Cost Share for Septic System Repairs Opens to All Residential Properties in Orange County
By Stephanie DeNicola - Turner, Education/Information Coordinator, Culpeper Soil & Water Conservation District
Homeowners! Do you have your own septic system? When was the last time you had it pumped out or inspected? Do you know how well it functions? As a homeowner, it is in your best interest and beneficial for local streams and groundwater to maintain your system and the Culpeper Soil and Water Conservation District is here to help! The Culpeper Soil and Water Conservation District has recently received additional funding for its residential septic cost share program which allows the District to expand its eligible area to include all of Orange County! Previously, it was limited to just the Rapidan and Upper York watershed areas. Now, the entire county can benefit. This program is focused on reducing any existing or potential impacts on local ground and surface water quality. E. Coli bacteria in some local streams has long been identified as being higher than expected by state water quality standards, although other pollutants can also be involved, particularly nutrients. An additional benefit to the property owner is the assurance that their system is up to standards and functions properly. It is a win - win for both water quality and property value.
Cost Share Payment Amounts
Pump out
50% of cost or $225 max (up to $360 low income) 50% of cost or $3,250 max (up to $5,200 low income) 50% of cost or $3,750 max (up to $6,000 low income) Alternative systems not eligible 50% of cost or $6,250 max (up to $10,000 low income) 50% of cost or $8,250 max (up to $13,200 low income) 50% of cost or $15,750 max (up to $25,200 low income) 50% of cost or $6,250 max up to $10,000 low income) 50% of cost or $10,250 max (up to $16,400 low income)
Pump out & Inspection
Repair
Conventional system
Conventional system with pump Engineered/ Alternative system
Connection to public sewer
Connection to sewer with pump
If you have not had your septic system pumped out in the last five years, and you are a resident of Orange County, you are now eligible! This program is available for residential properties only. A basic pump out of your septic tank and an inspection are the best insurance for maintaining a functional system. The program offers 50 percent reimbursement for any occupied residential property, with up to 80 percent for low - income households. See the chart for reference. Pump outs with an inspection extend the life of a system and prevent higher costs later on if the systems fail. If further repairs are indicated by the pump out and inspection, the owner is still eligible for the additional repair payments. Applications are required and need to be approved prior to the work being done or funding can be declined. Free assistance with initial assessments of individual system needs is available from the District. Reimbursement payments are made promptly once the work has been completed. The program is entirely voluntary and assistance from the District is free of charge.
Further information on the program is available from the District at (540) 948 - 7531 or (540) 825 - 8591. Funding for these projects has been secured by the Culpeper Soil and Water Conservation District from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Commonwealth of Virginia.
Page 11 | July 2024
Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter