Residential Septic System Education and Maintenance Program

The Residential Septic System Education and Maintenance Program Grant is a competitive funding opportunity established by the Western Montana Conservation Commission (WMCC), which operates under the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC). The grant is part of WMCC’s broader Stormwater and Septic Leachate Toxics Reduction initiative. This initiative is funded through a subaward from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Columbia River Basin Restoration Program. The WMCC focuses on improving water quality in Western Montana, especially in areas west of the Continental Divide, which constitute the headwaters of the Columbia River Basin. This grant aims to support the development or expansion of residential septic maintenance programs. Underperforming or improperly maintained septic systems can release pollutants into both ground and surface water. Through this program, WMCC seeks to incentivize best practices for septic system maintenance while simultaneously increasing public awareness about how these systems impact water quality. The grant places a strong emphasis on long-term behavioral change, which is supported through outreach activities, homeowner education, and community engagement strategies. A notable component of the program is the "Septic Stewardship Pledge" — a voluntary commitment residents may take to uphold improved septic maintenance practices. Eligible projects must be located in Western Montana, west of the Continental Divide, and must be completed by March 2029. However, applicants may request extensions no later than six months before the deadline, pending approval by WMCC and the EPA. Projects are required to include a before-and-after participant survey to assess knowledge improvement and behavioral change. Examples of fundable activities include septic tank pumping and inspection, the development of educational and outreach materials, septic system planning programs, and public workshops or conferences related to septic maintenance. Projects that do not contain educational components, do not focus on maintenance, or include water quality testing are deemed ineligible. Funding can be used for administrative costs, professional services (e.g., septic inspection and pumping), training and education, staff salaries (up to 25% of the total grant), materials, outreach events, and advertising. All expenditures must comply with 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Guidance), and preference is given to projects using American-made materials. Ineligible costs include septic system replacements, landscaping, methane gas monitoring, indirect costs, and entertainment or fundraising expenses. Each award is capped at $50,000, and the total available program funding is $500,000. A mandatory 25% non-federal cost-share is required, which may include in-kind contributions. Applications are submitted through WMCC’s online system via Submittable, and the grant remains open until all funds are exhausted. Applications are reviewed by WMCC staff and Commission Members using evaluation criteria that include the technical and financial feasibility of the project, anticipated environmental outcomes, and the project's potential to support underserved communities. WMCC provides additional support to successful applicants during the development and implementation of their programs. This includes a toolkit containing templates for outreach materials and the Septic Stewardship pledge. WMCC staff are available to provide technical guidance and capacity-building assistance as needed. The grant opportunity is designed not only to support infrastructure improvements but to build lasting community understanding and commitment to water quality stewardship.