Reclaim Our Water Septic Improvement Program

Reclaim Our Water Septic Improvement Program is sponsored by Suffolk County, New York. This program helps homeowners replace outdated septic systems or cesspools with advanced wastewater technologies (Innovative and Alternative nitrogen removal septic systems) at an affordable rate to reduce nitrogen pollution and improve water quality.

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Romaine, County Executive Departments > Health Services > Septic Improvement Program Suffolk County Septic Grants Nearly 70% of Suffolk County homes use cesspools and septic systems, which are a major source of nitrogen pollution that contaminates drinking water and fuels harmful algal blooms in our rivers, bays, and estuaries.

One such method of reducing nitrogen pollution is the installation and use of an Innovative/Alternative (I/A) Onsite Wastewater Treatment System. I/A systems are advanced, environmentally friendly wastewater systems that remove far more nitrogen than traditional septic systems or cesspools.

To reduce, or eliminate, the cost of a residential I/A system installation, there are two (2) grant programs that homeowners can apply for to help pay for the costs of replacing cesspools or septic systems with an I/A system. The County Septic Improvement Grant Program (SIP) provides installation grants up to $20,000 per property depending upon whether your project qualifies.

The New York State Septic System Replacement Program (NYS SSRP) provides installation grants or reimbursements up to 75% of the program eligible costs not to exceed $25,000 per property depending upon whether your project qualifies. An I/A system could have an increase in the value of your property.

Click Here to see "What Homeowners Should Know About an I/A OWTS" Check Here to See If Your Property is Eligible At a Minimum Your Property Must: Be an existing residential home (single-family, two-family, or single-family with one accessory apartment) Use a cesspool or septic system that is to be replaced under the grant programs and NOT be connected to sewers or within a proposed sewer area Have a valid Certificate of Occupancy and current Town issued property tax bill Be current on property taxes with no liens or foreclosure Have a deed on file with the Suffolk County Clerk The I/A project must be approved by the Suffolk County Department of Health Services Office of Wastewater Management.

How the County SIP Grant Works This is not a reimbursement program Grant funds are paid directly to an approved installer Homeowners must choose from the County’s Approved Installer List Payment is issued after installation is complete How the NYS SSRP Grant Works Grant funds can be paid directly to an approved installer, or as reimbursement to the property owner. Payment is issued after the installation is complete.

How Applications Are Prioritized Applications with a documented system failure will be prioritized before all other applications for grant issuance. All grant applicants are required to obtain approval for the proposed installation of the I/A system from the Suffolk County Department of Health Services Office of Wastewater Management prior to being awarded a grant.

Notification of Grant Issuance to a Property Owner Applicants who are awarded a grant will be notified by email to the address provided by the applicant together with further grant processing information. Grant Awardees will be issued an e-mail with the County SIP and New York State SSRP Grant contract and required forms to be completed via electronic signature.

All permit application fees are the responsibility of the homeowner and are not eligible costs under the grant. Approval from the Suffolk County Department of Health Services Office of Wastewater Management (OWM) for the I/A upgrade project is required. OWM offers two (2) options for obtaining approval to install the I/A system.

To solely replace your existing cesspool or septic system, your selected installer (from the County’s Approved Installer List) would apply on your behalf through the County’s Septic Hauler’s Information Portal system. To replace your existing cesspool or septic system as part of a home modification or addition, then a residential application will need to be submitted to OWM.

Recommend consulting with your design professional and also visiting https://suffolkcountyny. gov/Departments/Health-Services/WWM for application information and forms. For additional information or questions regarding the Office of Wastewater Management permitting process and requirements, please call 631-852-5700 or email [email protected] .

Local building permits may be required in addition to County Health permits Your design professional should confirm town or village requirements Wetlands permits may be required in addition to County Health Permits Your design professional should confirm town, village or New York State Department of Environmental Conservation requirements Only vendors on the Suffolk County Approved Installer List may install grant-funded systems Property Owner Responsibility Permitting, engineering and design, and post-installation landscaping costs associated with the replacement of cesspool or septic system with the I/A system.

Permit application fees; Maintenance. Maintenance & Requirements Grant-funded systems should be operated and maintained by the property owner and cannot be removed without the prior written approval of the Suffolk County Department of Health Services. Annual professional maintenance is required.

The county SIP grant provides funding for the initial 3-year period after installation. Suffolk County Department of Health Services oversees compliance with maintenance requirements. Other Septic System Rebates/Grants Property owners located in the Towns of East Hampton, Shelter Island and Southampton may be eligible for additional funding to replace your existing septic system with an I/A.

Please contact your town directly to find out more information. Town of East Hampton Septic Incentive Program Department of Natural Resources Water Quality Improvement Rebate Town of Southampton I/A OWTS Rebate Program Community Preservation Fund Department Call 631-852-5811 or email [email protected] *Disclaimer - All information provided is for informational purposes only and is subject to change.

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