27,000 septic systems. Millions of people's drinking water. A $3.5 million fix.
LEAD STORY: Your Septic System, Their Drinking Water — Westchester's $3.5M Fix
On March 25, Westchester County launched a first-of-its-kind $3.5 million Septic System Rehabilitation and Sewer Connection Program. If you're a property owner in the New York City watershed with a failing septic system, you can apply for an interest-free loan of up to $49,999. The county, the property owner, and the contractor sign a third-party agreement. No money upfront.
The scale of the need: approximately 27,000 septic systems in Westchester sit within the watershed that supplies drinking water to New York City and parts of Westchester. An estimated 10% need repair or replacement. That watershed covers 12 communities: Bedford, Cortlandt, Harrison, Lewisboro, Mount Pleasant, New Castle, North Castle, North Salem, Pound Ridge, Somers, Yorktown, and Mount Kisco.
When a septic system fails, it releases fecal bacteria, viruses, nitrates, phosphorus, cryptosporidium, and giardia into waterways that feed the drinking water supply for millions. Since 2010, there have been over 164 documented sewage spills in the county, roughly one every three weeks.
The federal backdrop makes local action more urgent. In November 2025, the EPA proposed narrowing the definition of "Waters of the United States" under the Clean Water Act, stripping protection from 80% of U.S. wetlands. The EPA's proposed fiscal year 2026 budget cuts the Clean Water State Revolving Fund by over 90%. Governor Hochul announced $250 million statewide for water and sewer infrastructure on March 12, including a $30 million grant for the Rye Lake Water Filtration Plant in Harrison.
Why it matters: Clean drinking water is not a partisan issue. Westchester's watershed is a shared resource. This program fills a gap that federal rollbacks are widening. Apply by emailing [email protected] or through the county's ArcGIS portal.
Listen to the full story on today's episode at www.iliveheremedia.com
QUICK HITS
Northwell Absorbs 240 Physicians: Northwell Health acquired roughly 240 surgeons from Optum, expanding its footprint across urology, orthopedics, and general surgery in Westchester. Northwell already operates Northern Westchester Hospital and Phelps. For patients, the immediate question is whether your insurance network and specialist access are changing.
Prevailing Wage Act Introduced: County Executive Ken Jenkins introduced the Lessor Prevailing Wage Act, requiring prevailing wages on construction and maintenance for county-leased properties. If passed, it changes the economics of every commercial lease involving county government. Strong union support. Developers watching closely.
Conservation District Grows: The Westchester County Conservation District adopted an expanded work plan with 21% more funding from the state. New programs include farmland preservation studies, urban agriculture support, and stormwater management workshops.
ONE MORE THING
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