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Public Works - Septic Rebate Program

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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.
  • 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 cannot completed an in-person homeowner training you may take the online training.
    • You must complete and submit the refresher quiz with you application materials.
• 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 not your first rebate: 
  • You must complete the refresher quiz unless you have attend another in-person workshop. The refresher quiz can found on the septic rebate program webpage. 

2. How do I know if I am eligible for the Low- and Fixed-income Septic Assistance Program?

You are a senior citizen or a person with disabilities with your residence in Washington State and qualify for a property tax deduction under the property tax exemption for senior citizens and people with disabilities program.

3. Where do I turn in my rebate application?

At Whatcom County Public Works- Natural Resources, 322 N. Commercial, 2^nd, Bellingham, WA 98225. The office is located in the tall gray and blue building across the street from the Bellingham Public Library.

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

If this is your first rebate for your property and you have 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 and attach to your application materials.

If you have not completed a Health Department workshop, you may complete the Health Department’s online training and submit your application with the attached quiz and invoice.

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 or it has been longer than 3 years since in-person workshop).

If this in an additional rebate for this property, you may attend another workshop or 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 

 

5. How do I apply for the Septic Assistance Rebate?

• You must complete a FREE Whatcom County Health Department Septic System Homeowner Training
  • These trainings are available online or as an in-person workshop
  • Sign Up information for this training can be found here
    • Homeowners that complete the online training must submit completed refresher quiz with application materials

• You must complete and pay for one of the eligible activities
  • Evaluation completed by a certified professional AND/OR Septic tank pumped by a certified professional
•  Submit your Rebate Application, Invoice for Services, and Copy of Refresher Quiz if training was completed online*
  • When completing the rebate application be sure to check the box stating that you “qualify for Whatcom County’s property tax exemption for senior citizens and people with disabilities program”

 *If in-person workshop was completed, no Refresher Quiz is necessary

6. How do I sign up for a class?

In-person training workshops are hosted by Whatcom County Health Department. You can find training dates and locations on their website. Homeowners can also complete the Health Department’s online training in lieu of the in person workshops. Homeowners who complete the online training must complete and submit the refresher quiz with their rebate application. 

7. How large of a rebate can I receive?

Your rebate amount will depend on the activity you complete. 

Standard Septic Rebate

• Septic system evaluations by a certified professional- Up to $150 
• Equipment installation- Up to $150
• Septic tank pumping by certified professional- Up to $250

*This rebate category is eligible for one rebate activity per property

Septic Assistance Rebate

• Septic system evaluations by a certified professional- Up to $200
• Septic tank pumping by certified professional- Up to $300

*This rebate category is eligible for multiple rebates per application- Up to $500 total for the completion of both services

8. I am a senior citizen or person with disabilities with property tax exemption status. What am I eligible for?

• You may be eligible to receive multiple rebates per application- Rebates for evaluation AND pumping

• Increased Rebate Amounts- $200 for Evaluation/$300 for Pumping/$500 overall

9. 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.

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

Rebate applications can be received for 12 months after the work on your septic system has been completed. Funding is limited, so participants are encouraged to submit materials as early as possible. 

 

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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. Upon submittal of your rebate application materials, we will verify your eligibility. If it has been 3 years or longer since your completed workshop, a refresher quiz will need to be submitted with your application.

Please Note: Rebate applications can be received for 12 months after the work on your septic system has been completed.

15. 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. 

16. 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.

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

You can apply for an additional 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.

18. Where do I access the refresher quiz and rebate application?

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

19. 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 homeowner training and access the homeowner training materials.

20. I am a senior citizen or person with disabilities but do not receive property tax exemption. Am I still eligible for the Low- and Fixed-income Septic Assistance Program?

• Senior citizen or person with disabilities with property tax exemption status is determined by the Whatcom County Assessor’s office. https://www.whatcomcounty.us/3406/Exemptions-Tax-Relief 

• We unfortunately cannot offer the septic assistance rebate amounts to those not currently receiving property tax exemptions for senior citizens and people with disabilities at this time. 
•  To qualify for enhanced access for septic assistance rebates under the Low- & Fixed-income Assistance Program the applicant must have been on the Property Tax Exemption for Senior Citizens and People with Disabilities list at the time the work was done on their OSS or at the time of rebate application.

21. What if there is a problem with my septic system upon evaluation?

• There are resources available to assist with the repair and replacement of a failing septic system if you are concerned about how to pay for your septic system.
  • The Craft 3 Loan is a low interest rate loan program to assist lower-income borrowers with residential properties.
  • Visit www.craft3.org/homeowner-loans/clean-water/washington for more information