel and run around $200-$300 more than their electric counterparts. People like their long life span, efficiencies, and they can cost less to operate than comparable electric models.
Depending on your needs, 120 watts for 4 hours with a starter power system costs around $1500. This system will run a 13″ TV/VDR, a couple of 14 watt fluorescent bulbs, electronic devices recharge, and control voltage over the propane refrigerator.
If you need a little more power, a professionally installed 1500 watt-hours system complete with sturdy racks of solar panels pointed in optimal southerly direction costs around $10,000.
To add microwaves, vacuum cleaners, large electric motors, and the like, expect to pay $20,000+. Sunny Daze in Blanca is a well-known reliable Costilla County vendor for any of these systems.
Talk to You Soon!
We hope this was helpful to get you started! Please let us know if you have any questions.
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