Chairman Hill Says Niagara County Awarding Grant Funds for Septic System Repairs or Replacements

Niagara County Legislature Chairman Michael A. Hill announced today that Niagara County has received funds from New York State Environmental FacilitiesSeptic Map.8.21.26 Corporation (EFC) to participate in New York State’s Septic System Replacement Fund. The Program is designed to improve water quality by providing funds to counties to assist homeowners with replacing cesspools and septic systems that are adversely affecting designated waterbodies.

 "Niagara County is committed to ensuring the health and safety of our residents and businesses,” Hill said. “This septic system reimbursement program is an important step toward protecting our environment and supporting the long-term sustainability of our communities. I encourage all eligible property owners to apply for this valuable opportunity as soon as possible."

Niagara County has been awarded $175,000 to provide septic system repair or replacement funding for eligible properties, which is in addition to the $200,000 previously awarded.  The Septic System Replacement Fund program has supported two (2) property owners in Niagara County, with eight (8) additional applications pending to date. The program will remain available through March 31, 2028, or until all grant funds have been distributed.

“We are grateful for this funding,” said Dr. Fauzia Khan, Niagara County Public Health Director. “It provides property owners with resources to replace or upgrade septic systems that may be contributing to pollution of local and regional water sources and potentially impacting public health. Failing septic systems can allow human waste and disease-causing organisms to enter groundwater, drinking water sources and recreational bodies of water.”  

The Niagara County Department of Health (NCDOH) is now accepting applications for reimbursement of 50% of eligible project costs, up to $10,000, for the repair or replacement of residential and commercial septic systems located within 250 feet of a designated priority waterbody.

Eligible properties are identified based on criteria established by the State, and include properties located within 250 feet of one of the following designated waterbodies:

  • 0101-0027 Niagara River, Lower, Main Stem Niagara
  • 0102-0044 NYS Barge Canal (Portion 1) Niagara
  • 0301-0046 Tributaries to Middleport Reservoir Niagara
  • 0301-0047 Middleport Reservoir Niagara
  • 0301-0053 Lake Ontario Shoreline, Western Niagara
  • 0301-0057 East Branch 18-mile Creek, Upper, and Tributaries Niagara
  • 0301-0071 Lake Ontario Shoreline, Western Niagara
  • 0301-0072 Lake Ontario Shoreline, Western Niagara

A map of eligible properties is available here. Property owners must submit a grant application to the NCDOH to determine if their project qualifies.

All septic system replacement and/or upgrades must be approved by the NCDOH, designed by a licensed engineer, and receive required local code approval before work begins.

For more information or questions about eligibility and the application process, please visit www.niagaracounty.gov/SepticReplacementFund or call the Niagara County Department of Health, Environmental Health Division at 716-439-7444.