New homeowners in Suffolk County that may need more than cesspool pumping Long Island will have to shell out extra on their septic systems starting in July 2021. Outdated cesspool and septic systems show increased levels of Nitrogen in nearby bodies of water and Suffolk County Officials have been moving towards this decision since 2016, when a nitrogen testing and approval was put fourth for septic systems. The October 6th bill passed unanimously, continuing legislatures efforts to put water friendly regulations in play. However, there is some concern as to what this new regulation could cost new homeowners.
The new nitrogen reducing septic systems could cost double the amount that of a standard septic system, and officials would like to see a subsidization plan for these new requirements. With roughly 380,000 properties with outdated septic systems, it’s an important change for Suffolk County, whose legislature is attempting to shore up septic regulations for the sake of the waterways and the economy. The nitrogen from the old style septic systems and cesspools pollutes Suffolk County’s harbors and bays affecting drinking water and ecosystems, killing off fish. While officials say nitrogen from Suffolk doesn’t effect Suffolk’s drinking water, it may effect the rest of Long Island’s drinking water.
Older construction isn’t exempt from this new legislation, either. Any existing homes that begin new construction that would add a fifth or more bedroom, or that would increase the footprint of the home would be subject to this new regulation. In 2017, lawmakers introduced a program to anyone voluntarily replacing their cesspool or septic system with the new nitrogen reducing option, allowing homeowners to apply for grants and low interest financing for their new system.
New nitrogen reducing septic systems do require more maintenance than older style septic systems. With a smaller pretreatment tank, septic tank pumping from cesspool pumping Long Island will be needed. This puts the cost of maintenance from $300- 500 dollars every five years to $300 – 500 every year.
This isn’t all bad, however. Homeowners installing a new nitrogen reducing septic system will see water quality impacts across Long Island, and having their septic system maintained every year will lead to the discovery of issues long before they become too costly. Increased maintenance needs also add jobs to Long Island, by increasing the amount of business for cesspool pumping Long Island and septic tank pumping companies in the area.
New homeowners and those expanding the size of their home will need to begin complying with the new regulation in July of 2021.