Did
you know Thurston County Environmental Health offers financial assistance to
homeowners for the repair or replacement of their failing septic systems?
The
Septic System Financial Assistance Program offers loans and grants to qualified
applicants.
Why are failing septic
systems a health concern?
When
septic
systems fail, raw sewage from the systems can contaminate the surface and groundwater.
Groundwater
is our main source of drinking water, so we want to keep it safe for us all to
drink and use for cooking, bathing, washing dishes and clothes and so much
more. We depend on groundwater. When surface water is contaminated it can harm
wildlife and close local beaches and shellfish beds due to unsafe bacteria
levels in the water.
How can I keep my system
from failing?
Repairing
and replacing septic systems is costly.
Proper maintenance of septic systems greatly lowers the risk of failure
and it prolongs the life of the system. To learn how to protect your
investment, attend one of the Free
Septic Sense Workshops this month.
Some
simple “Dos” and “Don’ts” will help extend the life of your septic system, save
on maintenance costs, and protect water quality. Read them on this past
blog post, “Septic
System Care Begins with You.”
Septic System Financial
Assistance Program
The
health concerns related to failing septic systems are why Thurston County
Environmental Health receives funding from Washington State Department of
Ecology and a federal clean water grant to implement a financial assistance
program. So far, the program has helped 124 homeowners fix or replace their
failing septic systems.
The
program provides loans and
grants depending on the situation. Homeowners in Thurston County with any
income level can apply for low interest loans to replace their system or to
connect to sewer. There are small grants available for eligible repairs (does
not include regular maintenance) and larger grants available for the
replacement of a septic tank, a pumping chamber, or an entire on-site septic
system. There are income requirements for the grants. There are also grants available specifically
for homeowners in the Henderson
Inlet or Nisqually Reach Shellfish Protection Districts.
To find out if you qualify for the Septic System Financial
Assistance Program, contact Debra Baker at (360) 867-2628 (TDD
360-867-2603).
For more information, visit: www.co.thurston.wa.us/health/ehoss/loan_program.html
Got a specific
septic system question you need answered?
Call the Septic
Help Line
(360) 867-2669
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