Financial Resources for Septic Systems
- Maryland Bay Restoration Fund: https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/Water/BayRestorationFund/OnsiteDisposalSystems/Pages/index.aspx
- Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project (SERCAP): https://sercap.org/
USDA Rural Development:
For communities:
- Rural Decentralized Water Systems Grant Program: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-environmental-programs/rural-decentralized-water-systems-grant-program
- Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-environmental-programs/water-waste-disposal-loan-grant-program
For Homeowners:
- Individual Water and Wastewater Grants: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-environmental-programs/rural-decentralized-water-systems-grant-program
Financial Assistance for Repairing Septic Systems
Similar to any mechanical device or appliance, septic systems have a lifespan and require regular maintenance. Concrete or plastic tanks can last 50 years plus, and the average lifespan of a drainfield component of a system is 2-40 years depending on system type and soil characteristics. Repairing or replacing a system can be a significant expense, and is often especially challenging for lower or fixed income households. Fortunately, there are several federal, state and local government grant or loan programs to help with costs. The following is a list of several major financial assistance programs. It is advisable to check with your county government to determine if they have any programs.
- EPA - A list of various financing resources for septic systems: https://www.epa.gov/septic/funding-septic-systems
- Maryland Bay Restoration Fund - A grant program to replace failing or non-conforming set tanks with Best Available Technology (BAT) units in priority locations. Funding can cover 100% of the BAT cost. Local County Health Departments administer the program: https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/Water/BayRestorationFund/OnsiteDisposalSystems/Pages/index.aspx
- Maryland WholeHome - A grant program of the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development to help homeowners with necessary repairs and energy efficiency improvements: https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Residents/Pages/WholeHome.aspx
- Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project (SERCAP) - Offers loans of up to $15,000 to residents of rural communities to pay for the installation of a new standard or alternative septic system. The interest rate is locked-in at the low-rate of 1%: https://sercap.org/ and https://sercap.org/sites/default/files/2022-02/SERCAP%20-%20Individual%20Programs%20Application%20-20Revised%20February%202022%20-%20Fillable.pdf
US Department of Agriculture Rural Development:
For communities -
Rural Decentralized Water Systems Grant Program:
- https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-environmental-programs/rural-decentralized-water-systems-grant-program
- https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-environmental-programs/water-waste-disposal-loan-grant-program
For Homeowners -
Individual Water and Wastewater Grants: