NEW LAW REQUIRES PRE-SALE INSPECTIONS FOR BUILDINGS WITH SEPTIC TANKS

Starting July 1, with very few exceptions, all homes and buildings using 
septic systems must pass an inspection prior to finalizing a sale.

"Over time, these inspections will help eliminate the more than 100,000 
substandard septic tanks that are piped directly to a ditch or tile line," 
said Daniel Olson, DNR's septic system program manager. "This will help 
protect people, particularly children, from coming into contact with raw 
sewage."

The law will ensure that septic systems have both a septic tank, and a 
functioning leach field, sand filter or other treatment device. Systems that 
do not have treatment following the septic tank are not grandfathered in. 
Instead, they must be upgraded when the property is transferred.

However, older systems that function properly during an inspection will not 
have to upgrade. Often smaller than current code requires, functioning 
systems do not pose as great a threat to people or the environment because 
they are not sending wastes directly into a ditch or stream.

Olson expects that the new law will help decrease high bacteria levels-often 
one million to 100 million parts per million from just one septic tank-that 
enter streams. "This is especially important in rural subdivisions and small 
towns where children or pets may be playing in road ditches," he said.

The sewage is a potential pollutant source for drinking water systems. It 
can also kill fish and other aquatic life, because it uses up oxygen as it 
breaks down in a stream.

Olson advises homeowners to schedule an inspection with a certified 
inspector early in the sale process. If the system needs upgrading, it will 
not delay the sale but could affect the selling price as upgrades are 
negotiated.

There are 208 certified inspectors in Iowa. The DNR is also training 
certified inspectors and anticipates adding more before the July 1 law 
change. If considering a sale, contact a real estate agent or find a list of 
inspectors at www.wastewatertraining.com or www.iowadnr.gov/tot.html

There are some exemptions to the inspections: transfer from parent to child 
or between joint tenants, and in divorce settlements or foreclosures. For 
other exemptions and more information, check the DNR Web site listed above.

MEDIA CONTACT: Dan Olson, (515) 281-8263 or [log in to unmask]

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