Great news for low- and moderate-income homeowners in Vermont! The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced a significant round of funding – $3.5 million – to help repair or replace failed or inadequate on-site water or wastewater systems. This is a critical opportunity to address costly issues with your well, spring, septic system, leach field, drywell, or cesspool.

DEC Commissioner Jason Batchelder emphasized that this funding is vital for equitable access to clean drinking water and proper sanitation, while also protecting human health and the environment.

Is Your Home Eligible? Key Details You Need to Know:

This program is specifically designed to support homeowners who are struggling with failing systems. To be eligible for this funding, applicants must meet the following criteria:

System Failure: You must have an actively failed or inadequate on-site drinking water and/or wastewater system. This includes wells, springs, septic systems or tanks, leach fields, drywells, or cesspools.

Property Ownership & Occupancy: You must own and live on a residential property that is either a single-family home or an owner-occupied, multi-family home with up to four units.

Income Qualification: Your household income must be less than $80,835 per year.

Why Apply Now? Deadlines and Selection Process

This is the fourth round of funding for the Healthy Homes program, and while the need is evident (over 600 awards issued to date from previous ARPA funding), this round utilizes general funds from the State of Vermont. Funding is limited to $3.5 million, with the DEC anticipating selecting approximately 100 priority projects.

Application Deadline: The deadline to apply for this round of on-site funding is 3:00 PM on Wednesday, September 3, 2025.

Application Process: The first step is to submit an online pre-qualification form.

Selection Criteria: Priority projects will be selected based on a combination of factors including income, environmental impact, household demographics, and the severity of the system failure.

Award Timeline: DEC anticipates issuing awards for priority projects in Winter 2026. Awardees will then have until September 2027 to complete their projects and spend the funding.

Don't Delay – Get Assistance if You Need It!

Given the limited funding and the clear demand for this assistance, it's highly recommended to apply as soon as possible if you meet the eligibility criteria.

Need help with the pre-qualification form? The Healthy Homes Team is ready to assist you! You can contact them at:

Phone: 802-828-0141

Toll-Free: 877-344-0354

Email: ANR.HealthyHomes@Vermont.gov

If you've applied previously and weren't selected, you must submit a new application to be considered for this current round of funding.

This grant offers a significant opportunity for Vermont homeowners to address critical well and septic issues, protecting both your home and the environment. Don't miss this chance to access vital support!