Contact us by e-mail: contact@taylorcountyhealth.com

Taylor County Environmental Health protects human health through prevention of contamination of ground and surface water, soil, air and other media, by disease-causing microorganisms, harmful chemicals or physical agents.

Services include:

1. Onsite wastewater disposal system (septic system) designs, permits and inspections
   

2. Time of Transfer septic system inspections
   

3. Water well construction permits and inspections
   

4. Geothermal system well construction permits and inspections
   

5. Administration of the State of Iowa Grants-to-Counties Groundwater Protection Program – free private water well testing; cost-share for abandoned well and cistern closures and well rehabilitation
   

6. Tanning and tattoo facility inspections
   

7. Education about mold, radon, bats and other home health issues – radon test kits available at discount price; Healthy Homes programs
   

8. Follow-up of public health hazards and nuisance complaints – dog/cat bites, West Nile Virus information, rental housing codes
   

Onsite Wastewater Disposal System (Septic System) Permits

A permit is required to construct or repair any septic system in Taylor County.  Soil analysis is included as part of the permit in order to determine the type and size of system needed.  All systems must be designed and constructed to comply with state code Chapter 69.  This is verified through inspections by the Environmental Health Department.

Time of Transfer Inspections

The state’s Time of Transfer law requires onsite wastewater disposal system inspections when a property is transferred.  All septic systems must have a proper secondary treatment portion that is correctly treating the effluent.  Specific forms signed by the Environmental Health Specialist are required when filing the property transfer with the County Recorder.  There are a few exemptions included in this law.

Well Construction

New private water wells, geothermal wells and monitoring wells must be permitted and inspected.  The well permit shall be obtained prior to beginning work.  Well drillers must be Iowa certified in order to drill wells in Iowa.

Grants to Counties

The State of Iowa Grants-to-Counties Groundwater Protection Program is funded by taxes on pesticides.  This program provides free private water well testing, cost-share for abandoned well and cistern closures and well rehabilitation. 

1. Free Private Well Water Tests:  Coliform bacteria, nitrates and E. coli are common contaminants of private water wells.  Our staff will take the water sample and mail it to a certified lab.  You will receive a copy of the test results and recommendations on correcting a contaminated well.
   

1. Well/Cistern Closures:   The cost share offers up to $400 to close a well and up to $300 to close a cistern.  The work must be done by an Iowa certified well closing contractor or well driller or pump installer.  These amounts usually cover the cost unless the well/cistern is large.  If the landowner chooses to close the well himself, our staff must be present during the entire procedure.  The landowner can only be reimbursed for materials; no reimbursement for labor.  All closures must be approved in advance to ensure they will qualify for cost-share.
   

1. Well Rehabilitation:    Up to $600 can be reimbursed for specific work on a well.  For complete details, contact the Environmental Health office.
   

Tanning and Tattoo Facilities

Tanning and tattoo facilities in Taylor and Page counties are inspected annually to ensure compliance with state codes for safety and maintenance.  If you think a facility is not adhering to code, please contact the Environmental Health Department.

Mold, Radon, Bats, Healthy Homes

Information about mold, radon, bats and other home health issues is available through the Environmental Health Department.  A home evaluation can be conducted to determine possible sources of mold and remedies for the problems.  Radon test kits are available for $7.  In addition to the test kit, this fee includes postage and lab analysis.  Healthy Homes programs can be given to interested groups.

Public Health Hazards and Nuisance Complaints

The Environmental Health Department investigates dog/cat bites in order to ensure the health and safety of both humans and animals.  Complaints regarding issues of public health safety are investigated.  These range from tall weeds and grass in a residential area to abandoned houses to accumulated trash.  Information is available about West Nile Virus and eliminating mosquito breeding areas.  Many other issues can be addressed also.

For more information, contact the Environmental Health Department:

Taylor County Courthouse       405 Jefferson Street,  Suite 6

    Bedford, IA  50833-1300           Phone:  712-523-2556

Office hours:   Monday – Friday   8:00 AM – 12:00 Noon  &  1:00 – 4:30 PM

Office hours vary depending on issues that require

time out of the office