Learn how Suffolk County homeowners can access up to $30,000 in grants for modern nitrogen-reducing septic systems through step-by-step guidance.
The funding comes from two main sources working together. The Suffolk County Septic Improvement Program provides up to $10,000 base grant, with up to an additional $10,000 that can be awarded to a grantee that installs a pressurized shallow drain field leaching system ($5,000) and/or toward the unit installation for low to moderate income eligible applicants ($5,000).
New York State adds another layer through their Septic System Replacement Program. Under the new law, eligible property owners can be reimbursed 50 percent of eligible costs up to $10,000 for the installation of a conventional system, or up to 75 percent of eligible costs up to $25,000 for the installation of an enhanced septic system.
Some East End towns sweeten the deal even further. $25,000 in grant funds are available from Suffolk County’s Septic Improvement Program, which includes $15,000 from the county and another $10,000 in matching funds from New York State. Since 2016, Southampton Town also provides an additional $20,000 in rebate funds.
The eligibility requirements are straightforward, but they’re strictly enforced. In order to be eligible for a grant, the residence must be equipped with a septic tank system or cesspool and not connected to a sewer system or located within a proposed sewer district.
Your property must meet several basic criteria. Must have Property Deed recorded with the Suffolk County Clerk. The Property cannot have tax liens or be in foreclosure. Must be current on payment of property tax. These aren’t negotiable—the county checks every application thoroughly.
New construction on a vacant lot is not eligible. The program specifically targets existing homes with failing or outdated systems. You’ll also need to work with approved contractors. Applicants must use an installer from the County’s list in order to be eligible for grant funding. Installer is paid County SIP and NYS SSRP grant funds directly by Suffolk County on the homeowner’s behalf.
Priority goes to properties in designated areas. Many neighborhoods in Riverhead Town are designated by Suffolk County as priority areas for new advanced septic systems, due to their proximity to surface water and groundwater sources. Applications from those areas are more likely to receive financial assistance. The county uses specific criteria: presence of a sole-source aquifer used for drinking water and proximity to impaired water bodies.
Income considerations can boost your funding. Both the County and the Town grant programs offer additional funding for low-to-moderate income applicants. This means you might qualify for the maximum $30,000 even if your system costs less.
The paperwork might seem overwhelming, but it’s manageable when you know what to expect. Online Application is available at www.ReclaimOurWater.info. Start gathering documents before you begin the online process—it’ll save you time and frustration.
You’ll need several key documents. Copy of Certificate of Occupancy or Zoning Compliance for the dwelling – available from the Town Clerk’s office and an up-to-date property survey are essential. Your survey must show underground utilities including gas, water, and electric lines.
Septic pumping receipts if you pump to empty your septic system or cesspool two or more times per year can fast-track your application. If you have pumped your existing system more than two times in the last 12 months and can provide receipts that document your costs, you will get priority.
The county determines system size based on your home’s bedroom count. The county determines the size and capacity of the septic you require for your house based on the number of bedrooms, which it uses to determine the potential number of people who live or could live in your house. This affects both your grant amount and system requirements.
Applicants must apply for and be issued a grant prior to installation of the I/A OWTS. Don’t start any work before approval—you’ll lose your funding eligibility. The process takes time, so plan accordingly. Currently, the County grant processing period can take several months for non-failure upgrades.
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Understanding the real costs helps you plan your budget and maximize your grants. The average total cost for nitrogen-reducing I/A systems is approximately $25,000.00, plus the cost of attendant engineering and design services. The average cost for a 3–5-bedroom home is $17,000 -$24,000, though costs vary significantly based on your property’s specific conditions.
Basic installations typically range from $5,000 to $20,000, while advanced nitrogen-reducing systems can cost $15,000 to $25,000. However, substantial grant funding makes these systems more affordable than many homeowners realize.
Suffolk County has specific requirements you must meet. As of July 1, 2021, Suffolk County requires I/A OWTS for all new single-family residential construction projects and all existing residential projects classified as ‘Major Reconstruction’. The technology isn’t optional anymore—it’s the law for most situations.
These aren’t just fancy septic systems—they’re solving a real environmental crisis. Studies show that declining water quality that has closed beaches, caused brown tides and fish kills is caused by excess nitrogen, and that cesspools and septics are the largest source of nitrogen pollution.
These systems use advanced treatment methods to remove nitrogen and other pollutants from wastewater before it is released into the environment. One popular type of I/A-OWTS is the nitrogen-reducing system. These systems use bacteria to convert nitrates into nitrogen gas, which is released into the air. This effectively removes the nitrogen from the wastewater, reducing the risk of eutrophication and other negative effects.
The performance standards are impressive. These technologies reduce the nitrogen entering the groundwater from our wastewater by more than 70%. Provisional sampling data shows that both technologies reduce Total Nitrogen (TN) levels far below the 19 mg/L Suffolk County Standard.
Two main manufacturers dominate the Suffolk County market. There are two I/A-OWTS manufacturers whose septic treatment systems have been fully approved for use in Suffolk County by the Suffolk County Department of Health Services (SCDHS): Fujiclean and HydroAction. Both systems are designed for Long Island’s unique soil and groundwater conditions.
They are also low maintenance, energy-efficient and easy to install, making them ideal solutions for addressing the problem of nitrogen pollution caused by septic systems on Long Island. You’re not just getting a septic system—you’re getting technology that protects the entire region’s water quality.
Understanding ongoing costs helps you budget for the system’s entire lifecycle. Homeowners should be aware that although I/A OWTS have a long track record of use in the USA, they do contain components such as pumps, floats, air compressors, and controls that may need to be replaced at some point during the useful life of the system. These component repair and replacement costs could range from $50 to $200.
Pumping requirements are different from traditional systems. Although these systems provide advanced treatment, they will still need to be occasionally pumped by a septage hauler. Depending on use of the system, it is estimated that the average system would need to be pumped out every 3-5 years. A typical pump-out is estimated to cost $300 – $500.
Registration is mandatory and ongoing. Property owners are required to register their I/A OWTS with their County’s Health Department at time of Final Approval from the Department. Registration is updated every 3 years and upon property transfer. There is no cost to register your I/A OWTS, but it is critical in order for SCDHS to ensure proper function of your I/A OWTS.
The systems include visible components you’ll need to maintain access to. Covers provide access to your septic system so that your service provider can inspect and maintain your septic system. Covers can be landscaped around but must remain fully accessible. Control Panels are the brains of the I/A OWTS and usually mounted to the side of the dwelling.
Most homeowners find the maintenance manageable compared to the benefits. The systems are designed for Suffolk County’s conditions and have proven reliability when properly maintained. Your grant funding makes the initial investment affordable, and the long-term costs are predictable and reasonable.
The $30,000 in available funding represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to upgrade your property’s wastewater system at minimal cost. It has never been easier to access critical funding than it is today. The combination of state and county programs, plus additional town funding in some areas, can cover your entire installation cost.
Start by gathering your documentation and checking your eligibility at ReclaimOurWater.info. Remember that Applicants must apply for and be issued a grant prior to installation—don’t begin any work without approval.
Working with experienced professionals makes the difference between a smooth process and months of frustration. We have guided Suffolk County homeowners through grant applications for over 25 years, ensuring you get maximum funding while meeting all requirements. Contact us to start your grant application process and protect both your property and Long Island’s water quality.
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