There are plenty of long-term residents who are in older homes with older utilities. Old septic systems that are wearing out or leaking become a health and water quality concern. This is especially true when the home is along a river or stream, such as the Sandy and Zigzag Rivers.

Help to repair or replace those failing septic systems is available. The Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District has a new septic repair grant. This grant program is a welcome addition to our existing zero-interest loan program that continues to be an option for all residents of Clackamas County. With both programs in place, we can assist more people.

Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District received this grant to help lower-income residents of Clackamas County repair or replace their septic system or connect to existing sewer lines. In the process, water quality is protected, even if the property is not directly on a waterway. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality awarded the grant to the District with funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

The septic system repair grant program is available while funding lasts or through June 30, 2024.

Approved homeowners have until December 31, 2026, to complete construction of the project. Eligibility is based on the property owner/household income compared to the Federal Poverty Line. A table showing qualifications is available on our website https://bit.ly/42Lmjxj or by contacting us at 503-210-6000.

If this grant is something that would be helpful to you and you are eligible, please complete an application that is available on our website. We will send an application by mail upon request. Then submit a bid from one of the pre-qualified contractors – that list is also on our website. If funding is available, the homeowners and District will sign a grant agreement and the project may begin.

This grant program covers required permits including a site evaluation, septic repair permit, and associated plumbing and/or electrical permits for the repair. The grant does not cover regular pumping for septic tanks or septic systems for new development.

Septic systems can last a long time with care, but they do not last forever. Tanks will wear out or drain fields need repair or replacement. This program is for homeowners who are unsure of how to afford expensive repairs to old or failing septic systems. The action of repairing or replacing septic systems directly benefits property owners but also has a positive impact on surface and groundwater. Clean water that moves downstream benefits everyone.

For information please contact Heather Nielsen at 503-210-6000, or septicrepair@conservationdistrict.org, or by visiting our website: https://bit.ly/42Lmjxj.