Financial Assistance

Craft3 Clean Water Loans

Finding your septic system has failed can be scary and expensive - but getting it fixed does not have to be. Island County Public Health has partnered with Craft3, a nonprofit, non-bank, community development financial institution, to provide affordable Clean Water Loans to help families repair or replace their failing septic system with no money down.

Craft3 Clean Water Loans make it easier to fit the complete cost of designing, permitting, installing and maintaining your septic system into your household budget. In some cases, you can also finance a connection to a nearby municipal sewer system.

Craft3 has unique approval criteria and payment terms that work for a wide range of property types and family circumstances.  Fewer failing septic systems in our communities means fewer families vulnerable to displacement and less pollution that can harm our children, natural resources, and local industries reliant on clean water.

• To learn more or to apply for a loan, visit the Craft3 website.

The US Department of Agriculture also has a loan and grant program for water and wastewater projects in rural communities. Learn more about project eligibility from this USDA Fact Sheet.

On-Site Septic System Inspection Incentive Program

Program Overview

Island County property owners who own a private residence with a septic system are eligible to apply for an inspection incentive coupon to help subsidize the cost of a routine full septic system inspection performed by a participating licensed septic maintenance service provider.  

Overview of the Inspection Incentive Process

The inspection incentive coupon subsidizes the cost of a routine full system inspection up to the maximum incentive amount. If a full system inspection as well as additional work is performed at that time, then up to the maximum award amount can be applied towards the customer’s total bill.   

Eligibility

To be eligible, you must:

• Be an Island County property owner that owns a private residence with a septic system. 
  • Note: commercial properties, renters, businesses, and churches are not eligible. 
• Have not received an inspection incentive coupon from this program in the last three years. 
• Your septic system is due for routine inspection.
• Have a routine full septic inspection performed by a participating licensed maintenance service provider before the end of the year (12/31/26). 
  • Note: the inspection incentive coupon can not be applied to property sales, septic inspections or homeowner inspections.
• Use your 2026 Incentive Coupon before the end of the year (12/31/26).

The Inspection Incentive Process

What Exactly is a Full Septic System Inspection?

A septic system inspection assesses the overall health and functionality of your system. During the septic inspection, a licensed maintenance service provider will examine the tank(s), drainfield, and pipes to ensure they are in good working condition. They may also perform water flow, dye, or pressure tests to ensure the system functions properly. Routine inspections are essential to ensure that your system is functioning properly and to catch any issues before they become major problems.

PLEASE NOTE: A Pumping Service is NOT an inspection.  

How Often Should My System Have an Inspection?

• Every three years - for a conventional “gravity” system with only a septic tank and a gravity drainfield 
• Annually – For all other system types. These systems usually have a pump, alarm panel, or even an aerobic treatment unit.

WAC 246-272A-0270 (1)(d)