Iowa’s time of transfer septic system inspection law requires that every home or building served by a septic system have that septic system inspected prior to the sale or deed transfer of the home or building. The purpose of the law is to eliminate sub-standard or polluting septic systems.
- All inspections must be conducted by an inspector that has been certified by the Iowa DNR. The purpose of the law is to eliminate sub-standard or polluting septic systems. A sub-standard septic system is one that has no treatment (secondary treatment) following the septic tank or has a secondary treatment system that has failed.
How long are septic inspections good for in Iowa?
Inspection validity. An inspection is valid for a period of two years for any ownership transfers during that period.
Can you put in your own septic system in Iowa?
The State of Iowa requires a homeowner to have a permit to construct — and in some counties to operate — an on-site wastewater treatment system. This permit is normally issued by the local county board of health or its agent. This agent is the county environmental health office or county sanitarian.
What should I look for when inspecting a septic system?
There are three things a septic system inspector will check during an inspection including the integrity of the septic tank, the proper function of the distribution box, and a leach field that is working as intended. If all three of these components are working correctly you will have passed the septic inspection.
What maintenance does a septic tank need?
Septic tanks should be inspected every 1 to 3 years. Whenever you move into a home with a septic tank, the tank should be pumped and inspected. Septic Tank maintenance is important because continued neglect of a tank may result in system failure or the need for replacement of the soil absorption area.
How much is a septic inspection in Iowa?
Once you have completed the training and the test, you will be notified of the test results and billed for the test fee ($50) and the certification fee ($300), payable to the Iowa DNR, if you pass.
How much does a septic system cost in Iowa?
Septic tanks cost between $3,174 and $10,366, or $6,766 on average. A typical 1,000-gallon tank installation for a 3-bedroom home ranges from $2,100 to $5,000. Materials cost between $600 and $2,500 without labor. A complete septic system, including a leach field, tank and piping costs $10,000 to $25,000.
Can you have a septic tank without a leach field?
The waste from most septic tanks flows to a soakaway system or a drainage field. If your septic tank doesn’t have a drainage field or soakaway system, the waste water will instead flow through a sealed pipe and empty straight into a ditch or a local water course.
Is an outhouse legal in Iowa?
Are outhouses legal in Iowa? “Every private sewage disposal system shall have as a primary treatment unit a septic tank” and “All wastewater from the facility serviced shall discharge into the septic tank.” Despite this law, there are still many outhouses in rural areas of Iowa.
Can you have an outhouse in Iowa?
Composting toilets and pit privies are legal, but regulated if they are near a public sewer. Composting toilets, outhouses, and other off-grid toilets are legal but highly regulated.
What are signs of septic tank problems?
7 Warning Signs Your Septic System Is Failing
- Gurgling Pipes. They would occur when you run water in the house (e.g. when using the sink or shower) or flush the toilet.
- Bad Odours. It’s never a pleasant experience when this occurs.
- Water At Ground Level.
- Green Grass.
- Slow Drainage.
- Blocked Pipes.
Why does my septic tank fill up when it rains?
Septic systems are designed to only handle wastewater from the house. If runoff water from the storm gets into the septic tank, it will get full and since the soil in the leachfield will be already too saturated, the water will start backing up into the house or from the manhole.
How long do septic systems last?
Septic systems can last for 15-40 years and the lifespan depends on various factors, including those mentioned above. Does your Sand Filter Septic System need servicing? Let our septic system experts help you.
How do you know when your septic tank needs pumped out?
Common Signs You Need Septic Tank Pumping Services
- Slow or Frequently Clogged Drains. Since your septic tank is connected to the entire network of drains throughout your home, your sinks, showers, and even toilets can exhibit signs of a problem.
- Sewage Backup.
- Regular Gurgling Noises.
- Strong and Pungent Odors.
Who is responsible for emptying septic tank?
Septic Tank Responsibility The responsibility of ensuring that the septic tank is well maintained and emptied ultimately is that of the landlord. However, sometimes it is written into rental agreements that the responsibility is that of the tenant to look after the septic tank.
Can I shower if my septic tank is full?
Only the water would get out into the leach field in a proper system unless you run too much water too fast. The thing to do is to run your shower water outside into it’s own drain area, but it may not be allowed where you are. Used to be called gray water system.
