Governor Kathy Hochul has signed new legislation and announced a $30 million investment aimed at making it easier and more affordable for New Yorkers to upgrade failing septic systems. The measure is designed to reduce water pollution, protect public health, and improve water quality across the state.
“Access to clean water is a basic right, and communities from Montauk to Buffalo deserve safe, reliable water infrastructure,” Governor Hochul said. “Long Island’s water resources are vital to the people who live there, to the local economy, and to the plants and animals that call the island home. I am committed to protecting the health of all New Yorkers, and this bill is a promise to future generations that we will keep building a more resilient, sustainable state while ensuring clean water for all.”
The funding comes as part of Round 5 of the State Septic System Replacement Fund Program. Grants will be distributed by the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC), working with the Departments of Health (DOH) and Environmental Conservation (DEC). The funds are intended to help homeowners replace or upgrade outdated septic systems with advanced models that better prevent nutrient pollution.
Eligible property owners can receive reimbursement for up to 50 percent of costs—up to $10,000—for conventional system installation. For enhanced septic systems, which provide greater environmental benefits, reimbursement rises up to 75 percent of costs or $25,000. Counties have flexibility in setting incentive rates based on local needs.
Outdated septic systems contribute significantly to nutrient pollution in New York’s waterways. This can fuel harmful algal blooms (HABs) and degrade overall water quality. Advanced septic technologies reduce nitrogen levels and help address issues caused by phosphorus and PFAS substances.
A significant portion—$20 million—of this round’s funding will go directly toward projects in Suffolk County on Long Island. The area relies heavily on its sole-source aquifer for drinking water.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton stated: “Governor Hochul’s record of support for protecting Long Island water quality is indisputable and continues to build with today’s investments. Replacement of inadequate septic systems prevents pollution from entering our sensitive waterways and creates a lasting improvement to water quality throughout the state. The new law increasing the affordability of enhanced septic replacements and the new $30 million in funding will incentivize a common-sense and effective approach to reducing contamination and protecting New York’s water quality.”
Maureen A. Coleman, President and CEO of EFC, noted: “Long Island’s water quality is vital—not just for the environment, but for public health, improved quality of life, and thriving local economies. That’s why EFC has committed over $1 billion in grants and low-interest financing the last two years to help Long Island modernize its water infrastructure and protect its sole-source aquifer. With this new $30 million investment and through Governor Hochul’s leadership, we’re making it easier for homeowners and businesses statewide to replace aging septic systems and reduce harmful pollution. This is a smart, local solution with long-term benefits.”
Dr. James McDonald, State Health Commissioner added: “All New Yorkers deserve the peace of mind that the water they have access to is safe and free from pollutants. Today’s $30 million investment into the State Septic System Replacement Fund Program, paired with the legislation signed by Governor Hochul, reduces the financial burden of making these important infrastructure upgrades that will ensure more communities are protected from harmful water contamination. This is a commonsense investment in the health of all New Yorkers.”
State Senator Pete Harckham said: “Septic system upgrades across New York are essential for protecting our waterways, public health, and the environment—but they can be costly. This new law, which will reimburse installation of new systems including enhanced treatment units will allow homeowners to make improvements without breaking the bank while safeguarding nearby aquifers and other fragile drinking water resources. Thank you Governor Hochul New York State Department of Environmental Conservation And bill sponsor Assemblymember Rececca Kassay for their leadership on this initiative.”
