Habitat Photos

Project Update and Sponsors

2007 Habitat Project Update

In 2003, the IOWWA began work to support a Habitat for Humanity project located near Waverly, Iowa. The project, named Heartland Hills, involves rehabilitation of 21 homes. These homes, on an abandoned cold war military base, sat empty for several years. The homes were originally served by a lagoon. However, continued service to the lagoon was no longer possible and Habitat for Humanity needed a new wastewater treatment system for the homes.

IOWWA board members recognized on-site waste water treatment technology and equipment could meet Habitat for Humanity’s needs. This would be a worthy project for IOWWA involvement as the site could also be used as a training aid for onsite wastewater professionals. After almost two years of coordination, planning and design work, the on-site system for the first four homes was installed through workshops held in April 2005. Four more homes received new systems through workshops held in 2006.

The first four homes are served by a cluster system. Primary treatment is provided by a septic tank at each of the four homes. These tanks drain into a common sewer line which flows to a secondary treatment system. Final dispersal is handled by a drip system. Homes five and six are individually served by septic tanks and media filters.

Planning continues to provide wastewater service to the remainder of the homes. Equipment, materials and volunteers are still needed. Please contact Doug Bird at 319-352-0332 if you would like to help supply equipment, supply materials or volunteer your time or equipment to help with installation.

The first phases of the project would not have been completed without the generous contributions of time, ideas, talent, equipment and materials provided by IOWWA members and sponsors. Thanks to all involved for supporting this challenging and worthwhile project.