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The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) currently is in the process of identifying potential Septic and Well Assistance Program (SWAP) grant recipients for septic repair/replacement.

The Virginia Department of Health will use $11.5 million allocated in the Governor’s Budget Bill approved on Aug. 10 to help low-income homeowners repair or replace well and septic systems. The allocation is part of the commonwealth’s funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The Office of Environmental Health Services will spend the ARPA funds through the Septic and Well Assistance Program (SWAP), which will be used to assist homeowners with incomes at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines.

The grant covers the cost of:

• Repairing or replacing failing septic systems.

• Replacing straight pipes and privies.

• Installing conventional system repairs, alternative system repairs, or sewer connection.

• Alternative system operation and maintenance.

• Replacing inadequate private wells.

• Properly abandoning unused wells.

• Installing replacement wells or public water connections.

The website below directs property owners and local partners for more information. Under the “Apply” tab, there is a Google Form that will allow owners to provide a few details to get them in the queue for outreach as soon as funding becomes available. VDH will continue to update the site with application forms and additional details regarding the process as they become available.

https://www.vdh. virginia.gov/environmental-health/swap/