DO you live in a rural area, that isn't served by a community waste treatment system? If so, you may qualify for some help with the new Iowa septic system ruling. This ruling goes into action July 1, 2009 and will apply to many households in Iowa.

http://www.iowadnr.gov/water/npdes/files/final69.pdf

Above is a copy of the ruling, below is a link to an assistance program to check into if you need it. In the area I serve (Storm Lake and Alta, Iowa) north west Iowa the cost for a new septic system runs from $8,000 - $15,000. 

http://www.iowafinanceauthority.gov/en/water_quality_programs/onsite_wastewater_assistance_program_oswap/

If you think you will need help with this cost, especially if you plan to sell your home within the next 1-5 years don't wait, with the economy and a lot of cuts coming it is difficult to know how long this program will be in place.