There’s a Link Between My Septic System and Water Pollution? YES!!

Cesspools and septic systems have been identified as the largest contributor of nitrogen pollution to the East End’s surface and groundwater systems.  Nitrogen pollution is responsible for beach closures, shellfishing restrictions, fish kills and toxic algal blooms.  Unfortunately, conventional septic systems cannot effectively filter nitrogen.  However, the widespread replacement of existing systems with Innovative and Alternative Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (I/A OWTS) can begin to reverse water quality degradation.  

The good news - significant funding from New York State, Suffolk County and several East End towns has made the cost of the alternative systems affordable. According to Suffolk County, the average cost of an approved, alternative system can be as low as $21,000 (for a typical 4-bedroom home) with costs varying on a case-by-case basis.  Homeowners can take advantage of up to $30,000 in County and State grants to cover system costs.  The towns of Southampton, East Hampton and Shelter Island offer additional rebates that can be combined with County and State funds. Low-cost financing is also available to certain applicants. Eligibility and application requirements between County, State and Town funds differ.

Funding Info

Suffolk County’s
”Reclaim Our Water”
Septic Improvement Program
Suffolk County Department of Health Services
(631) 852-5811
septicdemo@suffolkcountyny.gov

Town of Southampton
Southampton Town CPF Office
(631) 287-5720
septicrebate@southamptonny.gov
Rebate Info Brochure

Town of East Hampton 
Town of East Hampton Department of Natural Resources
(631) 324-0496
septicrebate@EHamptonNY.gov
Rebate Info Brochure

Town of Shelter Island 
Water Quality Advisory Committee
(631) 749-0758 
cthuman@shelterislandtown.gov
Application Information