Governor Cuomo announced an additional $15 million in funding for the State Septic System Replacement Program. The program provides grants to upgrade septic systems across the state (Suffolk County residents are eligible) to:
- Replace aging septic systems
- Remove cesspools
The goal of the program is to reduce water pollution in New York and improve water quality in the state’s watersheds. Hundreds of communities across the state meet eligibility requirements that will replace old, outdated systems with compliant treatment systems.
Governor Cuomo first launched the program in 2017 under a multi-year infrastructure initiative with funding of $75 million. Rebates are granted to homeowners who qualify, and the additional $15 million in funding will continue this initiative.
The county may also provide their own incentive reimbursement rates using a graduated system, but this can change from county-to-county.
How Much Does It Cost to Upgrade a Septic System?
Under the grant program, New York State will cover 50% of the eligible costs, up to $10,000. Suffolk County residents are covered under the program county wide.
It’s up to the county to review and evaluate all of the applications to provide the financial assistance for replacing residential septic treatment systems.
Eligible costs include:
- System design and installation
- Materials / System Purchase costs
- System components
- Enhanced or alternative septic systems
Some of the ineligible costs include:
- Permits
- Undocumented expenses
- Sales tax
- Non-essential site work
- Fines or penalties
You’ll want to discuss the costs with the replacement provider to ensure you know which costs may or may not be reimbursed.
Suffolk County Grants and Rebates
Suffolk County also offers grant and rebate possibilities to homeowners who want to upgrade to advanced, onsite wastewater treatment systems.
The county provides grants of up to $30,000 (including $10,000 from the state) and has its own loan programs available to help with the upgrade of aging septic systems.
The program offers grants and loans for residential system upgrades or installs.
Loans of up to $10,000 are available (based on current programs) at an interest rate of 3% over 15 years.
Multiple options are available to help cover the cost of your septic system replacement if you’re in Suffolk County or:
- East Hampton Town
- Southampton Town
- Shelter Island Town
Costs & Qualification
As a homeowner, it’s important to see how much you qualify for in grants because you may receive a full reimbursement for your septic system, depending on your location.
Improving your system not only helps keep local water sources clean, but it also ensures that your house has the necessary infrastructure to get rid of waste.
Newer systems can last decades without needing to be replaced or repaired.
Suffolk County states that the average replacement, including engineering services, can cost, on average, $21,900. The grant programs available may be able to cover all of these costs.
When you work with Bridgewater Environmental Services, we’ll make sure that you’re paying as little as possible for your replacement. We’ll help walk you through the grant and rebate application process so that you can secure both state and county funding.
If you’re interested in learning more about what grants and rebates you qualify for, schedule a free consultation here with no obligations.