Monroe County, Indiana

Real Estate Septic Inspection Program

Monroe County Health Department inspects On-Site Sewage Disposal Systems ahead of Real Estate Transactions upon request. This service is provided after submission of an application and the payment of a $100 fee.

How to Apply for a Real Estate Septic Inspection

1. Apply online, by creating an account logging into an existing account, through our electronic permitting software OpenGov. 
https://monroecountyin.viewpointcloud.com/categories/1091/record-types/6589.

2. Your application will be reviewed by staff, and you will be prompted to pay the appropriate application fee.

Payment Options

Before making a payment, be sure to have ready your application record number (WW-XX-XXXX) and permit type.

• Over the phone with credit or debit card - call Vital Records at (812) 349-2542.
  
  
• Through the mail - send in a check, money order, or cashier's check to 119 W 7th St. Bloomington, IN 47404. 
  
  
• In person - Visit the Monroe County Health Department in person at 119 W 7th Street. Bloomington, IN 47404 during regular business hours (Mon-Friday; 8am-4pm). In-person payment types include: cash, credit/debit, check, money order, cashier's check. 

What to expect once your application and payment has been received:

• Staff conducts a records search for historical documents associated with the property
  
  
• Staff schedules a field inspection which includes an attempt to locate and open the septic tank and the pump tank if applicable. The effluent level of the tank is checked with an endoscope. If the system incorporates a pump, the staff will attempt to test the pump function. An attempt to locate the septic absorption field is made and the field is examined for signs of failure. In some cases it may be necessary to access the interior of the welling to examine plumbing pipes and/or conduct tracing dye testing. If interior access is required the Health Department staff will coordinate with the listing agent/owner for access. 
  
  
• The inspection report is then completed with the inspector noting findings in the field and any recommendations for repair or replacement of the septic system components. Copies of photos taken in the field and any supplemental documents will be included with the report. 
  
  
• If a septic failure is discovered during a Real Estate Septic Inspection an enforcement case will be opened and the property owner is responsible for complying with the conditions set forth in a Health Officer Order. If the property transfers ownership, the new owner will assume that responsibility. 

Please contact one of our Wastewater Specialists for more information at wastewater@co.monroe.in.us or by phone: 812-349-2543, option 3. Office hours for staff are normally 8am-9am Monday through Friday for walk-ins. We urge you to make an appointment prior to walking in as staff may be out of the office doing field work.

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