Septic Repair and Replacement

Repairing, replacing and maintaining septic systems to protect water quality

Septic Repair and Replacement

The CWC Septic Repair & Replacement Program is a voluntary program for eligible homeowners in the West-of-Hudson NYC Watershed, including parts of Delaware, Greene, Ulster, Schoharie, and Sullivan counties.

The program assists single family homes, as well as home-business properties, with septic systems that are at least 20 years old and treat less than 1,000 gallons per day. Eligible primary residences may qualify for up to 100% reimbursement of approved repair or replacement costs, while non-primary residences may qualify for up to 60%.

Scroll below to learn more about each program, whether or not you are eligible, and how you can apply!

Getting Started:

Step 1: Connect with a contractor to locate, uncover, and pump the system for initial inspection. If no issue is found, you may be eligible for reimbursement through our maintenance program, if needed, follow the next steps for our replacement program.

Step 2: If eligible, contact the CWC  to schedule a site visit. Staff will review your system to confirm eligibility and sign you up for the program.

Step 3:  Hire an engineer to design the system and a contractor to complete the work. Quotes for design and construction must be submitted to CWC for written approval before work begins. If a quote exceeds $30,000, the CWC Board of Directors must approve the cost and scope of work prior to construction commencing. Please note sales tax is not an eligible cost.

*Homeowners are responsible for obtaining local permits and ensuring NYC DEP approval before construction starts.

Please note: the program does not cover systems serving newly constructed homes or septic systems less than 20 years old.

Catskill Watershed Corporation Septic Program Inquiry

The Catskill Watershed Corporation Septic Programs help homeowners, small businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities in the NYC Watershed west of the Hudson River meet septic system regulations and protect local water quality. Through repair, replacement, and maintenance assistance programs, CWC helps offset the cost and complexity of maintaining compliant septic systems. To help us best serve you, please complete the form below to get started!

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Personal Details

Name(Required)
Address(Required)

Project Details

Location(Required)
Septic programs are ONLY available in the following counties and only to towns located within the Watershed.
What type of request is this?(Required)

Structure Type(Required)
Septic replacement reimbursement is available to full-time primary residents at 100% and non-primary residents at 60%. Proof of residency status is required.
Design and Construction(Required)
The homeowner is responsible for hiring a designer, engineer and contractor for their septic project. The CWC cannot make recommendations for these service providers or the plans and/or work they perform for you. Do you currently have these professionals in place?
Age of Home(Required)
Septic replacement is available to home over 20 years old, please share the age of your home.
Permits + Regulations(Required)
It is the homeowner’s responsibility to make certain that any needed local permits are obtained, and that the NYC DEP has approved the design and is notified at least 48 hours before construction commences. You must approve site access for the CWC and the DEP to participate in septic programs.

Additional Information

Please describe any additional details, questions or concerns you may have. If you are working with contractors, engineer or designers please provide their information as well.
You can provide images of your project, copy of reports or other supporting materials here.
Max. file size: 64 MB.
Installation of a residential septic system

Expanded Septic Repair

The CWC’s ESR Program is a voluntary program that aids in the repair or replacement of failing or likely to fail septic systems. It is designed for small businesses, non-for-profits, and government entities in the West-of-Hudson Watershed. Funding assistance is also available for alteration/ modifications of septic systems required by change of use. The level of reimbursement is determined by the number of employees.

Small business owners who believe their septic system is failing should contact the CWC for an inspection. If repairs are deemed necessary, the owner shall secure an engineer to design them and the CWC shall review the design and indicate what can be funded. The owner must obtain design approval from NYC DEP and, if required, from NYS Department of Health (DOH) before obtaining a construction bid which must then be approved by the CWC. The owner is also responsible for obtaining any necessary permits from local municipalities and the County or State DOH, whichever is applicable, before proceeding with construction. After construction is complete and has been approved by DEP (and, if required, by DOH), the owner may submit a reimbursement application to CWC with a copy of the DEP Construction Approval form.

In the event that potential reimbursement exceeds $30,000, the Board of Directors shall approve the scope of work and the cost of the system before construction may begin. Enterprises served or potentially served by community wastewater system are not eligible for this program.

Septic Reimbursement Application
Operating a large excavator for the installation of a septic system

Septic Maintenance

The CWC’s Septic Maintenance Program reimburses 50% of costs to uncover and pump out septic tanks in the West-of-Hudson Watershed. It is a voluntary program available to homeowners, small businesses, not-for-profit corporations and government entities.

Septic tanks should be pumped and inspected every three to five years by a licensed septic pumper to prevent system failures that result in costly repairs and pose a threat to health and environment. Enzyme treatments and septic system additives are not eligible costs and are not recommended.

Any owner of a property having an onsite septic system outside of a septic maintenance district and not required by local law to connect to a sewer collection system is eligible to apply. Property owners are eligible for pump out cost reimbursement every three years.

To receive reimbursement, the owner hires a licensed septic pumper to pump out their septic tank. The septic pumper completes the program’s Septic Tank Pump Out and Inspection Checklist which the property owner submits to the CWC with the invoice for the work, proof of payment (paid receipt) and a CWC Reimbursement Application. The CWC will reimburse 50% of eligible costs.

Note: CWC does not pay sales tax.

Septic Maintenance Reimbursement Application
Maintaining the health of a Septic system by regular pumpouts

Septic Education

CWC hosts seminars for contractors, engineers, and regulators in our large capacity conference room in Arkville. These events can range from general septic system training, new product demonstrations or general meetings on watershed regulations.

Please follow us on social media and check our calendar page to stay up to date on upcoming septic events!

Septic Education seminars held regularly at CWC headquarters