Iowa Septic & Well Water Rules

Iowa regulates private sewage disposal systems (PSDS) through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), with county environmental health departments (county sanitarians) handling local permits and enforcement. Private well testing is funded statewide through the Private Well Grants program.

Official lookups

Septic rules & permits

Iowa's onsite wastewater rules are in Iowa Administrative Code 567 Chapter 69, administered by the Iowa DNR.
Your county environmental health department is the local authority for septic permits and enforcement. Contact it before installing, repairing or replacing a system.

Inspection when you sell (Time of Transfer)

Iowa Code 455B.172 requires that every home or building served by a private sewage disposal system be inspected before the sale or deed transfer of the property.
Inspections must be done by an inspector certified by the Iowa DNR.
A system with a septic tank and a working secondary treatment component (such as a leach field or sand filter) that is not creating a health or environmental hazard does not have to meet current code. A failing or improperly functioning system must be renovated to current construction standards.
Under 567 IAC 69.7, a system is considered failing if, among other conditions, the tank is metal or not watertight, the primary tank is under 500 gallons, more than 50% of the soil absorption area does not accept water, or it is a dry well or seepage pit.
If weather prevents an inspection, or the system fails, the buyer can sign a binding agreement with the county using a DNR form. Some transfers are exempt under Iowa Code 455B.172(11)(a)(1)-(12).
Submitted Time of Transfer reports are public and can be searched in the DNR's Time of Transfer database.

Septic pumpers

In Iowa, septic tanks must be pumped only by a commercial septic tank cleaner licensed by the DNR (567 IAC Chapter 68).
The DNR publishes a current list of licensed septic tank cleaners (PDF).

Private well testing

Iowa's Private Well Grants program provides free water testing to private well owners and users through county health departments. Nearly all Iowa counties participate.
Tests covered: bacteria/E. coli/coliform and nitrate (recommended annually), and arsenic and manganese (every 3 years). PFAS testing requires DNR pre-approval.
The program also offers funding for shock chlorination, well assessment, well plugging, cistern plugging and well reconstruction. See the DNR page for current amounts.
To get tested for free, contact your county environmental health department. You can also order a private well kit directly from the State Hygienic Laboratory at the University of Iowa.

Frequently asked questions

Is a septic inspection required to sell a house in Iowa?

Yes. Iowa Code 455B.172 requires a Time of Transfer inspection by a DNR-certified inspector before a property served by a private sewage system is sold or transferred, unless the transfer is exempt.

Who can pump my septic tank in Iowa?

Only a commercial septic tank cleaner licensed by the Iowa DNR. The DNR publishes the current list.

Is well water testing free in Iowa?

Through the Private Well Grants program, county health departments in nearly all Iowa counties provide free testing for bacteria, nitrate, arsenic and manganese. Contact your county environmental health office.

Sources

Last checked: October 21, 2026