Annual Beaver Lake Volunteer Day Event: September 29th, 2025 Register Now
Logo for H2Ozarks with H2 in blue, Ozarks in green, a wave inside the O, and the slogan “Cleaner Water Together!” in blue script below. Blue water lines flow through the text.
DONATE NOW
DONATE NOW

Missouri Septic

Q&A
Missouri Septic System Program

“When my 32-year-old septic system began to fail, I immediately went into crisis control. I knew it would cost more than I could possibly afford to replace it. [Instead,] I had been carefully managing my water use for over a year. I couldn’t shower and then wash dishes too close together, and I took my laundry to the laundromat during rainy weather... [This program] was like an answer to my prayers. Now I can take a shower, do my laundry and not worry about what will happen if I flush my toilet after a heavy rain. This would not have been possible without the grant funds…I am so grateful to H2Ozarks and the Department of Natural Resources for the Septic Remediation grant!”

- 2024 Grant Recipient
The Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Grant Program provides financial assistance to homeowners in eligible project areas who have a failing septic system. This program can ease the burdensome costs of replacing a septic system by providing financial assistance and cost-share with homeowners.
Learn how our Septic Tank Remediation Programs help water quality
Map of Missouri highlighting rivers and major cities, including Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, and Jefferson City. Highways and county boundaries are marked over a dark blue background.

H2Ozarks can offer the following technical and financial assistance to accepted applicants:

  • Funding the repair or replacement through reimbursed grant funds and cost-share with the homeowner
  • Assisting with septic system evaluation for system failure
  • Connecting homeowners with licensed septic professionals
  • Answering questions about the design and permitting process

Eligible homeowners may qualify for a grant or cost-share based on the following income guidelines:

A table shows funding breakdowns by income level: ≤75% of state MHI get 100% grant (max $40K), 0% cost share, 67% funds; >75%–100% get 80% grant (max $32K), 20% cost share, 33% funds.

This funding will reimburse homeowners for both design and installation costs (as performed by licensed professionals) up to a total of $40,000 per project. Grant funds are awarded to the homeowner and do not require repayment.

This program is funded by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, a federal-state partnership with the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

  1. Adjusted gross household income must be less than $61,043 (the state median household income).
  2. Own and occupy the home where the failing septic system is located as your primary residence (rental properties are not eligible).
  3. Home is a single-family dwelling..
  4. The septic system treats only the wastewater for the single-family dwelling (is not part of a cluster system).
  5. The septic system is located within the boundaries of an eligible watershed (see map of program area above). You may be eligible if your project is located in the following:
    • Table Rock Lake watershed
    • Flat Creek watershed
    • Lake Niangua watershed
    • Lake of the Ozarks watershed
    • Pomme de Terre Lake watershed
    • Harry S. Truman Reservoir watersheds

You can identify your watershed using the MyWaterway tool, or contact the Program Administrator [Jump link: contact us] for assistance.

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
Were you referred by your local health department or onsite authority?*
Physical Address - Location of Septic System*
Preferred Contact Method
Is your household adjusted gross income under $61,043.00? Households with incomes above this amount are not eligible.*
I own the home and it is my:*

How many homes does this septic treat?*
How did you hear about this program?*

This project is funded with pass-through funding from the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (USEPA) to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, through the 2022 Clean Water State Revolving Fund Capitalization Grant. The US EPA has provided 100% of the $2,575,000 award in federal funds.

DO:

  • Review the program files and documents below.
  • Complete an inquiry form if you have more questions and would like us to contact you.

DON’T:

  • DON’T replace your failed system! Your application must be approved by H2Ozarks.
  • Don’t wait to apply. The grant period ends in December 2026.
  • Don’t assume you will receive grant funding. Applications and funding must be approved.

Contact us and we’ll be happy to help you!
Jerry Harman, Program Director
417.249.1031
Julia Purk, Program Assistant
417.373.8779

owtsgrant@H2Ozarks.org

Know of a problem? Submit a Referral

Cooperation from local health departments and onsite authorities can help H2Ozarks identify and prioritize remediation efforts. Please submit referrals through the online link above; we’ll take it from there!