Assistance with Costly Repairs to Your Well or Septic System May Be Available

BINGHAMTON, NY - Opportunities for Chenango is assisting the Broome County Health Department in determining the need for federal grant funds to help eligible homeowners pay for repairs to their private wells and septic systems.

With the approach of springtime conditions, now is a good time to check the condition of your individual on-site wastewater disposal system (septic system). As you walk around your yard looking for signs of spring you may also see or smell signs of a failing septic system. A properly functioning system will not be seriously affected by springtime rain and melt water. A system needing repairs will allow untreated sewage to reach the ground surface.

Most people with individual septic systems also use an individual well as their household water supply. Occasional changes in odor, taste, or color could be caused by an improperly sited or constructed well or by malfunctioning pump equipment.

Repairs to the septic system require approval from the Broome County Health Department. Contact the Division of Environmental Health Services at 607.778.2887 with questions or for technical assistance with septic and well problems. Repairs to these components of a rural home can be expensive. Broome County residents can contact Opportunities for Chenango, Quaranta Housing Services Center, at 866-456-3051 ext. 128 to complete a survey to determine the need for funding to perform well and septic work.

Published Date: 04-11-2008