Barnstable County recently came up with a septic loan as part of the Aquifund initiative.

The loan targets homeowners who wish to install or upgrade their current systems.

Experts are concerned with the current state of embayment and pools in the region with algae blooms taking center stage.

While there are many causes of these problems, septic systems are a top contender. Barnstable County hopes this initiative will help the citizens install better septic systems that will help safeguard their important watershed areas.

How the Septic Loan Works

As the name suggests, this loan is only for use in installing septic systems.

 The loan is granted to residents of Barnstable County who have a failed system.

For a system to be classified as failed, it will have to undergo an official Title 5 inspection.

Successful applicants will have an easy repayment plan since the loan can be paid back over 20 years.

Even though this is an inexpensive (or free for those who qualify) loan, it might attract some steep charges for those who do not follow through with their payments.

Defaulted payments will attract a 14% interest rate.

There are two main tiers that residents can apply for. The first tier is for upgrading conventional and alternative septic systems. This loan will attract a 4% interest rate.

The second tier covers advanced nitrogen and phosphorous removing systems and the interest rates can be as little as 0% or as much as 2%.

Qualifications for the Loan

The Barnstable County septic loan has attractive interest rates that are based on the income levels of the given household.

For instance, a household that earns less than $100,500 qualifies for a 0% interest rate.

Households in the 100,500 – 150,500 income range will get a 2% interest rate while those above this rate will get a 4% interest rate. 

The following is a list of the other qualifications:

• You must be a new applicant that resides in Barnstable County

• The loan must be for the installation of sewer connections or the installation of advanced nitrogen/phosphorous removal system

• The property to install the system must be a single-family residential property that is the primary residence of the said family (in use throughout the year)

• The project must be attached to the county’s nutrient removal project which is meant to deal with the nutrient enrichment problem around an embayment or pond

• The property must not be a rental property or in use as a business premise except for home offices.

Ineligible projects

As we have already seen, the loan is only for septic systems and can therefore not be used on other projects.

But even some septic tank projects may still not qualify for the loan.

Here are some of the projects that are considered ineligible for the loan.

• Installation of nitrogen reduction technologies in public water supply areas (IWPA’s and Zone II).

• Installation of I/A technologies aimed at solving groundwater restrictions.

• Any installation project aimed at reducing the size of the drain field area

• Any communal project can be categorized under the nitrogen aggregation plan.

How to Apply For the Loan

To submit your application for consideration, start by making sure you are eligible.

If you are not sure of your eligibility, talk to your city’s Department of Health first.

They will assess your needs and advice if you can apply for the loan.

This way, you won’t waste time applying for the loan if you do not meet the minimum requirements.

Once you are sure of your qualification, you can go ahead and submit your application.

The applications for the loan are done online on the Barnstable County website.