Snohomish County has launched a new initiative to replace and repair aging septic systems by providing homeowners with convenient financing options.
The county launched its Savvy Septic program earlier this month.
The three-year pilot program offers loans, grants and rebates for work to make septic systems cleaner, safer and better-functioning.
“Every homeowner that participates is helping invest in clean water,” said Lisa Dulude, who manages energy and environmental sustainability projects for the county.
Dulude called the program “a one-stop-shop for financing options, incentives and education.”
The county teamed up with Puget Sound Cooperative Credit Union to offer low-interest loans and anticipates issuing more than 200.
The program also offers up to $200 in maintenance rebates for homeowners plus a limited number of grants to assist low-income homeowners with septic systems.
Later this year, people will be able to attend free maintenance workshops to learn about best practices for keeping up their systems.
County staff estimate that about 75 percent of the 80,000 septic systems here are more than 25 years old. Many are near lakes, rivers, streams and marine waters.
A $292,659 grant from the state Department of Ecology helped make the new septic program possible. The county’s Surface Water Management Division also contributed nearly $300,000 in matching funds.
For more info, go to www.savvyseptic.org or call 425-388-3636. Or contact Lisa Dulude at lisa.dulude@snoco.org or 425-388-3965.
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