Septic Systems

Septic Systems

Help keep Skaneateles Lake clean - Volunteer your lawn! Learn more about how you can join SUNY ESF’s Skaneateles Lake Septic System Monitoring Project.

Septic System Replacement Fund - This New York State program, funded through the Environmental Facilities Corporation, focuses on improving water quality by providing funds to counties to help homeowners replace septic systems that are adversely impacting designated waterbodies. Participating counties provide grants to reimburse property owners for up to 50% of the costs (up to a maximum of $10,000) of their eligible septic system projects.

*If you are a Skaneateles Lake Watershed resident, you may have received a letter from the City of Syracuse and Cornell Cooperative Extension Onondaga County about your onsite wastewater treatment system (OWTS). Click here to view the letter. This letter was mailed to residents with onsite wastewater treatment systems older than 30 years. The EPA recommends property owners start planning to upgrade OWTS’s that are 25 to 30 years old, since they are likely approaching their useful lifespan. You are under no obligation to modify or replace your OWTS. If replacement or modification is not an option at this time, the Skaneateles Lake Watershed Protection Program encourages you to have an OWTS evaluation performed by a licensed design professional.

The Demonstration of New Advanced Wastewater Treatment Technologies at the Skaneateles Lake Watershed document shares information on an EPA-funded project by the City of Syracuse that focused on demonstrating the use of commercially available advanced onsite wastewater treatment systems at lakefront properties in challenging conditions.

CCE Onondaga’s Homeowners Guide to Septic System Management: Provides information on how septic systems work, the components of a septic system, how septic systems fail and the environmental impacts associated with failed septic systems, and a maintenance checklist.

NYS DOH Septic System Operation and Maintenance: This brochure includes information on septic system components and how to maintain your system.

The US Environmental Protection Agency also has several resources on septic systems, including:

• Types of Septic Systems

• How Your Septic System Works

• Why Maintain Your Septic System

• How to Care for Your Septic System

• What to Do if Your Septic System Fails

• Proper Landscaping On and Around Your Septic System

• More Resources for Homeowners with Septic Systems

Septic Systems and Skaneateles Lake: What to know to protect water quality - This program was held on August 21st, 2025 at The Creamery in Skaneateles, and shared information on septic system basics, including maintenance. Information was also shared on the Septic System Replacement Fund available to property owners in the Skaneateles Lake watershed. Additionally, attendees learned about newer septic system technologies for property owners interested in replacing and upgrading their septic systems to more effective, enhanced nutrient treatment systems. Speakers included Averi Davis, Program Manager, Syracuse University Environmental Finance Center (SU-EFC); Mark Noga, Founding member, retired multi-term Chair and Environmental Trainer, NY Onsite Wastewater Treatment Training Network; and Ryan Homeyer, Public Health Engineer, Onondaga County Health Department.

Presentation slides:

• Averi Davis’ slides

• Mark Noga’s slides

• Ryan Homeyer’s slides

Septic Systems and Floods

Environmental Protection Agency’s Septic Systems - What to do After a Flood: This page offers information on what to do with your septic system after experiencing a flood (and what you should not do).