State earmarks $30M for septic system replacement

ALBANY | Gov. Hochul has signed legislation making it easier and more affordable for New Yorkers to upgrade to advanced septic systems that significantly reduce water pollution, protect public health, and improve water quality. The Governor also announced a $30 million investment for Round 5 of the successful State Septic System Replacement Fund Program to help homeowners upgrade or replace failing septic systems, particularly those impacting water bodies designated as priority areas. "Access to clean water is a basic right," Gov. Hochul said. "I am committed to protecting the health of all New Yorkers, and this bill is a promise to future generations that we will keep building a more resilient, sustainable state while ensuring clean water for all." The $30 million in the grants announced Wednesday are awarded by the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation, in coordination with the Departments of Health and Environmental Conservation, and are part of the State's nation-leading commitment to modernize aging water and sewer systems. New York State will provide funds to counties to reimburse eligible property owners for a portion of the cost of replacing cesspools and septic systems and installing more environmentally effective systems, like enhanced septic systems. Under the new law, eligible property owners can be reimbursed 50 percent of eligible costs up to $10,000 for the installation of a conventional system, or up to 75 percent of eligible costs up to $25,000 for the installation of an enhanced septic system, to help make these more enhanced systems equal or even more affordable than the regular systems. Counties may also set graduated incentive reimbursement rates for septic system projects to maximize program participation and pollution reduction goals. Outdated or failing septic systems are a significant contributor to nutrient pollution in New York, fueling harmful algal blooms (HABs) and negatively impacting water quality. Investing in an enhanced septic system, though often more costly than conventional wastewater treatment, is crucial to help improve water quality on Long Island. These advanced systems are specifically designed to significantly reduce nitrogen, helping to also mitigate the environmental and public health impacts of phosphorus and per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances, ultimately improving water quality and combating HABs. In 2017, New York State launched a comprehensive, multi-year clean water infrastructure initiative to improve water quality and to assist homeowners with the cost to replace aging septic systems in targeted communities across New York. This rebate program was created to give homeowners and small businesses an incentive to replace and upgrade aging septic systems and eliminate cesspools that can harm water quality and threaten public health by releasing pathogens or nutrient pollution such as nitrogen and phosphorus. This includes areas with existing or potential public water supply intakes, as well as those already experiencing water quality impairments directly attributable to failing septic systems. To ensure the most efficient and impactful allocation of funds DEC and DOH along with participating counties collaborate closely to identify and prioritize eligible waterbodies. This coordinated approach maximizes the program's effectiveness in protecting and improving New York's water resources. A list of eligible counties and water bodies for the current round (Round 4) is available on EFC's website. Eligible waterbodies for Round 5 will be posted once counties have been notified of their funding amount. Homeowners and businesses should reach out to their county representative listed on EFC's website to determine if their properties are eligible. New York's Commitment to Water Quality New York State continues to increase its investments in water infrastructure, including more than $2.2 billion in financial assistance from EFC for local water infrastructure projects in State Fiscal Year 2024 alone. The next round of EFC's Water Infrastructure Improvement and Intermunicipal Water Infrastructure Grants is now open at www.efc.ny.gov. Gov. Hochul has announced $325 million for this round. With $500 million allocated for clean water infrastructure in the FY26 Enacted Budget announced by Governor Hochul, New York will have invested a total of $6 billion in water infrastructure between 2017 and this year. Any community needing assistance with water infrastructure projects is encouraged to contact EFC. New Yorkers can track projects benefiting from EFC's investments using the interactive project impact dashboard.

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State earmarks $30M for septic system replacement

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