Septic systems that are properly installed and maintained provide for healthy communities and protection of clean water sources. This page provides resources for homeowners who need financial assistance for septic system repairs or replacements. This is not a comprehensive list of resources and anyone seeking funds for their home is encouraged to check with their local governments or housing agencies for more funding opportunities.
Grants or loans may be available to assist homeowners and small businesses with septic system repairs. Options vary by county. A statewide affordable loan program, made possible by funding from the Oregon Legislature and in partnership with Craft3, provides flexible options with lower rates for low-income property owners. In addition, grants are available in some counties as part of the Onsite Septic Financial Aid program, with federal American rescue Plan Act funds authorized by the Oregon Legislature for septic system repairs and replacements.
A summary of these options is available in a printable format: Homeowner Resources Fact Sheet. For more information, see the Onsite Septic Financial Aid Program page.
Onsite Septic Resources for Oregon Homeowners
Septic systems that are properly installed and maintained provide for healthy communities and protection of clean water sources. This fact sheet provides resources for homeowners who need financial assistance for septic system repairs or replacements. This is not a comprehensive list of resources and anyone seeking funds for their home is encouraged to check with their local governments or housing agencies for more funding opportunities.
Onsite financial aid through the American Rescue Act Plan
DEQ has received federal funding for the purpose of repairing and replacing septic systems in Oregon. This program will provide funding to eligible organizations, which will then issue grants or loans to homeowners. Eligible organizations include local, county, or state governments; soil and water conservation districts; Tribal governments, and community development financial institutions. For more information, please see our
Fact Sheet.
Craft3 programs
The Department of Environmental Quality partners with Craft3, a local nonprofit lender, to offer an affordable loan to repair or replace failing septic systems. The loan can cover all eligible design, permitting and installation fees. In some cases, it can even finance connection to a nearby municipal sewer. Lower rates and deferred payment options may be available for homeowners with lower incomes. The loans are made possible by funding from the Oregon Legislature. Learn more and apply at Craft3
website.
Craft3 financial assistance for homeowners impacted by the 2020 wildfires
Beginning July 1, 2022, property owners impacted by the 2020 wildfires can apply for both a grant and a loan to repair or replace their onsite septic system. Eligible borrowers will be offered grant resources on a sliding scale based on annual household income. This grant award can cover a significant share of project costs. Onsite septic system project costs that exceed the grant award can be covered by the affordable Craft3 loan. For more information visit the Craft3 website.
Eugene Water & Electric Board
The Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB), Oregon's largest public utility, serves water and electricity to nearly 200,000 people in Lane County. Starting January 23, 2023, EWEB began offering financial assistance to qualifying property owners to repair and replace their septic systems. Property owners whose systems were damaged in the Holiday Farm Fire may qualify for grant funding or loan forgiveness. See EWEB website for more information.
Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Governments
The Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Governments (MWVCOG) serves the tri-county region of Marion, Yamhill, and Polk counties. Starting February 2023, MWVCOG is offering financial assistance to property owners in the Santiam Canyon who were impacted by the Beachie Creek and Lionshead wildfires. Grant funding can be applied toward septic repairs and replacements to address damage caused by the wildfires. See
MWVCOG website for more information.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers programs for low-income homeowners in rural areas for both septic and home repairs. USDA services are available statewide, and more information is available on the USDA web page, Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Oregon.
Tribal resources
Members of federally recognized Indian tribes, bands or groups may be eligible to apply for funding from their tribal housing authority or environmental health department for water supply and sewage disposal facilities on owner-occupied property.
County resources
The following programs are available only to residents within the specific counties and there may be additional requirements, as each program has its own eligibility rules.