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1. How do I know if I am eligible for the rebate?

 There are three criteria that must be met to be eligible for the septic system rebate.

• You must own a private residence with a septic system. The property must be located within Whatcom County.  If you have questions about the eligibility of your property contact the PIC program at [email protected]. We will help you determine if your system is in the current eligible area.
• You must complete a free Whatcom County Health Department Septic System Homeowner Training. Due to COVID-19 in-person workshops have been suspended. On a temporary basis we are able to offer these options:
  • If you have already taken the training at an in-person workshop and 
    • It was within the last 3 years you may submit your rebate application with a copy of your invoice. 
    • It has been more than three years, you must to complete the refresher quiz before submitting your application.
  • If you have not completed the homeowner training you may take the online training.
• You must complete and pay for one of the eligible activities.
  • Evaluation completed by a certified professional.
  • Septic tank pumped by a certified professional.
  • Equipment purchased and installed (risers and lids, baffles, or effluent filters).
• If this is your second rebate for this property, you must complete the refresher quiz. The refresher quiz can found on the septic rebate program webpage. 

2. Where do I turn in my rebate application?

At Whatcom County Public Works- Natural Resources, 322 N. Commercial, Suite 210, Bellingham, WA 98225. The office is located in the tall gray and blue building across the street from the Bellingham Public Library.

3. What do I need to submit for the rebate?

This depends upon whether this is your first or second rebate for this property. 

If this is your first rebate for this property, the process has changed temporarily due to COVID-19 restrictions. Please see below for options  

• If you have already completed a Health Department workshop in the past three years, you may submit your rebate application with a copy of your invoice.  If it has been longer than three years, remember to complete the refresher quiz before submitting your application.
• If you have not completed a workshop, you may:
  1. Wait until the in-person workshops resume and submit your application after you have completed the training.  Rebate applications can be received for 12 months after the work on your septic system has been completed.  Grant funds will still be available for rebates after in-person workshops resume.
  2. Complete the Health Department’s online training and submit your application with the attached quiz and invoice now.  

Please email us at [email protected] with any questions about these changes

You will need to submit:

• Rebate application form.
• Copy of the receipt or paid invoice for the work completed.
• Copy of your completed refresher quiz (if you took the training online).

If this is your second rebate for this property, you will be required to complete a refresher quiz to receive the rebate. You will need to submit:

• Rebate application form.
• Copy of the receipt or paid invoice for the work completed.
• Copy of your completed refresher quiz 

 

4. How do I sign up for a class?

Due to COVID-19 restrictions the Whatcom County Health Department in-person septic system workshops have been postponed until further notice. On a temporary basis, homeowners can complete the Health Department’s online training tin lieu of the in person workshops. Homeowners who complete the online training must complete and submit the refresher quiz with their rebate application. 

5. How large of a rebate can I receive?

Your rebate level will depend on the activity you complete. 

• Septic system evaluations by a certified professional- Up to $100 
• Septic tank pumping by certified professional- Up to $200 
• Equipment installation- Up to $100

6. How long does it take to receive the rebate?

Rebate applications are typically processed within 4-6 weeks. You will receive a check at the mailing address you indicated on your rebate application.

7. When is the last date for me to submit my rebate materials? If something comes up, can I still submit them late?

Funding is limited, so participants are encouraged to submit materials as early as possible. If additional funding remains past the deadline, rebates will be rewarded in the order they were received. 

8. I followed the instructions I received after completing my training and have submitted all of my rebate application materials. Is there anything more I need to do?

Nope! You should be all set. We will contact you if we need any additional information.

9. Can I submit applications for all three rebate options?

No, you may complete all three activities. However, each parcel* is eligible for one rebate. Your rebate will be processed for the highest rebate level from your mix of activities. For example, if you completed both an evaluation and septic system pumping, your rebate will be processed for the septic system pumping.

* If there are multiple septic systems on one parcel, you may be eligible for multiple rebates. Contact Molly Burke at [email protected] to determine if you have more than one eligible system.

10. I completed an evaluation, septic tank pumping, or installed equipment before I received a letter from the Whatcom County Health Department. Am I still eligible for the rebate?

Yes, as long as the work was completed in the last year, you complete a septic system training, and you can obtain a copy of your receipt or paid invoice.

11. I attended a homeowner workshop a few years ago; can you verify that I attended a class? Can I still submit a rebate now?

Yes, the Whatcom County Health Department keeps records of landowners that have completed septic system classes. Contact us at [email protected] to request confirmation that you have completed a class. Be prepared to provide your name, address, and approximate time and location that you completed the class. Once Public Works has received confirmation, you will be notified and can submit your application. 

Please note: Your evaluation, pumping, or equipment installation must have been completed in the last year to be eligible for the rebate.

12. I sent my rebate materials in a few months ago and still have not had any response. Did you receive my information?

Processing time ranges anywhere from 4-6 weeks; if you have not received a rebate within two months of submitting your materials, please contact us at [email protected] or (360) 778-6230. 

13. If I have a certified professional complete my septic system evaluation, why do I need to complete a homeowner training?

This is a grant funded program with a goal of increasing homeowners’ knowledge of septic systems, how they work, and how to identify potential problems before a system fails. Thus, the training is a requirement to be eligible for the rebate program.

14. I have already received a rebate for this property. Can I receive another rebate?

You can apply for a second rebate for your property if:

• You have not received a septic maintenance rebate in the past three years.
• You have completed the refresher quiz.
• You have hired a licensed professional to complete an evaluation, septic tank pumping, or equipment installation in the past year.

15. Where do I access the refresher quiz and rebate application for my second rebate?

You will find links to the refresher quiz and rebate application on the Public Works website or contact us at  [email protected].

16. Where do I find materials to help me with the refresher quiz?

To review information before completing your refresher quiz or your septic system inspection, visit the Whatcom County Health Department's homeowner training webpage to complete the home owner training (only on-line training is available at this time), and access the homeowner training materials.