Veronica PiscitelliNew York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation to make it easier and more affordable for New Yorkers to upgrade to advanced septic systems, seeking to reduce water pollution, protect public health and improve water quality. Along with the new legislation, the governor also announced a $30 million investment for the fifth round of the State Septic System Replacement Fund Program to help homeowners upgrade or replace failing septic systems, especially those impacting water bodies designated as priority areas.
The $30 million in grants will be administered by the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) in coordination with the Department of Health and Environmental Conservation. The funding is part of the state’s commitment to modernize aging water and sewer systems.
Two-thirds, or $20 million, of the funding will go directly to support projects in Suffolk County to help safeguard the region’s sole aquifer and other water bodies. Long Island is almost entirely dependent on the sole-source aquifer, so helping providers protect this valuable and unique ground water source is vital to ensure millions of people have clean water to drink.
Under the new law, eligible property owners can be reimbursed 50% of eligible costs up to $10,000 for the installation of a conventional septic system. For the installation of an enhanced septic system, reimbursements of up to 75% of eligible costs up to $25,000. The hope of the price difference is to make the more enhanced systems cost equal to or even less than the regular. Counties may also set graduated incentive reimbursement rates for septic system projects to maximize program participation and reduction goals.
Outdated or failing septic systems are significant contributors to nutrient pollution in New York, according to state officials. The systems fuel harmful algal blooms (HABs) and negatively impact water quality. The enhanced systems are specifically designed to significantly reduce nitrogen, mitigating environmental and public health impacts of phosphorus and per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances, improving water quality, and combating HABs. Although the enhanced systems are often more costly than conventional wastewater treatment, state officials anticipate the new systems will be crucial to help improve water quality across the state.
Using the grants, counties can reimburse property owners for a portion of the cost of replacing cesspools and septic systems as well as installing more environmentally effective systems, like enhanced septic systems. The new bill and funding extend New York’s record investments in clean water and are part of the state’s broader strategy to maximize the impact of state and federal infrastructure dollars.
The legislation and distribution ensure every region benefits from cleaner water, safer systems, and long-term sustainability. It also follows a comprehensive, multi-year clean water infrastructure initiative launched in 2017 to improve water quality and assist homeowners with the cost to replace aging septic systems. The coverage includes areas with existing or potential public water supply intakes and those already experiencing water quality impairments directly attributable to failing septic systems.
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