Roanoke County and the Roanoke Valley Alleghany Regional Commission (RVARC) have partnered using grant funds from the Virginia Environmental Endowment to provide a no-cost septic tank pump-out program for qualified Roanoke County residents.
This grant-funded program aims to reduce the environmental impact and property damage caused by failed septic systems.
Septic systems that have not been maintained are a possible source of nutrient and bacteria pollution that may lead to stream impairments throughout Roanoke County. Septic systems that fall into disrepair can back up into homes or overflow into yards, creating costly issues for homeowners.
Households with an annual income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Line are eligible to apply for this program. Residents are encouraged to attend an educational workshop, where they can apply for the free pump-out during the event. The next workshop is scheduled for Saturday, March 9, 2024, at the Vinton Library from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Maintaining septic systems benefits households, the local community, and the environment. Septic systems should be inspected every one to three years and pumped every three to five years, depending on use.
To learn more about the free septic pump-out program and how a septic system works, click https://www.roanokecountyva.gov/septic.
-The Salem Times-Register