Private Septic Systems
Local boards of health in Iowa are responsible for the regulation of sewer systems serving four or fewer homes or fewer than 15 people, while the Iowa Department of Natural Resources is responsible for the regulation of larger (public) systems. When executing their duties, counties must adhere to the minimal state requirements established by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. It is the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ concurrent authority to require compliance with the state’s minimum standards for onsite wastewater treatment and disposal if counties fail to adopt or enforce state regulations for smaller systems.
In their most basic form, these guidelines are a prescriptive code that specifies design criteria for each different kind of secondary treatment system that is permissible.
Licensing and Certification:
While municipal boards of health are responsible for regulating sewer systems servicing four or fewer residences or less than 15 persons, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources is responsible for regulating larger (public) sewer systems in Iowa. Counties must adhere to the minimal state requirements established by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources in order to undertake their operations. It is the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ concurrent power to mandate compliance with the state’s minimum criteria for onsite wastewater treatment and disposal if counties do not adopt or enforce state regulations for smaller systems.
In their most basic form, these guidelines are a prescriptive code that specifies design criteria for each possible kind of secondary treatment system that is allowed.
Training:
Because counties bear a great deal of responsibility in this area, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) conducts an annual training session for incoming county sanitarians. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources regularly collaborates with counties to develop their law enforcement programs and train their employees. As part of a collaboration with Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC), the Iowa Department of Natural Resources is developing a training center and curriculum for onsite (private) wastewater systems.
The Onsite Wastewater Training Center of Iowa, which is located on the DMACC Ankeny campus, contains a number of exhibits showcasing the latest in onsite wastewater technologies.
Private septic systems in Iowa are covered by the Iowa Onsite Wastewater Association (IOWWA), which also offers training opportunities and information on the subject.
Funding:
Individuals who wish to repair insufficient onsite sewer systems can apply for funding through a loan program. If you would like further information on individual septic system loans, please visit the following websites: OSWAP Loan Program and USDA Rural Development
Iowa Administrative Code Chapters regarding septic systems and onsite wastewater:
Septic Tank Cleaners are covered in Chapter 68. On-site wastewater treatment and disposal is covered in Chapter 69. A program to assist with onsite wastewater systems is described in Chapter 93.
Helpful Links:
Overview of On-Site Wastewater Treatment for Residential Properties Diagram of a septic systemCounty Sanitarian Directory Septic Systems (Onsite/Decentralized) – United States Environmental Protection Agency The Wastewater Training Center is located on-site. Iowa Environmental Health Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to environmental health. The National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association is a non-profit organization that promotes the recycling of waste water on-site.
Septic Tank Inspection & Time Of Transfer
The new rule mandates that every property with a working septic system be examined prior to the sale or transfer of ownership of the home or structure. Those systems that are insufficient must be upgraded at the time of sale or transfer of ownership. The state of Iowa is expected to have 100,000 buildings with septic systems that do not work properly. The fundamental goal of the program is to eradicate systems that do not get any additional treatment once they have been eliminated. A septic system that contains only the septic tank and does not include a leach field, sand filter, or other secondary treatment device is referred to as a simple septic system.
- These methods have been unlawful for many years and continue to be so.
- To put it another way, extraordinarily high quantities of bacteria are produced by septic tanks that are not working properly.
- Organic matter is abundant in the waste generated by septic systems that are not working properly.
- As the material is diluted and moved downstream, it poses a threat to drinking water supplies that rely on the water from that stream for their supply of drinking water.
- It is possible that older systems may not have the ability to fulfill current code requirements, but they still include a leach field or other secondary treatment that is functional.
- The legislation provides specific exclusions for certain situations, such as foreclosure, parent to child and grandparent family transfers, divorce settlements, and the administration of a will or estate.
- Who has the authority to conduct inspections?
Inspectors must be qualified by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in order to maintain consistency in inspections.
They are also required to utilize a uniform inspection worksheet that is used throughout the state.
The Department of Natural Resources has been working hard to avoid sales delays and to guarantee that there are adequate inspectors to perform all necessary inspections.
Inspection reports must be sent to the County Environmental Health personnel (sanitarian) as well as the Department of Natural Resources.
Make contact with the environmental health office in your county.
Option 1 is for the seller to take care of the problem by updating the system prior to the transaction.
