Some Walker County homeowners with failing septic systems may qualify to have 60% of the cost of repairs reimbursed through a new round of grant funding.

The Limestone Valley Resource Conservation and Development Council has secured $268,000 to continue its septic repair program in portions of the Chattanooga Creek watershed. The money will be available to qualifying property owners over the next three years.

The program is available in eligible portions of Rossville, Flintstone, High Point and Lookout Mountain. It is not a countywide program, so Walker County residents must first determine whether their property is located within the qualifying watershed area.

Homeowners can check their eligibility through an online map provided by Limestone Valley. Those who qualify can then contact the project’s manager to begin the process.

The homeowner must obtain the required permit through the health department and enter into an agreement with Limestone Valley. After a contractor provides an estimate and the work is completed, the health department inspects the repair. Limestone Valley then reimburses the homeowner for 60% of the qualifying repair cost.

Limestone Valley Executive Director Stephen Bontekoe said repairing failing systems is important not only because of the expense and inconvenience for homeowners, but because leaking septic systems can introduce E. coli and other contamination into yards, streams and creeks, creating both environmental and public-health concerns.

The program has already produced results in Walker County. An earlier round of funding that began in 2023 helped 22 property owners repair failing septic systems. The previous program reimbursed up to 40% of qualifying costs; the new round increases the reimbursement to 60%.

Residents who believe they may qualify can visit the Limestone Valley Resource Conservation and Development Council website to check the eligibility map and begin the application process.