Septic Systems FAQs

General Operational Tips for On-Site Wastewater Septic Systems - from Dallas County, IA (21 KB)

Time of Transfer Binding Acknowledgment (18 KB) 

Septic System Installers (110 KB) 

The following inspections are required for new construction:

• Site review to assure your location meets state and county standards.
• During the construction process, prior to covering any portion of the system.
• Final inspection, the administrator will give your system a final inspection, and will draw a diagram of its exact location to be kept on file in the department.

Transfer of Ownership Inspections

On July 1, 2009 the Iowa Department of Natural Resources implemented Senate File 261 that requires every building or home with a septic system have that septic system inspected prior to transfer of an interest in the property by deed or by other recorded documents.  This new law is codified in Iowa Code Section 455B.172(11). The purpose of the Time of Transfer inspections is to get failing systems repaired and to protect home buyers, the environment and public health.  Inspections will systematically eliminate illegal septic systems, with primary focus on those draining to the ditch, field or streams.

The Recorder can not record a deed until the inspection has been done or provisions made for future inspection and necessary repairs are completed. If weather or other conditions prevent the inspection prior to the transfer of ownership, the buyer must have a binding contract to have the septic system inspection and/or repair at first possible opportunity. The Time of Transfer requirements imposed by Iowa law do contain certain exceptions for inspection at the time of recording instruments of conveyance.  Among these exceptions are specific exemptions allowed by agreement with a jurisdiction’s local Board of Health.

The Hardin County Board of Health has formally adopted Agreement Forms for the exemption in certain circumstances from the Time of Transfer inspection required by Iowa Code Section 455B.172(11):  These exceptions include:

1. Inability to perform inspection at the time of transfer due to inclement weather (such as frozen ground); and
2. Exemption from the inspection requirements entirely if the Buyer is planning to demolish all structures serviced by the septic system.

Agreement forms are available for download above. There is also a list of Certified Inspectors and Septic System Installers.

For a complete list of Certified Inspectors search the DNR site at http://www.iowadnr.gov/tot.html.

“Transfer” does not include:

• Transfer pursuant to a court order, foreclosure, forfeiture, bankruptcy, eminent domain
• Transfer to mortgagee by default
• Transfer by administration of an estate
• Transfer between joint tenants
• Transfer resulting from divorce
• Transfer made to spouse or to a person in lineal line of consanguinity

View TIME OF TRANSFER Information Presentation (2.4 MB)

The property owner has a responsibility when using a septic tank/drain field system. Excessive water use places a strain on the septic system. For best performance, an on-site system needs enough time to treat the wastewater. Everytime wastewater enters the septic tank, an equal amount leaves it and enters the drain field. Large amounts of wastewater entering the septic tank over a short period of time may stir up the scum and sludge, and resuspend solids in the liquids. These solids could be carried into the drain field and eventually clog it, causing the system to fail.

What you can do:

• Use low volume water appliances (toilets and showerheads) when possible. Newer toliets use as little as 1.5 gallons of water or less per flush, compared to older models which use up to six gallons. Low volume toilets are required in new construction.
• Try to distribute wastewater loads over a number of days. Don't wash five loads of laundry in one day. Instead, wash one or two loads per day.
• Fix leaky faucets and toilets.
• Take short showers.
• Shut off water while shaving or brushing teeth.
• Fill basin to wash hands or dishes instead of washing under running water.
• Wash only full loads of dishes or laundry.
• Route roof drains and basement drainage tile water outside the of the septic system and away from the drain field. Never apply large amounts of water to the drain field.
• Have the septic tank pumped regularly.
• Have the septic tank inspected annually by a licensed professional until it is determined that pumping is required.