A contractual acknowledgment between the buyer and the County Board of Health that the system would be examined and upgraded as necessary can still be used to proceed with the transaction.
Inspections that are delayed due to inclement weather have been included. The Groundwater Hazard Statement must be accompanied by a legally binding statement from the buyer and the County Board of Health that the inspection would be conducted as soon as practicable.
State of Iowa, IDNR Time of Transfer Inspection
IDNR Time of Transfer License Renewal for the period of July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2022 is now available. You will get information about your certification renewal at the address that the IDNR has on file for you in their computer system. Use the Operator Certification web site to check your certification mailing address and make any necessary changes as soon as possible to ensure that you receive your renewal materials in a timely manner. The Operator Certification Web Database is comprised of the following information: Cory Frank may be reached at 515-689-7941 or via email at [email protected] if you have questions.
- During each two-year term, a certified inspector must complete 1.2 continuing education units (CEUs) or 12.0 contact hours.
- In the final week of April in the year 2022, you will get a renewal form from IDNR in the mail.
- IDNR will give you a label for your certificate, which will extend the expiration date of your certificate until June 30, 2024, upon receipt of the Renewal Form and money.
- In order to qualify for the 2022 renewal term, CEUs or Contact Hours must be obtained between April 1, 2020, and March 31, 2022.
New law requires septic system inspections before land sale
Beginning on July 1, all sales and purchases of property served by private sewage systems will be subject to an extensive sewer examination. Earlier this year, the Iowa Legislature enacted legislation mandating that any private septic system servicing a home or business be examined and authorized prior to the sale of the land or transfer of the right to the property. “They’re attempting to enhance the environmental health of the state,” explained Noel Ahmann, a sanitarian with the Plymouth County Health Department, when asked why the law was passed.
- That is the most pressing worry “Ahmann went on to clarify.
- There are several steps involved, including draining out the septic system and exposing the tank if it is located underground to check it.
- in Remsen, “we dig up the septic tank to examine for fractures and faults, to see what big it is, and to determine if it is breaking apart or leaking.” Mouser is one of the inspectors who has been certified by the state.
- The distribution box is the location from which the leach lines, which drain the liquid into the soil, are sent to the ground.
- If an issue is discovered during the inspection, the system will need to be upgraded in order to fulfill the criteria.
- What will the cost of inspections be?
- When it comes to the most acute cases, “it might take anything from 15 minutes to all day.” And who will bear the cost of the examination that will take place before the land is sold?
According to Ahmann, a payment arrangement between the buyer and seller of the property may be required to be worked out.
According to him, “certain realtors and some property owners who are attempting to sell (are aware of the standards), but I don’t think virtually anyone is aware of them.” Inspectors who have been qualified by the state can be found on the internet at.
Also in Sioux and Woodbury counties, there are a number of options for you.
In Plymouth County, a copy of the inspection report must be submitted with Ahmann, as well as with the county recorder and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, following each inspection.
If a property changes hands within a short period of time following an inspection, the state will not need a fresh examination.
Foreclosure, family transfer, divorce settlements and the administration of an estate are all examples of situations in which the law is not applicable.
It is Mouser’s recommendation to property owners that if they realize their septic system is not up to code or if it leaks into a ditch or stream, they should get it repaired immediately. “It’s preferable to have it replaced before the inspection,” he stated of the examination.
Iowa law mandates inspections of private septic systems
DES MOINES (Iowa) – Houses and buildings with septic systems must pass an examination before they can be sold, with only a few exceptions, according to a new rule that takes effect on July 1. In the long run, these inspections will aid in the elimination of the more than 100,000 defective septic tanks that are piped straight to a ditch or tile line, according to Daniel Olson, septic system program manager for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). The law is intended to guarantee that septic systems are equipped with both a tank and a leach field, sand filter, or other treatment equipment that is operational.
- Olson anticipates that the rule will aid in reducing the high quantities of germs that infiltrate waterways.
- Sewage is a contaminant that has the potential to contaminate drinking water systems.
- Olson recommends that homeowners schedule an inspection with a licensed inspector as soon as possible in the selling process.
- Transfers between parents and children, transfers between joint tenants, and transfers as part of a divorce settlement or foreclosure are all exempt from the rule.
- The agency is in the process of training qualified inspectors, and it expects to add more before the law takes full effect.
