The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation has determined priority waterbodies, making homeowners in the surrounding areas eligible for funding assistance.

Priority waterbodies in Albany County

Single-family homes, two-family homes, and small businesses with septic systems not exceeding 1,000 gallons per day and located within 250 feet of the waterbodies listed above that are in "Failure" or are a "Reasonably Likely to Fail" system are eligible to participate in the program.

Septic systems located greater than 250 feet from the waterbodies listed above, and that are defined as "Failing" or as "Reasonably Likely to Fail" systems may be eligible to participate in the program if the County determines that the existing septic system has the reasonable potential to adversely impact any such waterbody.

Use our interactive map to determine if your property falls within the eligibility area.

Note: The map uses postal abbreviations. For example, search "CR 111"  instead of "County Route 111." If your address doesn't work, try typing in your last name.

• Replacement of a cesspool with a septic system
• Installation, replacement or upgrade of a septic system or septic system components
• Installation of enhanced treatment technologies, including an advanced nitrogen removal system

Eligible Costs for Reimbursement

• Design and installation costs
• Costs of the system
• System components
• Enhanced treatment technologies
• Design costs (limited only to work needed to complete approved design)

Ineligible Costs for Reimbursement

• Routine maintenance such as pump out of a septic tank
• Expenses that are not appropriately documented
• Government permit fee
• Interest and late fees
• Fines and penalties
• Sales tax payment
• Non-essential site beautification or interior plumbing changes
• Administrative work conducted by the engineer
• Construction observation by the engineer if the engineer, or an entity owned, controlled by or employing the engineer, is also conducting the repair or replacement

To Apply

• Complete the grant application and submit it to SepticReplacement@albanycountyny.gov.
• Applications will be allocated to eligible projects on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Please read the application carefully and be sure to provide all the requested information to avoid delays or denial of funding.
• If your project is selected, the County will notify you of your grant award and how much you can expect to be reimbursed.
• The County will also notify you if your project does not qualify for a grant.

SSRP Grant Application [PDF]

 If you receive an award letter…

• Accept the award by signing and returning the award letter to the County to confirm your acceptance.
• After you've accepted the award, you will be responsible for selecting and hiring a design professional and contractor for your septic system project.
• After completing your project, submit a request for reimbursement to the County.
• Property owners are initially responsible for the total cost of their septic system projects.
• The property owner may choose to have the reimbursement paid directly to the contractor.
• The County will review the reimbursement request and will either approve, modify, or deny it as necessary, subsequently issuing payments to property owners or their contractors.

For more information, you can visit the Environmental Facilities Corporation's Septic System Replacement Fund website.

If you have questions about drinking water wells, you can contact us or visit the NYS Department of Health's "Private Wells: Protect Your Family's Water" website.

How to contact us about this program:

(518) 447-4649
SepticReplacement@albanycountyny.gov
Monday – Friday, 8:30AM – 4:30PM
175 Green Street, Albany, NY 12202