Grant Money Available In July For Suffolk County Septic Improvement Program

Suffolk County residents can soon apply for up to $10,000 in grant funding to help buy and install certain new wastewater treatment systems.

The Suffolk County Septic Improvement Program, spearheaded by Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, will be available to qualified homeowners starting July 3.

According to the program website, reclaimourwater.info, grant funding of up to $10,000 will be available for residents looking to install a county-approved innovative and alternative nitrogen removal onsite wastewater treatment system and leaching structure. The grant money can also fund engineering and design services for the new system. The cost of purchasing and installing such a system is estimated to be between $15,000 and $20,000.

An additional $1,000 in grant money may be available for residents hoping to install pressurized shallow drainfields, used to distribute wastewater from the systems.

The county website notes that other costs—including irrigation repairs, landscaping, electrical improvements unrelated to system installation or other improvements necessary for the installation—are the responsibility of the property owner.

Preferential consideration will be given to properties in environmentally sensitive areas. To be considered, the residence must be single-family and the homeowner’s primary year-round home. The home cannot be used as a rental property or be newly constructed.

In order to receive the grant, the property owner’s income must be less than $300,000 a year for the full grant, or $500,000 a year for half of the grant. Documents including the property deed, proof of homeowner’s insurance, certificate of occupancy, as well as tax documents are also required to apply.

For more information on eligibility, system information or to apply online starting on July 3, visit reclaimourwater.info, or call the Suffolk County Department of Health Services at 631-852-5811.