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Time of Transfer Information
The Iowa Legislature approved the Time of Transfer Septic System Inspection Law (SF261) in April 2008, and it went into effect on July 1, 2009. It is the first state to do so. The new legislation mandates that any house or structure served by a septic system have that septic system examined prior to the sale or transfer of ownership of any property or building in the state. The goal of the law is to eradicate septic systems that are substandard or harming the environment. A sub-standard septic system is one that either does not have any secondary treatment (after the septic tank) or has a secondary treatment system that is not functioning properly.
If you have a septic system that includes a septic tank as well as a secondary treatment system such as a seepage (leach) field, sand filter, or other permitted device, and it is not posing a threat to public health or the environment, it is not required to comply with current code.
A qualified inspector from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources must perform all inspections, and he or she must be present during the whole process.
- The Iowa Legislature approved the Time of Transfer Septic System Inspection Law (SF261) in April 2008, and it went into effect on July 1, 2009. It is a state law. Under the new rule, a septic system inspection must be performed on every house or structure served by one in order for the home or building to be sold or transferred. The law’s primary goal is to eradicate septic systems that are substandard or harmful. Having no treatment (secondary treatment) after the septic tank or having a secondary treatment system that has failed is considered a substandard septic system. They must be repaired as soon as possible since these substandard septic systems are a threat to the environment and human health. In the case of a septic system that includes both the tank and a secondary treatment system such as a seepage (leach) field, a sand filter, or another permitted device, provided it is not posing a threat to public health or the environment, it is not required to comply with current codes. All inspections must be carried out by an inspector who has been certified by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, which is a requirement.
Forms
- A binding agreement for a weather-delayed inspection (PDF)
- 542-0062 A binding agreement for demolition (PDF)
- 542-0064 A binding agreement for a future installation (PDF)
- 542-0960 Groundwater Hazard Statement (PDF)
- 542-0960a Groundwater Hazard Statement, Attachment1 (PDF)
- Groundwater Hazard Statement – Instructions (PDF)
- 542-0960a Groundwater Hazard Statement, Attachment2 (PDF)
- 542-0960a Groundwater Hazard Statement, Attachment3 (PDF)
- 542-0960a Ground
Updated Septic Ordinance
STORY COUNTY, IOWA’S BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ADOPTEDORDINANCE 287 ON DECEMBER 8, 2020, REPLACING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES CHAPTER 65 PRIVATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS WITHIN THE COUNTY’S GROUNDWATER SYSTEMS. In order to better understand Ordinance 287 Private Sewage Disposal Systems, the following is a synopsis: On May 29, 2018, Story County Ordinance Chapter 65, Private Sewage Disposal Systems, was repealed and replaced with Ordinance 287. The purpose of the ordinance is to supplement Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 69 by adding definitions and abbreviations, establishing more stringent setbacks from streams, drainage district ditches, dwellings, and subsurface drainage tiles; restricting the use of shared septic systems; identifying when a septic construction or septic alteration permit is required, as well as the information that must be included in the application; and identifying when a septic construction or septic alteration permit is not required permit fees; requiring site evaluations; authorizing the sanitarian to request assistance with coring at the applicant’s expense; requiring information for site evaluations; establishing special considerations for proposed subdivisions; requiring soil protection; establishing more stringent holding tank requirements; authorizing the sanitarian to request an engineer’s plan; issuing, denying, and voiding permits; extending the permit expiration to two years; continuing the issuance of permits; establishing special considerations for proposed subdivisions; The Environmental Health Department’s aim is to provide property owners who have a deadline of 2021 for pumping their tanks enough time to comply with the new rule, according to the department.
Property owners who have not pumped their tanks since June 1, 2016 will be permitted until June 1, 2021 before they will be subjected to random compliance checks, which will commence in June of that year.
Provisions imposing fines, penalties, forfeitures, fees, or taxes are covered under the following categories of provisions: STANDARD PENALTIES/COUNTY INFRACTIONS ARE DEFINED IN CHAPTER 3 OF THE STORY COUNTY ORDINANCE.
Any person who fails to perform a duty required by this Code of Ordinances or who otherwise violates any provision of this Code of Ordinances or any rule or regulation adopted herein by reference shall, upon conviction, be subject to a fine of at least $65.00 but not more than $625.00, unless another penalty is expressly provided by this Code of Ordinances for violation of any particular provision, section, or chapter.
