Grants
To preserve water quality in our area and protect public health, it is important that failing septic systems get fixed sooner rather than later, which is why Snohomish County offers Savvy Septic Grants. Grants up to $30,000 are available to help homeowners with low-income cover the costs of major septic system repair or replacement. If you are interested in applying, please review the eligibility requirements an steps on how to apply.
Grants up to $30,000 are available for eligible homeowners to assist with design and installation costs. Any amount owed above $30,000 is the responsibility of the homeowner. Applicants are limited to one grant per lifetime, meaning if an applicant receives a Savvy Septic Grant they will be ineligible to receive another in the future for any property they own or any property for which they are a member of the household.
Funding for grants is currently available and is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until all funding is exhausted.
In order to be eligible for Savvy Septic Grants, you must meet the criteria below.
- Property must be located in Snohomish County
- Property must be a single family residence
- Applicant must own and live on the property
- The septic system has been inspected by a certified septic provider or the Health Department and has been determined to be failing and in need of major repair or replacement (or connection to sewer)
- Must have a household income at or below 50% of the median area income limits set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) shown below. Use the link to see limits for larger household sizes. Note that Snohomish County is considered part of the Seattle-Bellevue Metro area under HUD guidelines.
Household Size | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
Monthly Household Income | $3,995.84 | $4,566.67 | $5,137.50 | $5,708.34 | $6,166.67 | $6,625 |
Annual Household Income | $47,950 | $54,800 | $61,650 | $68,500 | $74,000 | $79,500 |
For full details, please review the Grants section in our Savvy Septic Program Standards.
1. Fill out an Application
After reviewing the eligibility checklist, complete each section of the Savvy Septic Grant Application that applies to you. Please review each section carefully! Please contact us if you need assistance with completing an application.
2. Add Attachments
We require proof of identification for all members of the household. For example, photo ID, birth certificate, passport, or student ID/education document displaying full name. Do NOT sent copies of social security cards for proof of ID. You'll also need to submit documents that provide proof of your sources of income. Remember to add any of the requested documents that apply to you! We need these to verify income eligibility requirements.
When attaching documents to your application, you can redact sensitive information (for example, bank account numbers) for security so long as your name and the information we've requested is still visible. If you are sending paper copies through the mail or bringing it to the counter, you can black out information on the copies you send. If you are sending electronically over email, you can redact sensitive information in pdfs in Adobe.
3. Submit Your Application
Applications and attachments can be emailed to savvy.septic@snoco.org. Applications can also be mailed or brought into our front counter:
Attn: Savvy Septic Program | Snohomish County Health Department | 3020 Rucker Ave. Suite 104 | Everett, WA 98201
If you would prefer to have your documentation visually verified by staff and not submit copies of IDs and proof of income, you must set up an appointment with us where we will review your information in person and sign off that it has been verified by our staff. Call or email to schedule an appointment if this is your preference.
What Happens next?
We will review your application within 7-14 business days. If all looks good, you'll be contacted by Savvy Septic program staff for next steps in getting your system fixed. If your application has an issue or it is determined you are ineligible, we will reach out to let you know why.
Questions? Send an email or give a call!
Email: Savvy.septic@snoco.org
Phone: (425) 388-3636