Development of a Countywide Model Management Organization for Wastewater

摘要

A model county ordinance to establish on-site wastewater management districts in Iowa counties was prepared, distributed to all 99 counties, and adopted by Guthrie County, creating a management district at Lake Panorama. Based on the acceptance, accomplishments, and few difficulties experienced at Lake Panorama, public management of on-site wastewater treatment systems is a workable, realistic alternative for rural Iowa. High density use of on-site wastewater treatment systems in a rural subdivision in Polk County was also examined. Septic systems were investigated for evidence of failure, house-to-house surveys were performed, and well-water samples were analyzed. It was concluded that septic systems can operate satisfactorily for over 20 years.