Four U.S. Representatives have introduced a bill ensuring that state and local grants for septic repairs are not taxable income, reported multiple media outlets. Three Florida Republicans, Greg Steube, Aaron Bean, and Gus Bilirakis, and New York Democrat Tom Suozzi introduced the SEPTIC Act: Septic Exclusion for Property Owners through Tax-free Infrastructure Compensation Act.
About 2.6 million households rely on septic systems in Florida; that’s 12% of the nation’s septic systems. In a news release, Rep. Steube said families shouldn’t be taxed for making critical updates to septic systems.
“Failing septic systems pose a serious risk to our water supply and public health,” Rep. Steube said.
Currently, it is unclear if septic system improvement grants are taxable income. The SEPTIC Act would create a nationwide exclusion by amending the Internal Revenue Service code.
Kern County real estate market changes with new septic rules
The real estate market in Kern County, California, is facing new challenges as stricter septic standards are causing home sales to stall or fail, multiple media outlets reported. The revised Kern County Onsite Systems Manual requires greater technical scrutiny than a traditional home inspection.
Under the revised guidelines, inspections thoroughly evaluate a septic system’s performance, including cumulative impact assessments and watertightness testing. The evaluations often include video camera diagnostics and technical load testing.
Some sellers can correct septic system issues with pumpouts and maintenance, costing a few hundred or a few thousand dollars. However, other homeowners are facing much higher costs because of their homes’ proximity to public sewer. Homes located within 200 feet of public sewer must connect to municipal services if their septic system is failing. Connection costs are estimated at $25,000. The unexpected cost of repairs or connection are delaying or undermining about 20% of the real estate transactions in Kern County.
Florida county’s septic upgrade incentive program provides funds to homeowners
Homes located near springs of water in Orange County, Florida, may be eligible for up to $10,000 to upgrade their septic systems, Spectrum News 13 reported. Orange County’s Septic Upgrade Incentive Program is providing funds for homeowners to upgrade their conventional systems to enhanced systems. To check for eligibility, homeowners can visit the Orange County website and type in their address.
Funding provided to Arizona Apache Tribal Council for septic and well replacement
The San Carlos Apache Tribal Council in Arizona has received $321,179 for septic replacement and well installation, multiple media outlets reported. The funding was made available through the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s Native American Affairs Technical Assistance Program. The grant is a small portion of a $63 million funding initiative designated for 10 tribal water projects in the Western United States. The grants are part of a federal effort to address water-quality and sanitation issues on tribal lands, especially in rural areas.
Tippecanoe County residents may receive grants for septic repairs, maintenance
The Wabash River Enhancement Corp. is offering grants for septic repairs, pumping and inspections in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, the Lafayette Journal & Courier reported. Low-income residents and residents living near streams will be granted priority. The grants will cover up to 75% of the cost for septic maintenance and repair.
Before applying, residents must obtain a quote from a Tippecanoe County Health Department-approved installer. Applications are due Aug. 15, 2026.
Indiana county allows septic receiving pits due to impending receiving station closure
Vanderburgh County Commissioners in Indiana passed a controversial ordinance allowing septic receiving pits in light and heavy industrial areas, multiple media outlets reported. Several residents spoke out against the ordinance, citing concerns about raw septic sludge located near residential properties.
Commissioners said the ordinance gives private companies flexible options for waste disposal since the local Sewer and Utility will close its receiving station for septic waste, fats, oils and grease on July 1.
Michigan EGLE continues low-interest loans for septic replacement and repair
For a second year in a row, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy will offer low-interest loans for septic repairs and replacement, multiple news outlets reported. The Septic Replacement Loan Program provides 10-year loans with interest rates of 1%-6%, dependent on household income. EGLE contracts with Michigan Saves to manage the program, and more information is available at the Michigan Saves website.
Major League Fishing and Zoeller Pumps donate to James River Basin Partnership
The Major League Fishing Fisheries Management Division and Zoeller Pumps have invested in the Ozarks water quality by donating $11,000 to the James River Basin Partnership in Missouri, according to a news release by Major League Fishing.
The donation will support the James River Basin Partnership’s Fresh Flush septic pumpout rebate program. Established in 2003, the program has provided rebates for more than 6,800 pumpouts. Every year, 160-200 homeowners participate in the program, receiving up to $150 to offset the cost of septic pumpouts. The program is designed to improve water quality for the James River which feeds into Table Rock Lake.
Fresh Flush is the first of three conservation projects under the We Work For Water program run by Major League Fishing Fisheries Management Division and Zoeller Pumps.
“Programs like this are exactly what fisheries management should look like – practical, measurable and rooted in community impact,” said MLF co-founder and FMD co-director Gary Klein. “This investment helps address water quality at its source, ensuring that fisheries like Table Rock Lake remain healthy and productive for generations to come.”
North Carolina housing recovery program aids in repairs after Hurricane Helene
The Western Piedmont Council of Governments has launched a $6 million housing recovery program to help North Carolina homeowners repair damage caused by Hurricane Helene, WHKY News reported. The Home Repair Readiness Program will provide funds for at least 275 homes.
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality awarded the funding, designating it for the repair of septic systems, roofs, plumbing, HVAC, electrical and other needs. The program prioritizes grants to low-income and moderate-income homeowners whose primary residence sustained damage. Households may be eligible for up to $25,000. More information is available at wncready.org.
New York’s Westchester County creates Septic System Rehabilitation and Sewer Connection Program
The Westchester County Board of Legislators in New York has created the Septic System Rehabilitation and Sewer Connection Program, the North Salem News reported. The $3.5 million initiative offers funds to homeowners and small businesses for septic system repairs or sewer connection if properties are located within 100 feet of a sewer line.
The Westchester County Department of Planning is administering the program, which is funded through the City of New York’s East of Hudson Water Quality Improvement Program. More information is available at the Westchester County Planning Department website.
Congaree Creek Watershed area homeowners with failing systems eligible for grant funding
Homeowners with failing septic systems in the Congaree Creek Watershed in Lexington County, South Carolina, are encouraged to apply for grant funding, WLTX News 19 reported. Lexington County is offering septic system grants, funded by the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Grants are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
More information and applications can be found on the Lexington Countywide Stormwater Consortium website.
North Carolina commission addressing failing onsite system concerns
The North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission continues to discuss concerns regarding failing septic systems and other environmental issues in erosion-prone ocean hazard areas, the Island Free Press reported. The commission is working with county and state officials and other stakeholders to adapt coastal policies regarding storm monitoring, septic failures, erosion, infrastructure vulnerability and coastal permitting.
Because multiple agencies have jurisdiction over development and septic system permitting along the Outer Banks, creating a long-term solution is more complex. The commission advanced several proposals but did not finalize any major policy changes.
Washington county adopts septic inspection rule
The Snohomish County Board of Health in Washington adopted an ordinance requiring the inspection of all septic systems before the sale of a property, multiple media outlets reported. The ordinance, which takes effect Nov. 1, aligns county regulations with a new state law that mandates septic inspections by a certified septic professional within a year of a home’s closing date.
Homeowners can review septic system grants, rebates and more information at the Snohomish County Health Department’s Savvy Septic program website.
