Septic Systems

Septic Permit Applications

Any homeowner, contractor, firm, or corporation desiring a permit for a private sewage disposal system, future installation, or demolition within Iowa County must file with Iowa County Environmental Health Dept. The application will need information including, owner's name, location (E911 Address), mailing address, phone number, and installing contractor information. Upon approval and payment of the $300 permit fee, the permit will be issued. If a septic system is installed illegally without a permit, by a non-CIOWTS-certified and bonded contractor, without inspections, or if it is hooked to an existing system without a permit and inspection, additional fees and fines will apply.

Validity

Permits shall have validity for a maximum of twelve (12) months from the time of issuance; during such time the private sewage disposal system shall be completed. Except when the effluent from a residents or building is a menace to public health, welfare and safety, then the new or repaired system shall be completed as per the Board of Health requirements. 

Time of Transfer Inspection Waiver/Binding Agreement for Future Installation 542-0064 (TOT Permit)

Any person, firm, or Realtor desiring a future installation/future inspection waiver or future demolition request within Iowa County must request via phone/email five (5) business days prior to the closing date. The request must include the Buyer/Seller names, property address, number of bedrooms, and the closing date, and the $300 permit fee must be paid before the document will be released. The binding agreement is valid for 90 days after closing unless the weather does not permit, which is at sanitarian's discretion. 

TOT Permit associated with a Time of Transfer Inspection Waiver Binding Agreement for Future Inspections 542-0062

This binding agreement will be valid for 90 days from the date of issuance unless otherwise noted. In the event weather or other temporary physical conditions prevent the certified inspection from being conducted, the buyer shall execute to have a certified inspection of the private sewage disposal system conducted at the earliest practicable time and to be responsible for any required modifications to identified by the certified inspection. The permit and processing fee of $300 will be assessed at the time of issuing the Binding Agreement.

TOT Permit associated with a Time of Transfer Inspection Waiver Binding Agreement for Future Demolition 542-0063

This binding agreement will be valid for 90 days from the date of issuance unless otherwise noted. The permit fee of $300 will be assessed at the time of issuing the Binding Agreement. 

Maintenance Contracts
Any Peat moss biofilter systems, recirculating textile filter systems, coco filter systems, Waterloo biofilter systems, or other approved maintenance systems will require a signed Maintenance Agreement provided by Iowa County to ensure proper monitoring throughout the life of the system. Upon completion, the OEM manufacturing documents shall be provided to Iowa County identifying a contract for proper monitoring and servicing of the entire treatment system between the owner and a certified technician for the life of the system; this contract will be filed annually with the Iowa County Environmental Health Dept.

OSWAP Program

The onsite Wastewater Assistance Program is a source of low-cost financing to help rural homeowners replace outdated septic systems.

Upgrading these inadequate systems with approved on-site systems helps prevent pollution of surface water, groundwater, and water wells in Iowa. Approved systems include both a septic tank and a secondary treatment system such as a leach field. Without treatment, human waste containing harmful bacteria and viruses is discharged directly into the environment.

The program offers low-interest loans through participating local lenders. An applicant must own an existing home with a septic system in an unincorporated area (outside city limits), not served by a public sewer.