Environmental Health

Well Permitting & 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 our office.

Septic System Permitting & 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. Visit our Document Center on the right side of this page, or visit the office.

Iowa Time of Transfer Program

View Flyers for the Iowa Time of Transfer Program:

Septic Pumper Inspections

Septic Pumpers in Mills and Montgomery counties are annually inspected to verify compliance with state code in regards to safety and maintenance.

Animal Bite Monitoring

Animal 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 the 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, and Montgomery counties are annually inspected to verify compliance with state code in regards to safety and maintenance.

Tanning Bed Inspections

Tanning beds in Mills, Montgomery, and Fremont counties are annually inspected to verify compliance with state code in regards to safety and maintenance.

Tattoo Inspections

Tattoo establishments in Mills, Montgomery, and Fremont counties 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 $500 for well closures, up to $300 for cistern closures, and up to $1000 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.

Eligibility

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 State Hygienic Lab (SHL). A limited number of kits are available to private well owners in Mills County. The grant pays for both nitrate and coliform bacteria testing and 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 SHL to further analyze the nature of the contamination.

Contact

Interested parties should call or stop by our offices to fill out an informational form and schedule an appointment to have their private well water sampled.

Contact

For more information contact Mills County Public Health office at 712-527-9699 ext. 452 or email Matthew Scott, Environmental Specialist.