Septic System

Fee Schedule Certified Contractors

Private Sewage Disposal Systems

The Muscatine County Environmental Office permits all new and renovated installations of septic systems in Muscatine County. In order to obtain a septic permit the following information needs to be submitted:

1. The address of the proposed system.
2. Percolation Test or Soil Analysis (for a new system).
3. The Number of Bedrooms in the residence (Bedrooms are any confined room that has both a storage closet and an emergency egress window).
4. A map showing the proposed location of the system.

Private Sewage Disposal System Ordinances

Percolation Test or Soil Analysis

All new installations of septic systems in Muscatine County 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

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. 

Resources

• New Septic Guidelines - 2016
• Aerobic Treatment Units
• Chamber System
• Onsite Wastewater Assistance Program (OSWAP)
• State Revolving Fund
• Time of Transfer Exemptions
• Time of Transfer Information
• Sand Filter System
• Lineal Drainfield
• Septic System Information