EPA Septic Maintenance Reimbursement Application 2026

APPLICATION: Flathead Basin Septic Pumping Cost Share Program

For Flathead & Lake County Property Owners (version 2/2026)
Eligibility and Restrictions
- Program is for property owners in Lake or Flathead County who are willing to complete the application questionnaire and provide proper documentation of septic pumping service.
- Program funds can only provide rebates for septic pumping services. Funds cannot be used for any other maintenance or upgrade costs. No applications will be approved for work already completed.
- Applicants who have previously received septic cost-share funding through this program are not eligible.
Instructions
1. Complete all fields of this application marked with an *
2. NOTE: If you click the "SUBMIT" button and nothing happens, you've likely left a required question blank. Review your application, complete all fields, and select submit again.
3. Within two weeks of submission, you will receive an approval or denial email from flatheadsepticprogram@macdnet.org
4. After approval, print out the emailed pump report and make an appointment with a DEQ-licensed septic contractor
5. Additional "day of service" instructions are included at the end of this form
Name*

First NameLast Name
Email*
example@example.com
Mailing Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Property Information
Property Type*
Physical Property Address (if different from mailing address)
County*
Name the closest stream, lake, or wetland to your septic system (if known)
When Was the Last Time Your Septic System Was Pumped?*

Less than 3 yearsBetween 3 – 7 yearsMore than 7 yearsUnknown
Age of Your System*

Less than 5 yearsBetween 5 – 9 yearsBetween 10 – 19 yearsBetween 20 – 29 yearsMore than 30 years old
How many people live at this address?*
Some actions can put excessive strain on your septic. Please share information about the following:
Do you have a garbage disposal?*

YesNo
Any use of garbage disposals can add untreated food and grease to your tank, necessitating pumping more often and potentially clogging your drain field.
Do you have a hot tub?*

YesNo
Emptying a hot tub into your septic system stirs the solids in the tank, pushing them into the drainfield, causing it to clog and fail. Instead, drain cooled hot tub water onto turf or landscaped areas far away from yourseptic tank and drainfield. For additional recommendations, click here.
Do you have a Water Purification or Water Softener System?*

YesNo
Some freshwater purification systems, including water softeners,
unnecessarily pump water into septic systems, causing agitation
of solids and excess flow to drainfields. Make sure your water purification isn't draining through your septic or into your drainfield. For additional information, click here.
Do you use powder-based laundry detergent?*

YesNo
Some powder-based detergents are packed with extra fillers, even clay! These fillers don't break down and can clog your pipes and drainfield. Look for septic-safe products including liquid detergents that avoid harsh chemicals that can disrupt the good-bacteria in your system.
Do you have any leaky faucets or a constantly running toilet?*

YesNo
They might seem small, but those little leaks can add hundreds of gallons of extra water through your system, diluting beneficial bacteria and flooding your drainfield. Get those leaky faucets fixed and save your septic and your wallet!
Do you space out laundry, showers, and other high water use activities?*

YesNo
Avoid diluting beneficial bacteria and flooding your drainfield by spreading out high water use activities throughout the week. Installing energy-efficiant, low water use appliances and shower heads can make this easier as well.
Do you ever flush or use the drain to dispose of any of the following (check all that apply):

"Flushable" Wipes"Ultra Strong" Variety Toilet PaperFeminine Hygiene ProductsUnused Prescription MedicineKitchen GreasePaintHarsh Chemicals or Chemical Drain CleanersCat LitterBiological additives like "Rid-X"**
Beware of these system killers and cloggers. When it comes to your toilet, only flush the "three Ps" — pee, poop, and paper!

**A note on additives from the EPA: Many studies show that additives have no significant effects on a tank’s bacterial populations. Periodic pumping is the only true way to ensure that your septic system is operating properly. Click here for more.
What kind of traffic goes over the drainfield?*

NoneFoot traffic onlySmall equipment, e.g. mower, ATVLarge equipment, e.g. cars, tractorsI don't know my drainfield location
Remember: large equipment, outbuildings, and deep-rooted trees and shrubs can damage your pipes and compact your soil, shortening the life of your drainfield.
Describe the vegetation on your drainfield?*

Green and lush, even in dry spellsLooks the same as the rest of the yardNothing grows there (bare)I don't know my drainfield location
A healthy drainfield will be indistinguishable from the rest of your lawn. If you notice smells, squishy spots, or lush/green growth (different from the surrounding area), let your contractor know. This can be a red flag for the health of your drainfield.
Identify conditions that can help you and your contractor assess the health and functionality of your septic:
Have you had any sewage backups in the household plumbing since your last septic maintenance?*

YesNo
If your system has an alarm, has it gone off recently?*

YesNoMy system doesn't have an alarm
If your system has a filter, have you cleaned it in the last year?*

YesNo/I don't know— my contractor needs to demonstrate for me during the visitI do not have a filter
Please share at least one fact you learned about septic systems as you completed this application.*
Information about Your Upcoming Septic Appointment
Name of Septic Pumping Contractor (if known)
*You must use a DEQ-licensed septic pumper. No reimbursmements will be made for unlicensed work.
Date of your scheduled service (if known)

MonthDayYear
On the day of your appointment:
- Remember to print out your pump report and provide to your contractor for completion. This report ensures that you will receive your $200 reimbursement. Without a completed pump report and contractor receipt, we cannot process your reimbursement.
- Share any critical information about your system including recent back-ups, alarms, smells, or noticeable changes in your drainfield, with your pumper.
- Take some time to review the "inspection results" - especially any recommendations for repairs or any red flags that have been noted by your contractor.
- Send your completed pump report with contractor receipt/invoice, to the Lake County Conservation District at:
Lake County CD, 64352 US HWY 93, Ronan, MT 59864 OR flatheadsepticprogram@macdnet.org
How Did You Hear About This Program?*

FlyerSandwich BoardWord of mouthOnline ads (Instagram, Facebook, etc)Conservation District WebsiteNewsletter emailNewspaperRadio adCommunity meetingOther
So what's next?

Watch your email for your approval & print the pump report for completion by your contractor during your visit.

Thank you for participating in this program and pledging to protect our watershed!
Should be Empty:

APPLICATION: Flathead Basin Septic Pumping Cost Share Program

Property Information

Some actions can put excessive strain on your septic. Please share information about the following:

Identify conditions that can help you and your contractor assess the health and functionality of your septic:

Information about Your Upcoming Septic Appointment

On the day of your appointment:

So what's next?