Only homes in Suffolk County that are served by a cesspool or a conventional septic tank system, and not connected to a public sewer or located in a proposed sewer district, qualify for the program.

Under the county’s program, homeowners may receive up to $10,000 in grants for an approved upgrade. Additional incentives apply if you are low to moderate income or if your upgrade requires a pressurized shallow drainfield.

No. The application must be submitted before the installation begins. The official grant rules state the applicant must secure the grant award prior to installing the system.

You’ll be asked to submit documents including a copy of the homeowner’s insurance policy, current property tax bill, certificate of occupancy or zoning compliance, and if applicable, tax-return pages for the low/moderate income incentive.

The program is designed to replace old systems with advanced nitrogen‐removal technologies (I/A OWTS) that significantly reduce nitrogen pollution, which has been shown to contribute to beach closures, shell-fishing restrictions, and water clarity problems in Suffolk County. By participating, you’re helping protect the local water supply and ecosystems while improving your own property’s wastewater handling.