If a fine is not sufficient, the court may order imprisonment for not more than 30 days in place of or in addition to a fine.
With the exception of those provisions specifically provided under State law as a felony, an aggravated misdemeanor, a serious misdemeanor, or a simple misdemeanor, or a simple misdemeanor under Chapters 687 through 747 of the Code of Iowa, a violation of this Code of Ordinances or any ordinance or code herein adopted by reference, or the omission or failure to perform any act or duty required by the same is a county infraction (See Section 331.307 of the Iowa Code.) 1.Penalties.
A county offense is penalized by one or more of the civil fines listed below: A.First Offense – Not to exceed $750.00B.Each Repeat Offense – Not to exceed $1,000.00C.Each Repeat Offense – Not to exceed $1,000.00 Whenever a violation happens or is allowed to continue to exist, it is considered a new offense and must be prosecuted.
An individual who violates a municipal ordinance may be issued a civil citation by any officer who has been authorized by the County to enforce this Code of Ordinances.
The officer who issued the citation is required to preserve a copy of it, and one copy of it is required to be delivered to the Clerk of the District Court.
3.Another Type of Relief.
A court order for abatement or injunctive relief are examples of other remedies that may be available.4.Criminal Penalties It is not prohibited by this section for a peace officer to issue a criminal citation for a violation of this Code of Ordinances or regulation if the infraction is also punishable by criminal penalties under the law.
A copy of the written ordinance is available for inspection at the Environmental Health Department, Story County Administration Building, 900 6th Street in Nevada, Iowa, during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, or online at this link.
View existingChapter 65 Private Sewage Disposal Systems in their entirety.
Audio recording from November 18, 2020 Public Hearing
| Search for Properties for SaleCedarRapids Area MLSRobin Tucker, REALTOR� Broker/OfficerI.L. ‘Tommy’ Tucker, Founder andRealtor� EmeritusTommy Tucker Realty Co.613 Second Avenue SE PO Box 848Cedar Rapids, IA 52406-0848Email 319-365-6956Ext. 103319-366-7792 FAXTommy Tucker Realty Co. does hold a Landlord License toLease, Rent and Manage properties under Chapter 29 of the Municipal Code of theCity of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.Tommy Tucker Realty Co. is Licensed in the State ofIowa in Real Estate.We are members of thelocalMLS.Members of.National, Iowa andCedar Rapids Area Association ofRealtors �Landlords of Linn CountyBetter Business BureauMember: Rotary Club of Cedar RapidsTheMetro area is home to sevenRotary Clubs! |
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Posted June 8, 2009
Septic Tank InspectionLaw |
| SepticTank Inspections Effective July 1, 2009Properties subject to theseptic system inspection law must have their inspection completed andpaperwork filled out if the closing date is after June 30, 2009.Schedulethese inspections sooner rather then later!Sellers and Buyers maynegotiate for both the inspection cost and for any repair or replacementcosts. Note: if the system is inspected and it is found to be defective inanyway, it will need to meet current code even if the property transfers ornot.The addendum has beencreated to attach to Offers for Real Estate. Note:The law only applies totransfers of property containing one to four dwelling units, and there aremany types of properties exempt from inspection, most of the exemptions aresimilar to the exemptions found in the seller disclosure requirements.Newexemptions are applicable for transfers which the consideration is $500 orless, intra family business organization transfers, and properties whichwill be razed or demolished.Remember, systems pumped within three yearsmay be exempt form pumping again, and properties inspected within two yearsby a certified inspector are exempt from inspection.The DNR is currentlycreating forms to:1. Verify/certify exemptproperties,2. Verify/certify if the property will be demolished or razed, 3. And a Time of Transfer Agreement Binding Acknowledgment for FutureInspection when weather or other conditions necessitate delay of theinspection.The ground water hazardform has some septic information and compliance regarding the law, butmore changes to this form could be forthcoming.They also have a websitewith the names of certified inspectors, andthe Iowa Finance Authority hasa program to offer low interest loans to assist in the costs of repair orreplacement. |
| Important Links |
| 1.Iowa Coderegarding law2.Administrativerules enacted by the DNR3.Septic TankAddendum*4. Certifications -DemolitionInspection Waiver*,Time ofTransfer Inspection Report*,BindingAcknowledgement*5.Ground WaterHazard Statement*6.Ground WaterHazard Instruction Sheet**Theseforms are for REALTOR� members only and they are password protected. |
