Watershed Septic Improvement Grant Program

Watershed Septic Improvement Grant Program

Funder: Palo Alto County Board of Supervisors and Palo Alto County Gaming Development Corporation (PACGDC)

Geographic Scope: Properties within the watersheds of Five Island Lake, Lost Island Lake, and Silver Lake in Palo Alto County, Iowa

Program Description: Grant program established to improve septic systems in critical watershed areas. The program aims to improve water quality in the county's lakes and watersheds.

Award Amount

• Up to $5,000.00 towards actual repair, improvement, or replacement costs of existing or non-functioning septic systems

Eligibility

• Applicants: Property owners within Five Island Lake, Lost Island Lake, and Silver Lake watersheds in Palo Alto County
• Purpose: Repair, improvement, or replacement of existing or non-functioning septic systems
• Focus: Water quality improvement in protected watersheds

Funding Source

• Currently funded by PACGDC to lessen the burden on government

Program Rationale

As explained by Skip Wallace, PACGDC board member: "This is all about water quality improvement. This program is aimed at improving the watersheds across our county and in our lakes. By assisting homeowners in upgrading their septic systems, it helps improve the water quality for all of us."

Contact Information

• Palo Alto County Auditor's office: (712-852-2924)
• Palo Alto County Sanitarian's office: (712-852-3058)

How to Apply

1. Determine Eligibility
- Verify your property is within one of the three eligible watersheds: Five Island Lake, Lost Island Lake, or Silver Lake

2. Contact County Offices
- Palo Alto County Auditor's office: (712-852-2924)
- Palo Alto County Sanitarian's office: (712-852-3058)
- These offices can confirm eligibility and provide application forms

3. Submit Application
- Obtain application forms from county offices
- Include documentation of repair/improvement/replacement costs for septic system
- Submit according to county office instructions