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Septic Pumping Cost Share Reimbursement Program – PAUSED!

Program Snapshot

Who’s it for?

Lake and Flathead County property owners with on-site septic systems who have been PRE-APPROVED

What it provides:

$200 reimbursement for septic pumping/inspection paid directly to homeowner upon proof of service

Why it matters:

Routine septic maintenance:

    • helps protect our drinking water, lakes, and streams
    • extends the useful life of your septic system
    • protects against costly sewage backups and septic failure

Ready to Apply?

Select orange buttonSeptic Pumping Cost Share Application , complete the online form, and select SUBMIT!   

About the Program

To protect our water, the Lake County Conservation District offers a septic pumping reimbursement program to encourage regular care of “at-risk” onsite septic systems. This program is supported by grant funding from the EPA and the Western Montana Conservation Commission and is designed to reduce the risk of septic failures that can negatively impact water quality and public health.

This program focusses on routine septic pumping, not system replacement, upgrades, or major repairs.

Funding is limited and is provided on a first-come, first-serve basis while funds are available.

Who is Eligible?

You may be eligible if:

  • You are a property owner in Lake or Flathead County, and
  • Your property is served by an onsite septic system, and
  • It has been at least 3 years since your last pumping/inspection, and
  • Your septic system is less than 500 feet from surface water, or
  • Your septic system is 20 years old or older

Not Eligible:

  • You do not own the property served by a septic system
  • you did not receive approval BEFORE receiving maintenance
  • You are seeking reimbursement for anything other than septic pumping

 

 

-if you are unsure about your eligibility, please contact us for assistance at 406-747-0895 or email here.

Program at a Glance

Apply → Get Approved → Get Pumped → Submit Documentation → Get Paid!

*Need Help Finding a Contractor?*

You may use any DEQ-Licensed Septic Pumping Contractor. For a current list, click HERE.

How the Process Works

This program provides a $200 reimbursement for property owners AFTER an approved application and septic pumping service have been completed.
Homeowners must receive approval BEFORE scheduling service. No applications will be approved for work already completed. Only septic pumping services are eligible.

Step 1: Apply for Program Approval

Submit an application to the Lake County Conservation District. If approved, you will receive an approval email that includes a Pumping Report form.

Ready to apply? Select orange buttonSeptic Pumping Cost Share Application , complete the online form, and select SUBMIT!   

Step 2: Schedule Your Septic Pumping

After receiving approval:

Do not schedule service before approval—reimbursements will not be paid for work completed prior to application approval.

Step 3: Day of Service -Get Pumped!

On day of pumping:

  • Provide the Pumping Report to your contractor

  • Share any critical information about the operation of your system and review the “inspection results” that have been noted by your contractor on the Pump Report.

Step 4: Requesting Reimbursement

Once pumping is complete and you’ve reviewed the completed Pump Report with your contractor, send your completed Pump Report with contractor receipt/invoice to LCCD. Once the information is verified, you will receive your $200 reimbursement in approximately 2-4 weeks. See the application form for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I need pre-approval before getting my septic system pumped?
    • YES
  • How long after I apply will I receive approval or denial?
    • Typically 2 weeks
  • May I use any septic contractor?
    • NO. You must use one of the DEQ-licensed, septic contractors listed HERE.
  • What if my system fails or needs repair? 
    • This program does not cover repairs, upgrades, or replacements. We can help connect you with other resources, if available.
  • Can renters apply? 
    • NO, only property owners may apply
  • What if funding runs out? 
    • Applications are processed in the order received while funds remain available. The Conservation District will notify any persons with pending applications if funding is close to exhaustion.
  • Does pumping and inspection within this program qualify as a real estate inspection?
    • NO

Still have questions? Contact us at 406-747-0895 or email here.

Important Program Notes

  • Funding is limited; submitting an application does not guarantee funding
  • Incomplete applications may delay processing
  • The Conservation District reserves the right to request additional documentation
  • Program details may change based on funding requirements

Additional Septic Resources

List and contacts of all licensed septic pumpers in Lake and Flathead Counties: Licensed Pumpers

Interested in the condition of your nearest surface water? Explore the DEQ Impaired Waterways Interactive Map to locate your address and nearby surface water. DEQ Impaired Waterways Map

Want to know more about your septic system and how to care for it? Septic System Care

LCCD’s Septic Education Basics for Homeowners Presentation Septic Basics PDF Slides

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