Homeowners living near four waterbodies in Citrus County, Florida, are subject to new septic regulations as of Dec. 15, 2025, the Citrus County Chronicle reported. Homes in the Basin Management Action Plan areas of Kings Bay, Crystal River, Homosassa and Chassahowitzka Springs must install nitrogen-reducing septic systems when upgrading their septic system.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection provided $3.9 million for an incentive program to help cover the cost of installation. The Citrus County Septic Upgrade Incentive Program will reimburse homeowners up to $7,000. The program ends on March 31, 2027, or when the funding runs out. 

For more information about the new septic regulations or to apply for a grant, contact the Citrus County Housing Services. 

Arizona

The city of Chino Hills, Arizona, is offering $7,500 grants to low-income homeowners to help pay for home improvement projects, the Chino Valley Champion reported. The grants can be used for a variety of improvement projects including septic system upgrades. Homeowners can receive one grant every 10 years.

For more information or to apply for the grant program, contact the Community Services Department at Chino Hills. 

California

Placer County, California, recently updated its rules related to septic installation and upgrades, the Placer Sentinel reported. Placer County’s Local Agency Management Program oversaw the regulation changes. 

The new regulations simplified some language and updated standards to comply with state law and local codes. Among the changes, the new rules allow for smaller tank sizes and the ability to connect accessory dwelling units or other new residential structures to existing systems with ample capacity. Additionally, homeowners who need to repair or replace a septic can avoid connecting to sewer if connecting costs more than twice the amount of the replacement or repairs.

New York

New York residents living near specific waterbodies, including Delta Reservoir and Mohawk River, are eligible for grants to repair or replace their failing septic systems, WKTV reported. The New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation provided $200,000 in funding to Oneida County to be used for septic upgrades. Property owners who qualify can receive up to $10,000 to cover up to 50% of a septic replacement or repair project.

For more information or to apply for a grant, contact the Oneida County Health Department. 

Massachusetts

For a second time in 2025, the Wellfleet board of health in Massachusetts amended its local septic regulations, reported The Provincetown Independent. The board rescinded regulations approved in January and adopted new regulations in October. 

The new septic rules require septic upgrades when property owners increase septic flow or experience a cesspool or septic failure, but not when they sell their property or expand their living space. If a septic upgrade is required, property owners enter administrative consent orders with the board of health and have two years for plan development. Typically, new systems are to be Title 5. 

The new regulations also tighten guidelines for granting variances.  

The State of Massachusetts Water Quality Management Committee heard testimony in support of House Bill 4082 in October, The Enterprise reported. The bill advocates for changing a nonrefundable Title 5 septic tax credit to a refundable tax credit. A refundable tax credit would return money to taxpayers of varying income levels while easing the financial burden for property owners upgrading to an innovative/alternative septic system or connecting to the municipal sewer system. The state set the tax credit at $4,000 per year, with a total maximum of $18,000.

According to the Board of Health’s recently adopted septic regulations, property owners in nitrogen-regulated areas must install I/A systems. The cost of installing an I/A system varies from $30,000 to $60,000 or more.

Before House Bill 4082 advances in the Legislature, it will need to pass through several other state committees.

South Carolina

Homeowners in Lexington County, South Carolina, may be eligible for cost-share grants for septic upgrades or septic system replacement, WISTV reported. The Congaree Creek Septic 319 Project is offering 60%-80% cost-share assistance to properties located in the Congaree Creek Watershed. Project funding is provided by the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services and Environmental Protection Agency. 

To qualify for funds, homeowners must complete an application and provide two quotes for projects less than $5,000 and three quotes for projects more than $5,000. 

For more information, contact Lexington County officials.