Location: Idaho
Issue: Many rural Idaho households lack the resources to repair or replace their failing septic systems
Outcome: The RCAC Household Septic Loan Program provides much needed financing
Many residents in rural Idaho find it difficult to repair and, in some cases, replace their septic systems. It is simply too expensive, and their modest incomes don’t cover the costs.
In January 2018, the Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) and the Idaho State Revolving Fund Program formalized the RCAC Household Septic Loan Program. RCAC’s Loan Fund staff, regional managers and field staff worked together to develop the program.
A pivotal step to the program’s launch was to engage and build support with Idaho health districts. RCAC staff queried seven of the health districts about demand, program specifics and implementation. Staff also presented at the Idaho Environmental Health Conference to discuss the program’s launch and to promote the funding.
In May 2018, RCAC approved its first loan under the program and approved a grant request shortly thereafter. The loan went to a Boise resident, whose septic system drain field had failed. The estimate to make the repairs came to more than $4,000. Though steadily employed, the owner earns less than $2,500 per month and was still paying his deceased wife’s medical bills.
The grant request went to a resident in Middleton, Canyon County. His septic system failed in early 2018 and he learned later that it would cost more than $10,000 to fix it. His monthly income is less than $2,000. The grant covered the cost of the entire septic system replacement. The owner later said he was uncertain how else he could have fixed his septic system if not for RCAC, noting that he had searched for other similar programs but had found only RCAC’s Idaho SRF Septic System Assistance Program.
