Buttermilk Creek in Wright County is listed on the impaired waters list due to pollution from failing septic systems that discharge into the creek.
Left: In spring, during high flow
Below left and right: During low flow, pollution more obvious
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Leaky Septic Tanks = Untreated Sewage in Our Streams!(Water Home)
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Septic Tank Legislation Passes!
Thanks to all who helped us press for the passage of this bill which, when implemented, will help prevent water pollution caused by leaking septic tank systems. This bill was overwhelmingly approved by the Iowa Senate in 2007, and was recently approved by the House with a vote of 95 to 3. It provides for septic tank inspections at the time of sale or transfer of property. If a system is found to be deficient, it must be brought into compliance with building codes prior to the completion of the transaction. It requires DNR to certify inspectors and to maintain a list of those inspectors. It allows county personnel to be certified inspectors & allows counties to set inspection fees for inspections by certified personnel. It now goes to the Governor for his signature.
The Iowa Environmental Council supports state legislation that would require homes and businesses with private onsite septic systems to have their septic system inspected prior to any property transfer. If the septic system is failing to provide proper wastewater treatment, the system would need to be upgraded to meet current Iowa standards. This legislation is Senate File 261.
Why do we need this legislation?
DNR estimates there are 100,000 failing septic systems in rural areas of Iowa
Approximately 19 million gallons of untreated wastewater is discharged per day into Iowa waters from failing septic systems.
Examples of Septic System problems:
Below are two examples of streams in Iowa where pollution from septic systems has been documented. Both of these streams are listed on Iowa’s list of impaired waters.
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Buttermilk Creek in Wright County is listed on the impaired waters list due to pollution from failing septic systems that discharge into the creek. Left: In spring, during high flow Below left and right: During low flow, pollution more obvious |
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Left: Clear Creek in Iowa and Johnson Counties is listed on the impaired waters list due to pollution from an unsewered community that discharges to the creek through a tile line. |
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A tile filter trap shows what is flowing into the headwaters of Clear Creek in Iowa County. The finger is pointing to human feces and the white material caught in trap is toilet paper. |
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What you can do:
Call or email your state representative and ask him or her to VOTE YES for Senate File 261, which will require septic tank inspections at the time of property transfer. To take action, click on this link: ICALL Septic Tank Action
