Septic system owners in Lexington County’s Congaree Creek Watershed may qualify for financial assistance to repair or replace failing septic systems through the county’s Congaree Creek Septic 319 Project.

The program, funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and a Section 319 grant administered by the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control, according to a press release from the county, aims to improve water quality and address environmental concerns. The program offers a 60% to 80% cost share for qualifying homeowners. 

“For example, if a septic system repair or replacement costs $5,000, and the homeowner qualifies for 60% assistance, the homeowner would pay $2,000 to the contractor, while the county would pay the remaining $3,000 after inspection and approval of the completed work,” the press release states. 

Applicants must submit a completed application with at least two identical quotes for the project. Three quotes are required if the total exceeds $5,000.

"It was estimated that 33 systems could be replaced with the allowable funds, but that number is variable based on the average cost of repairs," Lexington County Environmental Coordinator Vance Vollmer said in a statement. "As for how many homes are in the watershed, I don't know, its many square miles. Currently there are quite a bit of funds available on a first come first served basis. We encourage those who are interested to contact 319grant@lexingtoncounty.sc.gov today!"

Homeowners interested in applying or with questions can email 319grant@lexingtoncounty.sc.gov. To confirm whether a property lies within the Congaree Creek Watershed, visit https://tinyurl.com/CongareeCreekMap. 

According to the Lexington Countywide Stormwater Consortium, septic systems may require repairs if property owners notice damp areas in their yards during dry weather, sewage odors near drain lines or tanks, patches of bright green or spongy grass, or discharges of untreated wastewater on the ground surface. 

The Congaree Creek Watershed spans parts of Lexington, Red Bank, Oak Grove, Springdale, Cayce, Pine Ridge, Edmund and other areas.