Septic systems require care and maintenance.
NOTE: As of June 9, 2021, CSWCD is not accepting any new applications for the Residential Septic System Repair Loan program until such a time as a new staff member is available to coordinate this program.
We are happy to announce that the Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District now offers a Residential Septic System Repair Loan Program for homeowners in the Clackamas River watershed to repair or replace failed and failing septic systems.
Why a loan program?
Old septic systems that are wearing out or leaking become a public health and water quality concern. This is especially true when the home is along a river or stream that serves as a source of public drinking water. If a septic system fails, and is not repaired or replaced, it may mean that the family may have to vacate the home until the septic system the problem is fixed.
Here in Clackamas County, the Clackamas River supplies high-quality drinking water for nearly 300,000 people. Many of the landowners in the Clackamas River watershed use septic systems to treat their waste water, and many of these systems are old and beginning to fail. This is why we are so excited to get this loan program underway. It is a great opportunity to assist homeowners with the cost of repairs that they might not otherwise be able to afford while also protecting water quality in the Clackamas River watershed.
Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District, Clackamas County Septic and Onsite Wastewater Systems program, and Clackamas River Water Providers have formed a partnership to bring education and assistance programs to landowners who have septic systems. The Conservation District coordinates the loan program.
What other septic system financial assistance is available?
The Clackamas River Water Providers (CRWP), a coalition of drinking water providers who get their drinking water from the Clackamas River, have two programs available to septic system owners that live within the Clackamas River watershed. They include:
- $200 Existing System Evaluation/Inspection Rebate – Inspecting your septic system is a good way to make sure your system is working correctly and to identify any problems before they get too big.
- Septic System Repair Cost Share – The CRWP will reimburse 50% of the cost of up to $1,000 of necessary septic system repairs. This is not intended for routine maintenance or pumping.
Learn more about the Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District’s loan program for homeowners in the Clackamas River watershed here – Residential Septic System Repair Loan Program.
Click HERE to learn more information about the CRWP Septic System Financial Assistance Programs and eligibility requirements.