The following is a release from Snohomish County:
Snohomish County launched its new Savvy Septic program today, providing County homeowners with a variety of financing options to repair, replace and maintain their septic systems. This three-year pilot program offers loans, grants, and rebates to help ensure that homeowners have a clean, safe and properly functioning septic system that keeps pollution out of local water bodies.
“We’re providing a great service for County residents with this new program,” Snohomish County Executive John Lovick said, “and together, we’re keeping our water clean by helping our residents become Savvy Septic owners.”
Snohomish County partnered with Puget Sound Cooperative Credit Union (PSCCU) to offer low-interest loans for a variety of septic system projects. The County anticipates more than 200 Savvy Septic loans will be issued through PSCCU in the next three years. The Savvy Septic Program offers up to $200 in maintenance rebates for homeowners, and a limited amount of grants are available to assist low-income homeowners with septic system projects. Later this year, homeowners will be able to attend free Savvy Septic maintenance workshops to learn about best practices for system care and longevity.
Approximately 75 percent of the 80,000 septic systems in Snohomish County are more than 25 years old, and many are located near lakes, rivers, streams and marine shorelines.
The County’s Savvy Septic Program is made possible, in part, through a $292,659 Centennial Grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology. Snohomish County’s Surface Water Management Division is contributing nearly $300,000 in matching funds for the pilot program over the next three years.
“The Savvy Septic Program is a one-stop-shop for financing options, incentives and education to help our residents maintain a healthy septic system,” said Lisa Dulude, Snohomish County Energy and Environmental Sustainability Manager. “And every homeowner that participates is helping invest in clean water.”
Learn more about Snohomish County’s Savvy Septic Program, including program guidelines and application materials, by visiting www.savvyseptic.org or calling 425-388-3636. Or contact Lisa Dulude at lisa.dulude@snoco.org or 425-388-3965.
