Survey Launched to Support Funding for Private Wells and Septic System Replacements in Tompkins County | Regional News
Tompkins County Whole Health (TCWH) announced Wednesday that it is collaborating with Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS) to collect information for a grant to cover the costs of repairing or replacing septic systems and private water wells for income-eligible households.
The initiative seeks to alleviate the financial burden that repairing or replacing septic systems and private wells can impose on households. To secure the necessary funding, TCWH urges residents to participate in a brief survey by Saturday, June 15. The survey results will be crucial in demonstrating the community’s need for the grant, which could potentially pay for 100% of the costs associated with these repairs for qualifying households.
“Repairing or replacing your septic system or drinking water well can be a major expense for households in our community,” said Frank Kruppa, Commissioner of Whole Health. “We encourage residents to complete this survey to better understand needs related to poorly functioning septic systems, systems that are 20 years or older, systems that are impacting drinking water, and the number of homes with private water wells.” He added, “ “We thank INHS for their ongoing partnership and seeking funding to assist residents with major home repair needs.”
The survey is open to Tompkins County residents who meet any of the following criteria:
– The septic system requires frequent pumping, has backed up into the home, or is otherwise malfunctioning.
– The septic system is more than 20 years old.
– The septic system is impacting a drinking water well.
– The home is not on municipal water and relies on a private water well.
The information gathered will be used to fulfill a grant requirement, creating a waiting list of low-to-moderate-income households interested in the funding. Should the grant be awarded, this list will also serve to notify eligible households about the availability of funds.
“Low-moderate income homeowners needing assistance fixing a septic system or well, please don’t hesitate to respond to this needs assessment, and for any major home repair needs, fill out a pre-application with INHS,” said Delia Yarrow, Director of Homeownership at INHS.
Residents are encouraged to complete the survey online at SurveyMonkey – Tompkins Well and Septic Survey. Given the tight timeline before the grant application deadline, responses must be submitted by June 15.
For additional assistance or more information, residents can contact Tompkins County Environmental Health at 607-274-6688 or email Doug Barnes at [email protected].
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