Septic Systems
The Muscatine County Environmental Office permits all new and renovated septic systems in Muscatine County.
Permitting
In order to obtain a septic permit the following information is required:
- Percolation Test or Soil Analysis.
- Number of Bedrooms in the residence (Bedrooms are any confined room that has both a storage closet and an emergency egress window).
- A site plan showing the proposed location of the system, including the location of the tank, the secondary treatment system, and any applicable sampling ports, pump pits or discharge lines.
- If any part of the system is located on property owned by another party, a copy of a recorded easement must be provided.
- If any part of the system extends into or across any State or County right-of way, an alteration of right-of-way permit must be obtained from the appropriate authority and provided to our office.
An inspection of the septic system is required and must be completed during installation prior to cover up.
The fee for a septic permit can be found on our Fee Schedule.
Percolation Test or Soil Analysis
All new installations of septic systems are required to have a percolation test or a soil analysis. The results of the test will determine what type of system the soil can sustain. A percolation test or a soil analysis must be administered by a registered engineer in the State of Iowa or an approved agent.
Perc Test & Soil Analysis Agents
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit #4
Any private sewage disposal system that discharges treated wastewater to a designated water of the state or a subsurface drainage tile must be monitored to ensure that it meets secondary treatment standards. These systems must obtain an NPDES General Permit #4 issued by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Prior to the use of the system, a Notice of Intent form must be submitted to the Iowa DNR. Systems covered by this permit must meet all applicable requirements listed in the permit including effluent monitoring and sampling.
Time of Transfer (TOT) Inspections
Iowa's Time of Transfer (TOT) inspection law requires any home or building served by a private sewage disposal system be inspected prior to sale or title transfer.
The inspection must be completed by a certified inspector. The Iowa DNR maintains a list of certified inspectors.
The inspection will consist of the inspector locating all components of the system, pumping the tank, visually inspecting the condition of the system, and running a load test to determine how well the system is functioning.
Inspection reports will be reviewed by County Development staff and are valid for two years. If the inspection fails, the owner and/or realtor(s) will be notified of the required repairs or replacement.
Inspection Exemptions
There are some instances in which a property transfer would be exempt from the requirement of a TOT inspection. You can view those exemptions on the IA DNR's website here.
Inspection Waivers
Per Iowa code, there are three waivers that can be issued for a Time of Transfer Inspection.
- Future Demolition - If the structure is going to be demolished, a waiver can be signed in place of the TOT Inspection.
- Future Inspection - If the weather or other physical condition prevents the completion of an inspection, the buyer can agree to have the system inspected at a later date.
- Future Installation or Renovation - If an inspection fails or all parties agree that the septic system will not pass inspection, the buyer can agree to install a new system or make repairs by a set date.
Please contact our office if you would like a waiver.