WESTCHESTER COUNTY – The County has begun a new program, funded by the City of New York’s East of Hudson Water Quality Improvement Program, that lowers the cost of repairing septic systems or connecting to nearby sewer lines in communities within the New York City Watershed. Through the Septic System Rehabilitation and Sewer Connection Program, property owners and qualifying small businesses can receive interest-free loans of up to $49,999 to help pay for septic system repairs, replacements, or sewer connections.
The program was also established to protect the drinking water supply, which can be contaminated by harmful pollutants released by septic systems in need of repair. About 10 percent of the approximately 27,000 septic systems in Westchester are estimated to need repairs or replacement.
Westchester County Commissioner of Planning Blanca Lopez said, “This program will provide much-needed financial relief to property owners in the New York City watershed who otherwise would not be able to pay to repair or replace their septic system, or connect to a sewer line. The property owner, County, and the contractor will sign third-party contracts so that the property owners will not have to lay out any money.”
The Westchester County Board of Legislators approved legislation supporting the $3.5 million program that will cover the more than 2,000 square mile New York City Watershed that includes eight counties and supplies drinking water for New York City and Westchester County. Westchester communities that have land in the watershed include Bedford, Cortlandt, Harrison, Lewisboro, Mount Pleasant, New Castle, North Castle, North Salem, Pound Ridge, Somers, Yorktown and the Village and Town of Mount Kisco.
Legislature Chairman Vedat Gashi said: “No family should have to choose between paying their bills and knowing their water is safe. This program gives homeowners and small businesses financial relief so they can make these repairs and protect a resource we all depend on. The Board of Legislators was glad to support it, and I encourage every eligible resident to take advantage of it.”
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