When selling a property in Iowa, you might be asked to complete a Groundwater Hazard Statement. This document discloses information about any wells, burial sites, waste disposal sites, storage tanks, and private septic systems on the property being sold. Notably, the statement is a crucial part of the property transfer process that ensures compliance with Iowa regulations and safety for all parties involved. In this blog post, we’ll explore the Groundwater Hazard Statement and explain why it’s a critical consideration for Iowa property sellers.

What is Groundwater, and why is the Groundwater Hazard Statement important?

Groundwater is water that exists underground, often within rocks, soil, and other geological features. Across the United States, groundwater is a vital source of drinking water, and it is also used to irrigate crops in some states. As a result, it’s crucial to protect groundwater from contamination, which is why Iowa requires a Groundwater Hazard Statement to provide accurate and comprehensive information to buyers and government officials. By doing so, the statement ensures proper inspections take place to verify that the property is safe and complies with Iowa regulations for property transfer.

What information does the Groundwater Hazard Statement ask property sellers to disclose?

The Statement contains six questions that property sellers must answer:

• Wells: Does the property have any wells?
• Solid Waste Disposal: Are there any waste disposal sites on the property? This could include waste tires, scrap metal, or other harmful garbage.
• Hazardous Waste: Is there any harmful waste on the property that could pose a threat to human life or the environment? This includes things like agricultural waste, toxic waste, and harmful chemicals.
• Underground Storage Tanks: Are there any storage tanks on the property that have at least 10% of their volume underground?
• Private Burial Site: Does the property have any burial sites that contain human remains? If so, the seller must disclose the name of the decedent, date of birth, and date of death.
• Private Sewage Disposal Systems: Is the property’s sewage system hooked up to the city’s system, or is it serviced by a private system? If it’s a private system, the seller is responsible for an inspection referred to as a Time of Transfer to ensure that the system is safe and up to code.

Why is it important for Iowa property sellers?

As mentioned earlier, Iowa’s groundwater resources are a critical source of drinking water that must be protected from contamination. Furthermore, it’s essential to comply with Iowa regulations to ensure safety and avoid any legal implications that may arise. In short, completing the Groundwater Hazard Statement is crucial for both buyers and sellers of property.

Is the Statement required?

The Groundwater Hazard Statement is mandatory in Iowa for property transfers that include wells, waste disposal sites, storage tanks, hazardous waste, or private burial sites. If none of these are present, the statement isn’t required. Nonetheless, the deed must confirm that the property doesn’t have any of these items listed in Iowa Code Section 558.69.

Takeaway

The Groundwater Hazard Statement is an essential part of the property transfer process in Iowa. By providing accurate and comprehensive information about the property’s features, sellers can ensure that the property transfer process is safe, efficient, and compliant with Iowa regulations. For any questions about the statement or other real estate matters, don’t hesitate to contact Danilson Law. Our knowledgeable team is always available to help with all your real estate needs.