Free septic system rebates are available

NORTH COUNTY – Septic system maintenance rebates worth $100 are available to residents in the San Luis Rey Watershed and the San Diego County portion of the Santa Margarita Watershed. These areas include Rainbow, Fallbrook, Bonsall, Valley Center, Pala, Pauma Valley, Warner Springs and the region surrounding Lake Henshaw. Participation in this Septic System Rebate Program is free.

In order to qualify for the rebate, visit the County of San Diego Septic System Rebate website (www.sdcounty.ca.gov/dpw/watersheds/residential/septic_rebate.html), read the Rebate Program rules, complete a short survey, view an online presentation and complete a final short survey. A $100 rebate will be given to each qualifying participant (as long as supplies last, limited to one per household) after the participants’ septic system has been inspected by an approved septic tank pumping company.

Guidelines for maintaining a healthy septic system are discussed in detail in the online presentation on the County of San Diego Septic System Rebate website. A few tips include avoiding overloading the system with water during a short period of time, preventing non-biodegradable solids (such as disposable diapers, coffee grounds and cigarette butts) from entering the septic tank and eliminating the amount of fats and oils entering the septic system.

The presentation also specifies how often a septic system should be inspected and pumped based on how many bedrooms are in the house and how many people live in the residence. For more information about the Rebate Program, contact Bethany Principe, Mission Resource Conservation District, at (760) 728-1332 or [email protected]. The rebates are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.