Suffolk homeowners to get more money back to replace outdated septic system under new provision

Suffolk County homeowners will soon be able to upgrade to enhanced septic systems that reduce dangerous nitrogen pollution at a higher discounted rate, thanks to a surge of state funding announced Wednesday.

Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a bill Wednesday morning at Suffolk County Community College in Brentwood that increases the reimbursement rate for installation of an enhanced septic system to 75%, or up to $25,000. The governor also announced Suffolk County will receive $20 million in new grant funding it can use toward its Septic Improvement Program that provides homeowners $10,000 grants for the upgrade.

The increased state funding coupled with county funding will allow homeowners to upgrade septic systems "for virtually next to nothing," Suffolk County Executive Edward P. Romaine said. The cost of replacing outdated septic systems to Innovative and Alternative Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems has long been a deterrent for homeowners, officials said.

Hochul, a Democrat, said the additional funding for septic systems will "reduce pollution, improve the water quality and protect the environment."

The $20 million earmarked for Suffolk County represents two-thirds of the $30 million Hochul announced in grant funding across the state through the State Septic System Replacement Fund Program. The governor said replacing outdated septic systems is an "enormous expense" for families. The state has previously allocated a total of $150 million toward upgrading septic systems statewide. 

"It’s all about giving communities the tools they need," she said of the funding.

Romaine, a Republican who has made sewer upgrades a focal point of his first term, said the investment is "a commitment to the future of Long Island, to clean water."

The Assembly and Senate both approved the bill unanimously in June to raise the cap, which had previously been 50% of the cost, or up to $10,000. Eligible property can owners can still be reimbursed that amount for installation of a conventional system. 

Assemb. Rebecca Kassay (D-Port Jefferson), one of the sponsors of the bill, said the legislation had wide support from fellow legislators, the governor’s office and state Department of Environmental Conservation.

Nitrogen pollution driven by outdated septic systems had contributed "to harmful algal blooms, fish kills and water quality degradation," Kassay said.

Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, told Newsday the legislation "will be a game changer for Long Island."

She said increasing the state reimbursement funding to $25,000, coupled with $10,000 from the county, "will really allow everyone of all economic levels to participate."

Suffolk County currently has about 380,000 outdated septic systems, of which about 360,000 serve residential properties, Newsday previously reported. It was unclear Wednesday how much the county currently has in its fund in addition to the state's latest $20 million influx. 

Esposito said she plans to work with other organizations on a public education campaign to inform homeowners on how to upgrade to a new septic system.

The county currently has a waitlist to receive grant funding and Esposito said the increased funding can help "accomplish the goal" of upgrading 100,000 systems over 10 years.

Officials have said about 70% of Suffolk County is on cesspools that would need to be replaced.

Hochul said the overall result of increased funding "is extraordinary" to allow more homeowners to upgrade and protect the environment.

Suffolk County residents rely on the island’s sole-source aquifer for clean drinking water, officials said.

"If we do not move to replace them, we are condemning ourselves to unclean water," Romaine said.

Amanda Lefton, commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, said in a statement the funding "will incentivize a common-sense and effective approach to reducing contamination and protecting New York’s water quality."

The increased state funding follows the creation of a new fund to pay for countywide wastewater improvement projects that voters approved in November. Funds collected through an eighth of a percentage point increase in sales tax will help fund projects.

A Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration board of trustees has been tasked with overseeing the fund and recommending projects for approval. The sales tax hike took effect March 1.

Half of that funding can be made available for homeowners to upgrade individual septic systems while the other half goes toward wastewater treatment facility projects, according to county code.

Funds would be available to use for water quality projects in 2026, officials previously said.

New York has invested $6 billion in water infrastructure since 2017, according to the governor’s office. The 2026 fiscal budget includes $500 million set aside for clean water infrastructure.

By Joe Werkmeister

joe.werkmeister@newsday.com

Joe Werkmeister joined Newsday in 2022 and covers Suffolk County government and politics. He is a graduate of St. Bonaventure University and previously worked as the editor of two North Fork community newspapers.

---