Septic System Repair & Replacement Grant Program

July 27, 2026 by Ariana Henderson in Uncategorized

JEFFERSON COUNTY SECURES $550,000 STATE GRANT TO HELP SHORELINEHOMEOWNERS UPGRADE AGING SEPTIC SYSTEMS

Jefferson County officials recently announced a major environmental win for localshoreline residents, confirming the county’s acceptance of a $550,000 grant award toparticipate in Round 5 of the State Septic System Replacement Fund Program.
The program directly targets Jefferson County residents living along prioritywaterbodies, including Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, who lack access tomunicipal sewer lines and currently rely on aging private septic systems or cesspools.Outdated, inadequate, or failing septic systems close to local waterways are leadingcontributors to nutrient pollution, which threatens public drinking water supplies andharms the local tourism and fishing industries.

The newly enacted state legislation eases the financial burden of upgradinginfrastructure. Under the guidelines, eligible property owners can be reimbursed for upto 50% of eligible costs (up to $10,000) for the installation of a conventional septicsystem.
Funding is distributed on a reimbursement basis to single-family, two-family, seasonalhome, or small business property owners with inadequate or failing septic systemslocated within 250 feet of an eligible waterbody without access to public sewers.

Jefferson County designated Round 5 priority waterbodies include:Chaumont Bay, Guffin Bay, and Eastern Lake Ontario ShorelineHyde Lake, Moon Lake, and Pleasant Lake (including Tribs to Pleasant Lake)Saint Lawrence River (Main Stem and Minor Tribs), Oswegatchie River (MiddleMain Stem), and Indian River (Middle and minor tribs)Hart Brook (and tribs), Little Sandy Creek (Upper and tribs), Skinner Creek (Middle and tribs), West Creek (Upper and tribs), and Minor Tributaries to the Black River
Property owners are encouraged to review geographic eligibility and initiate theapplication process online: Jefferson County Septic Grants Portal

Local Program Contact:Aileen Anderson

Community Development Coordinator

Email: [email protected]

https://www.wwnytv.com/2026/07/21/jefferson-county-lands-550k-grant-shoreline-septic-replacements

Interested parties may use the interactive map to search by address to see if your parcel may be eligible:

NYS Septic Replacement Fund Program Map Viewer of Potential Eligible Parcels

More detailed information is provided below:

Septic Repair and Replacement Program Flyer

Septic Repair and Replacement Program Application Form

IRS W-9 Form (Required)

Septic Repair and Replacement Reimbursement Form

Septic Repair Fund Tax Guidance and 1099 FAQ