Time of Transfer Septic Inspection

 Effective July 1, 2009 most transfers of ownership (including contract sales) of real property with a private septic system will require septic inspections. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) maintains a list of certified inspectors. The Inspection Report must be attached to the groundwater hazard statement. This change is of particular interest to abstractors. New subsection 11 of Section 455B.172 requires abstracts to property with private sewage disposal systems to include documentation of the septic system inspection requirements. Title Guaranty has included a note regarding these requirements which is now included in all Commitments. 

On June 29, 2009 the DNR announced Emergency Revision of Goundwater Hazard Statement requirements. 

Low cost funds are available to help homeowners with inadequate systems. The On-Site Wastewater Assistance Program offers low-interest loans through participating lenders to rural homeowners for the replacement of inadequate or failing septic systems.


Additional information and forms are available:
Administrative Rules
Septic System Inspection PowerPoint
On-Site Waste Water Assistance Progam Brochure
Time of Transfer Webinar and FAQ’s presented by Daniel Olson and Jon Tack with DNR
Information Letter from DNR
DNR Web site
Groundwater Hazard Statement instructions
Revised Groundwater Hazard Statement (June 2009)
Attachment #1
Revised GWHS Instructions (June 2009)
Iowa Act Chapter 1033 (SF 261) 2008 Legislation
SF 467 2009 Legislation
SF 467 2009 Legislation Veto

Letter to DNR on behalf of ISBA, ILTA, Iowa County Recorders Association