Roanoke County and RVARC expand free septic pump out program with new grant funding for rural residents
Roanoke, Virginia – Roanoke County has announced a renewed partnership with the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission (RVARC) through a second round of grant funding from the Virginia Environmental Endowment’s Community Conservation Program (CCP). This collaboration will support the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Region Septic Pump-Out Program, providing free septic system pump-outs to eligible residents across the region.
The newly awarded grant will allow the county to continue the existing program for another three years and extend services into Craig County, a rural area now included in the CCP jurisdiction. In total, the funding will cover 145 cost-free pump-outs, as well as provide both in-person and virtual educational resources to teach residents about septic system maintenance.
“The Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Region Septic Pump-Out Program will build on existing work by RVARC to bring septic pump-outs to low-income residents of the region,” stated the announcement.
Both Roanoke County and Craig County contain large rural populations where homes often lack access to public sewer infrastructure. Proper septic system maintenance is crucial to protecting water quality, but many families face barriers due to limited income and a lack of educational resources. By offering no-cost services and education, the program aims to improve local water conditions and promote responsible septic care.
Households in Roanoke County with annual incomes at or below 80% of the Area Median Income may be eligible to apply. “With the implementation of 145 cost-free pump-outs and both in-person and virtual education options for residents, the pump-out program will achieve CCP’s goals of water quality improvement and education.”
Residents interested in learning more or applying for the program can visit the official Roanoke County website at: https://www.roanokecountyva.gov/2963/Septic-Pump-Out-Program.