| DNR Contact Information |
| Any questions may bedirected to: Mr. Daniel Olson, R.S.Environmental Specialist SeniorOnsite Wastewater ProgramIowa Department of Natural Resources502 E. 9th StreetDes Moines, IA 50319-0034 Phone: 515-281-8263Fax: 515-281-9985email:[email protected] |
| Affordable Septic Systemreplacement Available |
| According to Iowa law,all septic systems must have a secondary wastewater treatment systemfollowing the septic tank, regardless of when they were installed. Anestimated 100,000 septic systems in Iowa are at substandard levels. Manylandowners with those systems may not realize their septic systems arebreaking the law!If your septic system is inadequate or out-dated, and you live outside ofcity limits in a participating county not served by a public sewer, you maybe eligible for the state of Iowa�s Onsite Wastewater Assistance Program (OSWAP).The program provides low-interest loans through a partnership with countysanitarians, participating local lenders, the Iowa Finance Authority and theIowa Department of Natural Resources. Program Details: |
- Loans of at least $2,000 with a maximum period of 10 years are originated by local financial institutions. Because of the low interest rate, which will not exceed 3 percent, the borrower will gain. Ineligible expenses include all expenditures immediately linked to the repair, rehabilitation, or replacement of an onsite wastewater treatment system, as well as all costs directly related to the design, permitting, and construction of the onsite wastewater treatment system. It is also possible to claim reimbursement for the costs of removing existing structures, earth moving, and any property acquisitions that are directly connected to effective wastewater treatment.
Septic Systems
| Private Septic SystemsIn Woodbury County, the Siouxland Distict Health Department holds the primary responsibility for regulation of private septic systems serving 4 homes or fewer or less than 15 people. Siouxland Distict Health oversees any individuals, homeowners, or contractors installing systems to ensure compliance with the minimum state standards developed by the DNR.Chapter 69: Onsite Wastewater Treatment and DisposalThe DNR standards specify siting and construction requirements relative to the primary and secondary treatment portions of the sewage disposal systems as well as minimum depth to groundwater, minimum separation distances to potable water sources, and maximum percolation rates for soils. The DNR standards are primarily a prescriptive code giving design criteria for each alternative type of secondary treatment system permitted. The Siouxland District Health Department does have the authority to allow alternative or innovative performance based systems.Installation of Private Septic SystemsPermittingAny individual, homeowner or contractor seeking to install a private sewage system is required to obtain a permit to construct systems in Woodbury County. Currently, septic systems require both a pre-construction site inspection and post-construction inspection prior to back filing to verify compliance with code requirements.Click hereto obtain an application for a Private Septic System for Woodbury County.Time of Transfer InspectionsIowa’s time of transfer inspection law went into effect July 1, 2009. This law requires that every home or building served by a private septic system is required to conduct anINSPECTIONprior to the sale or deed transer. The primary purpose of this program is to eliminate systems with no secondary treatment. It is important to understand that, septic systemsDO NOThave to meetTODAY’Scode to pass an inspection. If the septic system is working properly when inspected, it will not have to be upgraded to meet today’s code. Older systems may not have adequate capacity to meet current code, but still have a leach field or other secondary treatment that is working. These systems are less hazardous than those that have no secondary treatment and carry raw sewage to a ditch or stream.Time of Transfer FAQResources:Iowa Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Agency Iowa Onsite Waste Water Association |
Septic Program
This program regulates privately owned on-site waste treatment systems, provides new septic system inspections, administers the Time of Transfer (TOT) septic inspection program, and reviews waste treatment plans in accordance with rezoning and subdivision requests in Black Hawk County, among other responsibilities.
Alternative Systems
A contractor or a health officer may propose or compel the installation of an alternate septic system depending on the circumstances of the property in issue. Depending on the system, homeowners may be required to get into a maintenance contract with a septic system maintenance company that requires an annual service for their septic system. This inspection item is mandated by the Department of Natural Resources and is overseen by the Black Hawk County Sanitarian.
