Private Water Wells & Onsite Septic Systems
Operation and Maintenance of Your Septic System
A septic system is a major investment in your property. In order protect your investment and lengthen the lifespan of your system, it must be properly operated and maintained.
Conserving Water
- Fix leaky toilets and faucets to avoid overloading the system
- Spread out laundry throughout the week and not just on one day
- Keep ground water (such as sump pumps or rainwater) from entering the system
Proper Use
- Do not flush chemicals, diapers, feminine products, plastics or grease
- Reduce organic loading from garbage disposals (consider composting)
Regular Maintenance
- Rinse filter (if present) into tank twice each year. Consider adding a filter if not present.
- Pump out tank when solids reach 1/3 the depth of the normal operating water level.
Septic Additives
Information from the Environmental Protection Agency indicates that septic tank additives are not normally needed, and may actually cause harm to and shorten the lifespan of your system.
For more information or help in answering your questions contact the Monona County Environmental Health/Zoning Department at 712-433-3400.
Septic Permitting
Onsite Waste Water Treatment Systems (Septic Systems) Permitting
Permits for a new septic system or to renovate the soil treatment part of an existing septic system are required from Environmental Health/Zoning.
Septic Permitting Application
Percolation (Perc) Test
The next step in the permit process is to prepare for a percolation (perc) test (if required). The Perc Test Instructions gives you the information needed to prepare the site properly for an accurate test result. Once the site is prepared, you can schedule an appointment to conduct the test.
The results of the perc test will give Environmental Health/Zoning the necessary information to issue a permit for your new system.
Grants-To-Counties Program
Monona County is providing an opportunity for private well owners and tenants in the county to have well water tested for bacteria, nitrite/nitrate, arsenic and manganese. Through the Iowa Private Well Program and Grants-To-Counties program, the Monona County Environmental Health department will come to your home and collect water samples for you completely free of charge. Other water test samples can be performed with prior permission from IHHS.
The other private well activities that are covered by these grant funds are well plugging (up to $500), cistern plugging (up to $300) well reconstruction (up to $1,000) and new to the grant this year, well assessments and shock chlorination. The Maximum reimbursement to the land owner for well assessments is up to $500 and shock chlorination up to $300. These activities must be performed by a IDNR certified well driller or pump installer. Forms for these activities can be obtained from the Monona County Environmental Health office.
Water testing is done by appointment only, Monday - Wednesday, 8:00-10:00 a.m. Date and time can be adjusted to meet your schedule.
