“Title Transfer Inspections” are inspections of water wells and onsite wastewater systems for property title transfers. Title Transfer Inspections consist of a water quality program records review, and an on-site inspection of any water well(s) and any on-site wastewater system.

All wells are inspected to ensure compliance with city and state regulations. Water from wells serving homes or businesses for personal use is required to be tested to ensure that it is potable. Any well found to be out of compliance must be corrected according to regulations as instructed by the inspector.

On-site sewage systems are evaluated to ensure compliance with local and state requirements. Any onsite system found to be out of compliance, or causing a nuisance or health risk, must be repaired or replaced according to requirements.

Written reports are provided to the requesting party for Title Transfer Inspections. The final cost for a Title Transfer Inspection will vary depending upon the number of water samples and follow up inspections provided.  All payments for services are due upon receipt of invoices. Inspections are considered valid for a period of 90 days.

In the City of Wichita, anyone having a legal interest in the property is required to contact The Office of Environmental Health for inspection at such time the property is listed for sale.

Title Transfer Inspections in other incorporated areas/municipalities in Sedgwick County will be provided by the City of Wichita upon request.  Title Transfer Inspections in unincorporated areas of Sedgwick County are required to be inspected by Sedgwick County Code Enforcement (316-660-1840).

The Office of Environmental Health Department inspects:

1. To make sure that all wells are located the required minimum distances from structures, property lines and potenial pollution sources.

2. To make sure that all wells are not located in a pit or below ground surface (excluding basements).

3. To make sure that all wells appear to meet current construction (well head completion) standards.

4. To see that any abandoned wells appear to have been properly plugged, by inspection and/or reviewing the plugging report.

1. Only personal use water wells which meet current location and construction/completion standards will be sampled.

2. If a bacteriologically safe water sample is not obtained from a personal use well, the well must be chlorinated and sampled until a safe water sample is obtained.

3. In the City of Wichita, if public water is within 150 feet of the property and a bacteriologically safe or uncontaminated sample cannot be obtained, the premises must be connected to public water.

4. If warranted, a screening test may be required by the Environmental Services Department to determine if organic or inorganic chemical analysis will be required.

The homeowner may add to the casing, replace a seal or vent, or work on a pump. A plumber may work on a pump, but may not alter the casing or well seal. A state-licensed water well contractor may work on, add to, or extend the casing, or replace a seal or add a vent. Some repairs or additions may constitute the reconstruction of a well and would require filing a WWC-5 form with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Although anyone may plug a well however, it is recommended that only state-licensed water well contractors plug wells.

A property owner is required to obtain a Sewage Facility Application/Permit from the Envrionmental Services Department for any replacements or additions to an on-site waste disposal system.

Air conditioner and sump pump drains, that do not contain wastewater of any kind, do not have to be connected to an on-site waste disposal system.

1. Septic Tank-Lateral Field System
   The septic tank should be pumped out within two (2) years prior to the inspection. A copy of the receipt for pumping is required for verification. The septic tank location is to be provided to the inspector at the time of the inspection.

   The Environmental Services Department inspects:

   The septic tank-lateral field for signs of surfacing sewage.

   To see that sewer lines appear to drain properly.

   To see that the septic tank and lateral field are a minimum of 50 feet from any water wells.

2. Waste Stabilization Pond (Lagoon)
   The Environmental Services Department inspects:

   To see that sewer lines appear to drain properly.

   The dikes to insure that they are in good condition and that the pond is not overflowing the dikes.

   To see that the lagoon is weed and tree free, and that separation requirements are met.

After all the necessary inspection, corrections, sampling, connections, or other work has been completed, a letter of compliance or non-compliance will be mailed to the person requesting the Titile Transfer Inspection.  By request a copy will be sent to the property owner, buyer and the mortgage company as indicated on the request.

The fee for a title transfer inspection is $125.00.  Water testing and multiple rechecks will incur additional charges.  Inspection reports may be provided within five (5) business days of request for an additional fee of $100.00. 

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