Suffolk County Septic Improvement Program (SIP)
Up to $20,000 per property
The Suffolk County Septic Improvement Program (SIP) provides up to $20,000 per property toward replacing an existing cesspool or conventional septic system with an approved Innovative/Alternative Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (IA/OWTS). Administered by the Suffolk County Department of Health Services (SCDHS), it is the county-level half of the two grants most homeowners stack for full funding.
Eligibility
- Existing residential home (single-family, two-family, or single-family with one accessory apartment)
- Uses a cesspool or septic system that is being replaced
- NOT connected to sewers and not inside a proposed sewer area
- Valid Certificate of Occupancy on file
- Current Town-issued property tax bill; property taxes current with no liens or foreclosure
- Deed on file with the Suffolk County Clerk
- IA/OWTS project approved by the SCDHS Office of Wastewater Management
What it covers
- Approved IA/OWTS system and installation
- Engineered site plan and system design
- Required soil testing and site prep
- Permit and inspection fees
How the process works
- 1
Confirm eligibility
SCDHS reviews the property, ownership, and tax status. Grantem handles this step for you.
- 2
Engineered design
A licensed engineer produces stamped drawings sized for your home and site.
- 3
Submit SIP application
The full grant application is filed with SCDHS on the homeowner's behalf.
- 4
Award & install
Once approved, a licensed installer schedules the replacement. Grant funds are disbursed against the approved scope.
- 5
Final inspection
SCDHS signs off and the new IA/OWTS system is placed in service.
Common questions
Do I have to pay the $20,000 up front?
No. The SIP grant is applied directly to the approved scope — most homeowners never see the invoice at all when they combine SIP with the NY State SSRP.
How long does SIP approval take?
Homeowners with a documented system failure are prioritized. Typical timelines range from a few weeks to a few months depending on documentation and site complexity.
Can I use SIP with the NY State grant?
Yes — that is the whole point. Most Suffolk County homeowners stack SIP ($20,000) with the NY State SSRP (up to $25,000) for a combined award of up to $45,000.