Blog Post  New Septic System Regulations to Mitigate Nitrogen Pollution on Cape Cod

Recent updates to septic system and watershed regulations (310 CMR 15.000) are designed to combat nitrogen pollution in certain designated coastal areas on Cape Cod. MassDEP has developed an interactive map to aid home owners in determining whether they are affected by the changes in the law. There are two alternatives to legal compliance to the new laws. Municipalities can apply for a Watershed Permit issued by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. In municipalities that choose not to pursue a Watershed Permit, homeowners in these Natural Resource Areas will be required to upgrade their existing septic systems with nitrogen reducing technology within 5 years of July 7, 2023. Information about how each municipality is handing compliance and any wastewater construction projects, such as expansions and creation of municipal sewer systems, can typically be found on each town’s website.

To help homeowners pay for the upgrade to their septic systems, effective for tax years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2023, the septic tax credit (scroll down) that taxpayers may claim on their state income taxes has been increased. Additionally, Barnstable County has launched the ‘AquiFund’ to facilitate low interest loans to eligible individuals needing assistance with payments for septic system replacements, upgrades, and new sewer connections.

For more information, see Massachusetts law about Title 5 and septic systems.