Cost Share for Septic System Repairs Open to All Residential Properties in Orange County By: Stephanie DeNicola, Education/Information Coordinator, Culpeper Soil & Water Conservation District
Attention homeowners! Do you have your own septic system? When was the last time you had it pumped out or inspected? Do you know how well it functions? As a homeowner, it is in your best interest and beneficial for local streams and groundwater to maintain your system and the Culpeper Soil and Water Conservation District (CSWCD) is here to help! The CSWCD has recently received additional funding for its residential septic cost share program which allows the District to expand its eligible area to include all of Orange County! Previously, it was limited to just the Rapidan and Upper York watershed areas. Now, the entire county can benefit.
This program is focused on reducing any existing or potential impacts on local ground and surface water quality. E. Coli bacteria in some local streams has long been identified as being higher than expected by state water quality standards, although other pollutants can also be involved, particularly nutrients. It is a win-win for both water quality and property value. If you have not had your septic system pumped out in the last five years, and you are a resident of Orange County, you are eligible! This program is available for residential properties only. The program offers 50 percent reimbursement for any occupied residential property, with up to 80 percent for low-income households. See the chart for reference. Pump outs with an inspection extend the life of a system and prevent higher costs later on if the systems fail. If further repairs are indicated by the pump out and inspection, the owner is still eligible for the additional repair payments. Applications are required and need to be approved prior to the work being done or funding can be declined. Free assistance with initial assessments of individual system needs is available from the District. Reimbursement payments are made promptly once the work has been completed. Further information on the program is available from the District at (540) 948-7531 or (540) 825-8591. Funding for these projects has been secured by the CSWCD from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Commonwealth of Virginia.
Cost Share Payment Amounts
50% of cost or $225 max (up to $360 low income)
Pump Out
Pump Out & Inspection
50% of cost or $3,250 max (up to $5,200 low income)
50% of cost or $3,750 max (up to $6,000 low income) Alternative systems not eligible
Repair
Conventional System
50% of cost or $6,250 max (up to $10,000 low income)
Conventional System with Pump
50% of cost or $8,250 max (up to $13,200 low income)
Engineered / Alternative System
50% of cost or $15,750 max (up to $25,200 low income)
Connection to Public Sewer
50% of cost or $6,250 max (up to $10,000 low income)
Connection to Sewer with Pump
50% of cost or $10,250 max (up to $16,400 low income)
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OCI June 2026
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