Assemblymember Rebecca Kassay commented: “Most New Yorkers want to do their part to protect our environment but sometimes budgetary restrictions prevent families from following through on those efforts Outdated or failing septic systems are a major source of nutrient pollution across New York especially on Long Island contributing To harmful algal blooms fish kills And Water Quality Degradation While advanced Septic Technologies Are Significantly More Effective At Treating Wastewater Their Cost Often Puts Them Out Of Reach For Many Families Unless Supported By State Funding I Am Proud To Work With The Governor And Our Colleagues To Deliver This Solution That Not Only Further Protects Our Water But Also Addresses Long Islands Affordability Issues”
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine stated: “The septic Grant will play a critical role in Suffolk County efforts To Protect Our Water Our Bases And Estuaries I Appreciate New York States Efforts To Help Us Achieve This Goal”
Suffolk County Legislature Minority Leader Jason Richberg said: “This bill is a commonsense investment in our communities’ health And Resilience That Will Put Suffolk County On The Cutting Edge Of Environmental Protection And Economic Opportunity Aging Septic Systems Are One Of The Biggest Threats To Long Islands Environment And Cleaner More Efficient Systems Mean Fewer Pollutants Leaching Into Our Groundwater And Waterways Every Dollar Spent Here Delivers Cleaner Water For Our Families Stronger Support For Local Businesses And Real Savings On Long Term Maintenance In My District The High Costs Associated With Removing Outdated Septic Tanks Often Deter Homeowners And Small Businesses From Upgrading To Enhanced Systems Boosting Reimbursement Levels Will Help Lift That Financial Barrier And Empower Working Families And Main Street Entrepreneurs To Take Control Of Their Waste Management It Is Not Just About Septic Tanks It Is About Safeguarding Our Quality Of Life Looking Out For Our Small Businesses And Honoring Our Responsibility To Future Generations”
Adrienne Esposito Executive Director Citizens Campaign For The Environment said: “This critical septic bill is The Solution To Sewage Pollution In Our Bays And Harbors Public Change Happens Through Education And Incentivizing Change This Important Legislation Will Incentivize The Public To Replace Old Antiquated Septic And Cesspool Systems With New Systems That Treat Sewage! This Program Is Already A Success In Nassau And Suffolk Counties Now We Can Amplify That Success Even More We Are Thrilled That Governor Hochul Is Signing This Crucial Clean Water Legislation Into Law And Thank Her For Her Continuing Commitment To Clean Water CCE Also Thanks Senator Harckham And Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay For Getting This Bill Passed This Year”
Bill Ulfelder Executive Director at The Nature Conservancy NY stated: “The Nature Conservancy commends Governor Hochul For Signing Legislation To Make Clean Water Septic Systems Affordable For Homeowners AND FOR PROVIDING CRITICAL FUNDING TO CLEAN WATER PROJECTS THE STATES EXPANDED SEPTIC SYSTEM REPLACEMENT FUND WILL GO EVEN FURTHER IN SUFFOLK COUNTY THANKS TO LOCAL FUNDING FOR WATER INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS OVERWHELMINGLY APPROVED BY SUFFOLK COUNTY VOTERS LAST YEAR ESSENTIAL TO PUBLIC HEALTH WATER INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS SAFEGUARD CLEAN DRINKING WATER ENHANCE QUALITY OF LIFE AND PREVENT POLLUTION FROM REACHING OUR BAYS HARBORS LAKES AND RIVERS THE NATURE CONSERVANCY THANKS BILL SPONSORS SENATOR HARCKHAM AND ASSEMBLYMEMBER KASSAY FOR CHAMPIONING THE PROGRAM’S EXPANSION AND TO GOVERNOR HOCHUL AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL FACILITIES CORPORATION FOR ADVANCING THIS IMPORTANT GRANT PROGRAM”
Julie Tighe President NY League Of Conservation Voters said: “Everyone Deserves Clean Water Aging Septic Systems AND CESSPOOLS ARE CONTAMINATING GROUNDWATER AND WATERWAYS ESPECIALLY ON LONG ISLAND — THE EXPANSION OF THE SEPTIC SYSTEM REPLACEMENT FUND COUPLED WITH THE GOVERNOR’S $30 MILLION INVESTMENT IS A MAJOR WIN FOR PUBLIC HEALTH WE APPLAUD GOVERNOR HOCHUL FOR SIGNING THIS CRITICAL MEASURE AS WELL AS SENATOR HARCKHAM AND ASSEMBLYMEMBER KASSAY FOR THEIR LEADERSHIP IN ADVANCING IT THROUGH THE LEGISLATURE”
Since 2017 when New York launched its clean water infrastructure initiative, programs like these have helped homeowners replace old or failing systems that release pathogens or nutrients such as nitrogen into local waters.
Efforts focus especially on areas where public drinking supplies may be affected or where current impairments exist due directly to failed wastewater treatment at homes or businesses.
Counties collaborate closely with DEC/DOH officials each year so funding targets regions most at risk—including locations listed here under prior rounds; details about eligible areas for Round 5 will be available once counties receive their allocations.
Long Island depends almost entirely on groundwater drawn from one aquifer system serving millions in Nassau/Suffolk counties—a fact cited by officials supporting both today’s announcement as well as ongoing initiatives like the Long Island Watershed Action Agenda, which aims at comprehensive surface/groundwater protection via science-based planning involving stakeholders statewide.
In recent years alone EFC has provided over $2 billion annually toward municipal/local projects; applications remain open now for additional grants through its latest cycle offering another $325 million statewide per an announcement by Governor Hochul earlier this year.
With $500 million dedicated within next year’s enacted budget—the state’s total commitment since 2017 exceeds $6 billion—with any community encouraged by officials today reach out if assistance needed; project impacts can also be tracked via an interactive dashboard online.