Septic StateLocal Regulations
- IAC Chapter 567-68: Septic Tank Cleaners (Pumpers)
- Black Hawk County Ordinance 8.25
- Chapter 69: Private Sewage Disposal Systems
- IAC Chapter 567-68: Septic Tank Cleaners (Pumpers)
Septic Permit and Approved Contractors
- Application for a septic permit
- A list of Time of Transfer (TOT) inspectors who have been approved
- And a list of Certified Septic Installers.
Related Websites
- In addition to DNR Private Septic Systems and DNR Time of Transfer, there is also the Environmental Protection Agency’s website on septic care, the Iowa Onsite Waste Water Association (IOWWA), and an inspection list for the Iowa DNR’s time of transfer.
Onsite Waste Water « Official Wapello County Website
Wastewater Treatment and Disposal in Septic Tanks – Iowa Administrative Code 567 Chapter 69 Loan Assistance Program Transfer Date and Time Iowa’s time of transfer septic system inspection statute (SF261) was approved by the Iowa legislature in April of 2008 and went into effect on July 1, 2009, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The new legislation mandates that every home or structure served by a septic system have that septic system examined prior to the sale or transfer of ownership of the property or building in question.
A sub-standard septic system is one that either does not have any secondary treatment (after the septic tank) or has a secondary treatment system that is not functioning properly.
A septic system consisting of two parts: the primary tank and an allowed secondary treatment system, such as a seepage (leach) field, sand filter or other permitted device.
All inspections must be carried out by an inspector who has been certified by the department of health and human services.
- Permit for a septic system
- Site plan for a private sewage disposal system
Septic Tank Inspection
Having your septic tank inspected on a regular basis is essential for keeping your system operating effectively. It allows you to detect any difficulties that may be arising at the time of startup, allowing you to rectify them before they do significant damage. All of the Total Septic Service specialists that are deployed have received specialized training, which allows them to detect even the most subtle indicators of an imminent system breakdown throughout the Quad Cities, Eastern Iowa, and Western Illinois.
When to Have a Septic Inspection
Septic system inspection, along with septic pumping, should be included in your monthly maintenance schedule. If possible, this should be done every 3-5 years, depending on how many people use the tank and whether or not other items such as hot tubs or waste disposals are being used. In the latter instance, it should be performed on a yearly basis. Even though they are not pumped at the same time as the newer systems, older systems may benefit from a yearly inspection. Because of the volume of use that commercial and industrial septic tank systems get, they must meet considerably more demanding regulations.
A septic tank check as well as a pumping should be performed every couple of months in this situation. The following are the general periods when a septic inspection should be carried out.
- This is done as part of normal maintenance. If the system is displaying any indications of breakdown, it should be repaired. Prior to making an offer on a property
As part of the inspection process, an inspector will need access to your tank, therefore if your system does not include risers that raise the portholes up to ground level, digging will be required.
Measuring
Total Septic Service will utilize a measuring instrument to determine the depth of the various levels in the septic system. When a septic system is operating properly, the contents of a tank will separate into three different levels, as shown in the illustration. The “scum,” which is made up of buoyant elements, will float to the top of the tank, while the “sludge,” which is solid waste, will accumulate at the tank’s bottom. In the middle of the tank will be “effluent,” which is liquid that is ready to be released from the tank and sent to a drainage system.
The septic tank should be pumped if the level rises over this.
Visual Inspections
In addition to taking measurements, the inspector will conduct a visual inspection of the tank. Included in this are all of the tank’s walls, as well as the “baffles” that aid in the separation of wastewater, as well as the filter that keeps particles from departing the tank and pouring into the drainfield. If there are any risers present, these will be inspected as well. Also being scrutinized are the lids, which will be checked to ensure that they are secure and in excellent working order. Besides that, we’ll search for any visible lines and any other indications that there could be a problem with the drainfield.
Septic Inspection for Real Estate in the Quad Cities, Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois areas.
A simple septic tank inspection performed as part of normal maintenance differs from a septic tank examination performed for the purpose of closing a real estate deal. Despite the fact that the same components are being inspected, the inspector also prepares a document that displays the overall status of the system. Septic tank inspections of all kinds are handled by our professionals at Total Septic Service. Whether you’re an owner, a real estate agent, a prospective home buyer, or a business owner or manager, we can ensure that your septic tank inspection is carried out with integrity and evaluates all of the components you require checking.
