Quick Links
🔗 Apply for the Program
📄 EPA SepticSmart Educational Videos
🌿 Virginia DEQ – Chesapeake Bay Program
🏠 Learn More About NSVRC Programs
About the Program
The NSVRC, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, is offering a Septic Pump-Out Program to help homeowners maintain healthy, functioning septic systems and protect local water quality.
Funded through the Chesapeake Bay Implementation Grant and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, this program provides one no-cost septic tank pump-out for eligible homeowners in Clarke, Frederick, and Shenandoah Counties.
All services are provided by Onsite Wastewater Service, Co., a licensed Virginia sewage handler based in the Northern Shenandoah Valley.
Why Septic Maintenance Matters
Routine septic maintenance is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your property, your drinking water, and the environment.
Properly maintained systems help:
- Prevent costly septic failures
- Protect private wells and groundwater from contamination
- Reduce nutrient and bacteria pollution in streams, rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay
- Support the health, safety, and property values of your community
Eligibility
To qualify for the NSVRC Septic Pump-Out Program:
- You must own or rent a property with a septic system in Clarke, Frederick, or Shenandoah County
- Your household income must be at or below 80% of the County’s Area Median Income (AMI)
- Participants must complete a short EPA SepticSmart educational video on proper septic care
- Participants agree to maintain their septic system after the pump-out, including arranging and paying for any future maintenance needed to keep the system functioning properly
How the Program Works
- Apply Online
Applications are hosted by our regional partner, Onsite Wastewater Service, Co.
👉 Apply Online Here - Confirm Eligibility
NSVRC staff and Onsite Wastewater Service will review your application and confirm eligibility. - Schedule Your Service
Once approved, you’ll be contacted directly to schedule your pump-out. - Pump-Out and Verification
Onsite Wastewater Service will complete your septic pump-out, including tank locating and excavation if needed. NSVRC will verify documentation to ensure all work meets DEQ and EPA program standards.
Need Assistance?
If you prefer to apply by phone or need help completing your application, please contact:
📧 akerns@nsvregion.org
📞 (540) 636-8800
Staff are happy to assist homeowners without internet access or those who wish to complete a paper application.
Partners and Funding
This program is a regional collaboration between the NSVRC, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and Onsite Wastewater Service, Co.
Funding for this project is provided in whole or in part by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under Assistance Agreement 4I-953081-01-2 to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and implemented through Subrecipient Agreement No. 17567 between DEQ and NSVRC.
The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the EPA or DEQ, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.
