More homeowners eligible for septic maintenance

MARGARETVILE, May 7, 2008 - The Catskill Watershed Corporation (CWC) recently sent letters offering maintenance assistance to 338 homeowners in the Catskills whose septic systems were installed or replaced in 2005.

The CWC’s Septic Maintenance Program pays half the cost of pumping septic tanks and inspecting systems that were installed in the New York City watershed west of the Hudson River since 1997 and are at least three years old.

Letters explaining the program were sent in early May to 180 homeowners whose systems were replaced by the CWC’s Septic Rehabilitation and Replacement Program in 2005, and to the owners of another148 new homes. (Septic systems for new construction are not covered by the CWC’s replacement program, but are eligible for the maintenance program.)

Regularly-scheduled maintenance - pump-outs and inspection every three to five years by a licensed professional - is key to preventing costly system failures and environmental degradation. If you think you may be eligible for the maintenance program and have not received a letter and the required participation forms, please call the CWC at 845-586-1400, or, toll-free, 877-928-7433.

The CWC is a non-profit, local development corporation responsible for several environmental protection, economic development and education programs in the New York City Watershed West of the Hudson River. For more information, go to www.cwconline.org.