New fund created to replace failing septic systems

Sep. 11—There’s a new state fund available to help low-income homeowners repair failing septic systems.

The New Mexico Environment Department Wednesday launched the Liquid Waste Assistance Fund, which aims to prevent failing septic systems that threaten human or environmental health.

There is $200,000 available in the initial round of funding. Applications will be accepted through Oct. 2 at 5 p.m.

To qualify, applicants must:

Own or be in the process of purchasing a property, such as rent-to-own, and have resided at the property for the past year.Have a home value that doesn’t exceed the U.S. Housing and Urban Development median home value for their county. The home values in different counties vary and are set by the county assessor.Meet program income guidelines set by HUD which vary from county to county.

There are more than 330,000 septic systems across New Mexico.

“Most of these aging systems are in some of our poorest communities, allowing the department to give assistance to those who need it most,” said NMED Deputy Cabinet Secretary Sydney Lienemann.

Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The funding will replace failing systems with on-site wastewater disposal systems.

The first round of funding will be used at 12 sites. There will be four sites in northern New Mexico, four in the central part of the state and four in southern New Mexico that will be selected.

Those interested may apply online or pick up and return applications to NMED field offices.

“Failing septic systems are a key threat our state’s public health and environment,” said Lauren Reichelt, Environmental Health Division director. “Crucially, helping low-income New Mexicans repair and replace these systems is a proactive way to protect our water supply for future generations.”