Publication Summary

This publication provides information about funding on-site sewer system repairs through the Washington State Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund.

This publication provides information about funding on-site sewer system repairs through the Washington State Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund.

Many counties in the state of Washington have used the Washington State Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund (SRF) low-interest loan program to create local loan programs to help residents and small businesses pay for needed repairs and upgrades of faulty on-site septic systems. Most local loan programs are administered by local health jurisdictions who apply for loan funding through the Department of Ecology′s Water Quality Financial Assistance Program. The SRF has provided almost $10 million to repair or replace more than 500 failing septic systems in Washington State.

In counties with local loan programs, residents have more financial options for dealing with failing on-site septic systems. Rather than face enforcement action or the possibility of having to move out of their home or to close shop, residents and small businesses may qualify for a low-interest loan from their local government to help defray the costs to repair their waste water system. Terms are established by local jurisdictions. Individual loan terms range from 3 to 20 years, and interest rates are typically lower than market rates.