The Environmental Health Division provides such services as well and septic system permitting and inspections, dog and cat bite monitoring, pool, spa and tanning bed inspections, well rehab and closure reimbursement and water test kits.

The Environmental Division provides several services to Mills County residents:

Well Permitting and Inspections
Residents can obtain permits to construct new private wells through the Environmental Division. All wells in Mills County require a permit to construct. Starting in 2003 all wells will also be inspected during their construction. See our forms section to print out an application form or visit the office.

Septic System Permitting and Inspections
Residents can obtain permits to construct or repair septic systems through the Environmental Division. All septic systems in Mills County require a permit to construct or repair. Currently, septic systems are inspected in both pre-construction and post-construction phases to verify proper location as well as proper construction. See our forms section to print out an application form or visit the office.

View Flyers for the Iowa Time of Transfer Program:

	Financial Assistance for Septic System Replacement
	Time of Transfer Inspection Requirement
	Time of Transfer Inspection Program Contact Info

Dog & Cat Bite Monitoring
Dog and cat bite incidents are investigated and monitored to ensure both human and animal health is protected. See our forms section to print out a complaint form or visit the office.

Public Health Monitoring
Complaints regarding issues of public health safety are investigated. With assistance of property owners, and if needed the County Attorney, public safety hazards are removed or eliminated. See our forms section to print out a complaint form or visit the office.

Pool & Spa Inspections
Pools in Mills, Fremont, Montgomery & Page counties are annually inspected to verify compliance with state code in regards to safety and maintenance.

Tanning Bed Inspections
Tanning beds in Mills County are annually inspected to verify compliance with state code in regards to safety and maintenance.

Well Rehab & Closure Reimbursement
Through funds provided by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Mills County is able to help in financing well closures and well rehabs. The funds available to Mills County residents are up to $200 for well closures and $600 for well rehabs. This funding is limited to work done directly on the well. Examples of work that could be funded would be work on the casing, pit, or any dirt work immediately around the well. Work that might also be done at the same time but not covered by these funds could include the pump, piping from the well, or any dirt work associated with that piping.

To be eligible for these funds the work must be supervised by the Mills County Environmental Specialist, or done by a certified well driller, to ensure that the work is done to code. The well contractor must also submit an itemized bill to Mills County so that appropriate portions can be reimbursed.

Any questions please contact Mills County Public Health or visit the Department of Natural Resources web page.

Water Test Kits
Through funds from the Groundwater Protection Act of 1987 and the Grants to Counties program, Mills County residents have access to free water test kits. These tests are provided through Mills County Public Health and the University Hygienic Lab (UHL). A limited number of kits are available to private well owners in Mills County. The grant pays for both nitrate and coliform bacteria testing. Other tests can be run as well for a minimal fee. Additionally, if wells test high in nitrates but have safe bacteria levels, funds are available through UHL to further analyze the nature of the contamination. Interested parties should stop by our offices to fill out an informational form and pick up a test kit.

Percolation and Length Absorption Calculation Table

Directions to Use the Table:
1) Enter percolation rate
2) Enter number of bedrooms
3) Enter trench width
4) Read minimum linear feet

Click here to download the table (Microsoft Excel format)