Septic System
Waste Water & Private Septic Systems
The Environmental Health Program regulates private 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 Hancock County.
Alternative Systems
Based upon the property in questions a contractor or health officer may recommend or require the placement of an alternative septic system. Depending on the system, homeowners may be responsible for having a maintenance contract that mandates an annual service to their septic system. This inspection item is required by the DNR and monitored by the Hancock County Sanitarian.
Septic State & Local Regulations
- Chapter 69 Private Sewage Disposal Systems
- IAC Chapter 567-68: Septic Tank Cleaners (Pumpers)
- Hancock County Ordinance 6: An Ordinance providing for the establishment of construction standards for installation of on-site sewage treatment and non-public water well systems; for the proper plugging of abandoned wells, issuance of permits, licensing of contrators and waste pumpers, and providing for the penalties for violation of provisions of this ordinance.
Septic Permit and Approved Contractors
- Application for On-Site Sewage Treatment System
- List of Time of Transfer Approved TOT Inspectors
- List of Certified Septic Installers
Soil Analysis
Site and soil analysis must be conducted by a representative of the Hancock County Environmental Health Office before work begins.
Related Websites
- DNR Private Septic Systems
- DNR Time of Transfer
- EPA: Septic Care
- Iowa Onsite Waste Water Association (IOWWA)
- Iowa DNR's Time of Transfer Inspector List
Downloads & Resources
- Iowa Code 567.69: Private Sewage Disposal Systems
- Rules for inspections, environmental regulations, and other items related to private sewage systems.
- Iowa Code 567.68: Commercial Septic Tank Cleaners
- Rules and standards for commercial cleaning of and waste disposal from private sewage disposal systems
- Iowa Code 641.24: Well Testing, Reconstruction, and Plugging - Private Well Program
- Rules for administering the private well program
