Upgrading Septic Systems

The purpose of this program is to help landowners through the process of repairing or replacing faulty or malfunctioning septic systems in order to protect ground and surface water.

Funding

Any landowner within the Lake Simcoe watershed with a faulty septic system on their property may qualify for 50 per cent funding, to $5,000. Additional funds may be available from other environmental grant funding sources. LSRCA watershed coordinators will ensure that you are made aware of all the grant funding programs available to you.

What projects are eligible?

  • Repair or replacement of an existing private septic system which has failed biologically. The system must be 100m or less from surface water, such as a lake, river, stream or ditch leading directly to surface water.

What costs may be covered?

  • Construction costs incurred by a certified private septic system installer, including labour, materials and equipment, associated with approved septic system repairs or replacements.
  • Materials and hired labour associated with the approved project.
  • Permit fees.

What isn't covered?

  • System upgrades to facilitate household expansion, including the addition of dishwashers, bathrooms, or other devices that increase wastewater volume.
  • Machinery or equipment used by the applicant, family dependents, or the applicant's business.
  • Labour of applicant, family dependents, or the applicant's business.
  • Work that proceeds prior to funding approval does not qualify for funding assistance.

Conditions

  • All projects must provide supporting documentation of why the existing system is failing or requires an upgrade. Documentation should be prepared by a licenced septic system installer or a municipal representative.
  • Two written quotations from licensed contractors are required with your application.
  • A copy of the local Health Unit's certificate of approval (Durham Region) or an approved municipal permit/application (York Region and Simcoe County) is required for the construction design and a copy of the health unit/municipal office receipt showing payment of the required fee must accompany all applications for a grant under this program.
  • Upon project completion, an approved final inspection report and approval for use from the local health unit (Durham Region) or municipal office (York Region and Simcoe County) is required.

How to Apply

Contact an LSRCA watershed coordinator

Application Form (PDF)

Project Profile (PDF)