Septic systems that are properly installed and maintained provide for healthy communities and protection of clean water sources. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality 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 Plan Act
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, Onsite Septic Financial Aid Program.
Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council
Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council provides grant funds from DEQ to homeowners in Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties. These funds will be applied to septic repairs and replacements and are only available to property owners earning 300% or less of low to moderate income. Homeowners can check their eligibility, apply for funding, or contact them on
the COIC website.
Clean Water Services
Clean Water Services and Washington County's Housing Rehabilitation provide grant funds as part of the DEQ Onsite Septic Financial Aid Program. Washington County households earning under 80% of the median family income may qualify for up to $25,000 to repair, replace, or decommission their septic tanks. For more information, or to apply, visit the
Washington County website.
Craft3 Programs
DEQ partners with Craft3, a local nonprofit lender, to offer affordable loans to repair or replace failing septic systems. Up to $10,000 in grant funding may be available to eligible borrowers as part of the loan packages. 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 the Craft3 website.
Craft3 financial assistance for homeowners impacted by the 2020 wildfires
Since July 1, 2022, property owners impacted by the 2020 wildfires could 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.
Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District
Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District offers residents of Clackamas County no-interest loans to repair or replace failing septic systems. The loan is available through DEQ's Clean Water State Revolving Fund and may cover costs for design, permitting, installation, decommissioning, and the first two years of operations and maintenance. Learn more and apply at the
Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation website.
Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District Grant Program
Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District is pleased to offer qualifying residents of the Clackamas County grants to repair or replace failing septic systems. The grants are available through DEQ's Onsite Septic Financial Aid Program. Grants may cover costs for site evaluations, design, permitting, installation, decommissioning, and the first two years of operations and maintenance; they may also be used to connect to existing sewer and decommission old septic tanks. For additional information on qualification guidelines and apply on
the CSWC website.
Eugene Water & Electric Board
The Eugene Water & Electric Board Oregon's largest public utility serves water and electricity to nearly 200,000 people in Lane County. Starting Jan. 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. Visit the
EWEB website for more information.
Lincoln County with OSU Extension septic grants
Lincoln County, in partnership with the OSU Extension office, are offering septic repairs and replacement grants as part of the DEQ Onsite Septic Financial Aid Program. Qualified property owners will have septic systems which were damaged by the Echo Mountain Fire Complex. Lincoln County offers a
form that can be filled out for more information.
Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Governments
The Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Governments 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 their
website for more information.
Tillamook, Clatsop & Columbia County Septic Repair Program
Tillamook County, in partnership with the Community Action Team are offering loans and grants for septic repair and replacement financing to eligible property owners in Clatsop, Columbia, and Tillamook counties. Homeowners and small businesses may qualify for 0%, 30-year term, deferred (no) payment loans or grants to address failing septic systems. More information can be found on the
CARE Inc. website, or send an email to
septicprogram@cat-team.org.
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.