Oneida County Awarding Grant Money for Septic System Repair or Replacement

County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. announced today that the Oneida County Health Department is now accepting applications for 50% reimbursement up to $10,000 for repair or replacement of residential and commercial septic systems. 

"Oneida County is committed to ensuring the health and safety of our residents and businesses,” Picente said. “This septic system reimbursement program is a vital step in protecting our environment and supporting the long-term sustainability of our communities. I urge those eligible to apply immediately for this outstanding opportunity."

Oneida County has been identified by New York State as being in a priority geographic area where there is a critical need to reduce the impact of sewage effluent from cesspools and septic systems on groundwater and surface water.

As part of the Clean Water Infrastructure Act of 2017, New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation has funded $200,000 to Oneida County for properties located in the priority area to receive septic system repair or replacement funding. The designation is based on the locations’ vulnerability to contamination, known water quality problems and other criteria. In order to be eligible, properties must be located within 250 feet of the following waterbodies that were designated by the State:

• Barker/Eli Creek and Tributaries
• Beaver Brook and Tributaries
• Big Brook and Tributaries
• Delta Reservoir
• East Branch Fish Creek, Lower, Minor Tributary
• East Branch Fish Creek, Upper, Minor Tributary
• East Branch Mohawk River and Tributaries
• Echo Lake/North Pond
• Fall Brook and Tributaries
• Florence Creek, Upper and Tributaries
• Hinckley Reservoir
• Lansing Kill and Tributaries
• Minor Tributaries to Hinckley Reservoir
• Mohawk River, Upper and Minor Tributaries
• Mohawk River, Upper and Tributaries
• Rome Reservoir
• Stringer Brook and Tributaries
• Tributary of Delta Reservoir
• Tributary of Sauquoit Creek, Upper
• Upper Murray Brook, Oneida Lake Tributary
• White Creek, Upper and Tributaries

A map of eligible properties is available here. Applications can be made here.

Applicants must provide sufficient information about the condition of the septic system and the scope and cost of the proposed repair or replacement. The estimate should include cost of engineering/design services, time and material costs.

All septic system replacement and/or upgrades must be approved by the Oneida County Health Department and must be designed by a licensed engineer and require local codes approval.

The program ends March 31, 2027 or until the $200,000 has been awarded.

For questions, call the Oneida County Health Department at 315-798-5064 or email environmentalhealth@oneidacountyny.gov.