Governor Kathy Hochul has signed new legislation aimed at making it easier and more affordable for New Yorkers to upgrade to advanced septic systems. The measure is intended to reduce water pollution, protect public health, and improve water quality across the state. Alongside the new law, Hochul announced a $30 million investment for Round 5 of the State Septic System Replacement Fund Program. This funding will help homeowners replace failing septic systems, particularly those affecting priority water bodies.
“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 grants are awarded by the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC), in partnership with the Departments of Health and Environmental Conservation. The funds will reimburse eligible property owners for part of the cost of replacing cesspools and septic systems with environmentally effective alternatives such as enhanced septic systems.
Under the new law, property owners can be reimbursed up to 50 percent of eligible costs (up to $10,000) for installing conventional systems or up to 75 percent (up to $25,000) for enhanced systems. Counties have flexibility in setting incentive rates for projects in order to maximize participation and pollution reduction.
Outdated or failing septic systems contribute significantly to nutrient pollution in New York waters—fueling harmful algal blooms (HABs) and impacting overall water quality. Enhanced septic systems are designed specifically to reduce nitrogen levels as well as mitigate phosphorus and PFAS substances’ effects on public health and environmental quality.
Two-thirds ($20 million) of this round’s funding will support projects in Suffolk County, where groundwater protection is critical due to Long Island’s reliance on a sole-source aquifer.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “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.”
New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation President and CEO Maureen A. Coleman said, “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.”
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “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 noted that upgrading septic systems can be expensive but necessary: “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; bill sponsor Assemblymember Rececca Kassay; for their leadership on this initiative.”
Assemblymember Rebecca Kassay emphasized affordability: “Most New Yorkers want to do their part…but sometimes budgetary restrictions prevent families from following through…While advanced septic technologies are significantly more effective at treating wastewater…their cost often puts them out of reach…unless supported by state funding….I am proud…to deliver this solution that not only further protects our water but also addresses Long Island’s affordability issues.”
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine added: “The septic Grant will play a critical role in Suffolk County efforts…” He expressed appreciation for state support toward these goals.
Suffolk County Legislature Minority Leader Jason Richberg stated: “This bill is a commonsense investment in our communities’ health…Aging septic systems are one of biggest threats…cleaner…systems mean fewer pollutants leaching into our groundwater….Boosting reimbursement levels will help lift that financial barrier….It’s not just about septic tanks—it’s about safeguarding our quality of life….”
Adrienne Esposito from Citizens Campaign for Environment called it “the solution” needed: “This critical septic bill is …the solution…Public change happens through education …This program is already a success …now we can amplify that success even more….We are thrilled …thank her [Governor Hochul] …for her continuing commitment….”
Bill Ulfelder from The Nature Conservancy commented: “The Nature Conservancy commends Governor Hochul …for providing critical funding ….Essential …water infrastructure projects safeguard clean drinking water ….”
Julie Tighe from NY League of Conservation Voters added: “Everyone deserves clean water….the expansion …coupled with …$30 million investment is a major win…”
Since 2017 New York has invested heavily in clean-water initiatives including rebates helping homeowners replace old or failing onsite wastewater treatment solutions like cesspools or outdated septics—especially near sensitive or impaired waters.
Eligible counties/waterbodies under previous rounds can be found via EFC’s website; updated eligibility details will follow after counties receive notice about Round 5 allocations.
Long Island relies almost entirely on its single aquifer system—a key reason why these measures focus so much attention there—and recent efforts complement broader watershed protection plans outlined by the Long Island Watershed Action Agenda which aims at improving surface/coastal/groundwater conditions throughout Nassau/Suffolk counties.
For fiscal year 2024 alone EFC provided over $2 billion toward local infrastructure needs statewide; an additional $325 million was recently announced as available grant money under another round overseen by EFC.
With another half-billion dollars allocated under FY26 budget provisions announced by Governor Hochul—bringing total spending since 2017 up toward $6 billion—the administration encourages any community needing assistance with infrastructure upgrades related either directly or indirectly (such as stormwater management) reach out via official channels.
