Septic System Replacement Cost-Share Program
Overview and Guidelines The Acton Wakefield Watersheds Alliance (AWWA) has been awarded several Watershed Assistance Grants from the NH Department of Environmental Services to help households on Province Lake, Pine River Pond, Lake Ivanhoe, Great East Lake, Horn Pond, and Lovell Lake upgrade, repair, or replace failing septic systems—a.k.a. individual sewage disposal systems (ISDS). Septic systems, if not functioning properly, can release nutrients, bacteria, pharmaceuticals and other contaminants into the groundwater.
The NHDES Watershed Assistance Grant Program and AWWA recognize that septic system repairs can be costly and would like to assist homeowners in eligible areas in making needed repairs to their systems and leach fields in order to protect groundwater, surface water quality, and the public drinking water supply of our area.
The funds will be dispersed to eligible households in the form of a grant that will cover up to 60% toward the cost for upgrading or repairing a failing septic system to a compliant septic system. Funds are capped at $5,000 per system. Preference will be given to upgrading ISDS deemed high priority or in failure (i.e. ISDS that are surface discharging, discharging into surface waters, or having reoccurring sewage backups) and located within 250 feet of the lake.
Funding for this project was provided in part by several Watershed Assistance Grants from the NH Department of Environmental Services with Clean Water Act Section 319 funds from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Property must be located wholly or in part within 250 feet of the lake.
- Property must be in the state of New Hampshire.
- Funding is only for residential single-family homes, duplexes, or seasonal camps.
- Must have an existing sewage disposal system on property that is outdated, undersized, damaged, or non-functional. New home construction or expansion that requires a septic upgrade is not eligible.
- Property on which the home is located cannot be in any stage of sale or foreclosure. Applicant must either own property outright or be current on any mortgage, contract for deed, etc.
- Property must be on a lake that is covered under an existing Watershed Management Plan. This includes: Province Lake, Pine River Pond, Lake Ivanhoe, Great East Lake, Horn Pond, and Lovell Lake.
A review of the Septic System Evaluation and Certification Form (see below) will determine priority level.
NOTE: The Evaluation and Certification form must be completed by a certified septic inspector.
Online Application for Septic System Cost-Share Program
For properties on Province Lake, Pine River Pond,
Lake Ivanhoe, Great East Lake, Horn Pond & Lovell Lake
The Septic System Evaluation and Certification Form must be filled out by a certified septic inspector. That form, along with other supporting documentation or photos, can be uploaded through the online application. Alternatively, documents may be mailed to: AWWA | PO Box 235 | Union, NH 03887
Take Action: What You Can Do
Shoreline Vegetated Buffers
A shoreline vegetated buffer is a strip of land along the lake, planted with native trees, shrubs, and plants. These buffers filter pollution from rain and runoff, protecting the lake and stabilizing the ground. The most natural buffers blend seamlessly with the surrounding forest – picture a cabin set back from the water, with a view peeking through pine trees, ferns, and blueberry bushes.
Why maintain a shoreline vegetated buffer on your property?
- It keeps the lake clean and healthy by filtering pollutants.
- It enhances the natural beauty of your landscape, blending with nearby forests.
- Once established, it requires little maintenance and becomes stronger over time.
- Buffer plants deter geese while attracting songbirds and butterflies.
- The deep roots of buffer plants prevent erosion and absorb excess water, protecting your land.
The Problem
Lakeside development replaces natural vegetation with roads, driveways, patios, and homes. These structures are impervious, meaning they shed water instead of absorbing it. When rain falls, the runoff from these surfaces-known as stormwater runoff- carries pollutants into the lake if not properly filtered. These pollutants can include fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, soaps, oil, and bacteria from pet and livestock waste and septic systems. Runoff can also erode the land, washing dirt and attached pollutants into the lake.
Also, during construction, natural vegetation is often removed to make room for construction equipment, lawns, or to match certain aesthetic preferences. Unfortunately, altering naturally vegetated areas along the lake can have serious consequences. A lakefront property’s value – and the overall enjoyment of the lake – depends on the lake’s health. Without natural vegetated buffers to filter pollutants, the lake’s condition declines, leading to harmful effects such as:
- Algal blooms, some of which can be toxic to wildlife and people.
- Accumulation of toxic metals in lake organisms, affecting the fish that feed on them.
- Disruption to the lake ecosystem, resulting in invasive aquatic species and loss of fish habitat.
The Solution
There are many ways to help protect the health of a lake, but maintaining a shoreline vegetated buffer is one of the most effective. This natural barrier filters pollutants that wash off impervious surfaces, keeping the water clean.
For some property owners, the best approach is to do nothing – if their property already has a long-established vegetated buffer with a mix of native plants, shrubs, and trees. For others, creating a landscape design plan is a great first step. The best part? A buffer can start small and expand over time, allowing for gradual improvements.