Septic Systems

North Castle town code Ch 254  Sewer systems: Private or On- Site Wastewater Treatment 

Septic Systems: New Law!

How the new law requiring pumping affects you and why it is important to properly maintain your septic system--

A new North Castle Town law affecting all properties in the Kensico and Croton watersheds* requires residents to have their septic tanks inspected at a least once every five years. The law became effective in 2011 but requires all covered tanks to be pumped by May 2016. The law was needed to comply with Municipal Storm Sewer (MS4) requirements. A service provider should be licensed by Westchester County and will file a Septic System Data Form with the county, giving you a copy which you need to save for six years.  The Town will review the county's information to determine compliance with the law.  Failure to pump may result in fines.

Pumping your septic tank is both good for your health and good for the environment. Maintaining your septic system is crucial to the quality of our drinking water, because anything you put down the drain goes into your septic system and can ultimately wind up in the water we use for drinking, cooking, and bathing.  Residents can refer to the Conservation Board’s brochure, Septic Systems: How they work and how to care for them to find out more information about septic tank maintenance and why it is important. 

*To determine whether your property is in the Kensico or Croton watersheds refer to the following links: 

North Castle Watershed map 
OR
North Castle Conservation Board’s Environmental Map - yellow shaded areas are Kensico watershed and brown shaded areas are Croton (Kisco River) watershed (slide shaded bars at bottom and right side of page to locate your property.)

Kensico Septic System Rehabilitation Reimbursement Program
Owners of failing septic systems serving single family or two family residences with a design sewage flow of less than 1,000 gallons per day per family and located within the New York State portion of the Kensico Watershed (see watershed map below) are eligible for Program funding subject to Program rules and restrictions.  In general, the program provides for 50% reimbursement for septic repairs/connections up to $25,000 (and up to 75% in the case of demonstrated financial hardship). 

Interested residents should contact NYSEFC at 518-486-9267 or EastofHudson@efc.ny.gov to determine eligibility or for more information. 

Additional information is also on the web at www.efc.gov/eastofhudson.

Fact Sheet

Detailed Program Plan

North Castle’s Watersheds:  Bronx River, Byram River, Croton River, Kensico, Mianus 
Locations shown on North Castle Watershed Map

Conservation Board Brochure on Septic Systems 2006  

How a Septic System works video 3 mins. (Cornell Cooperative Extension 2010)

North Castle Prescription Drug Take- Back Program
Previously, consumers had been told to flush unwanted drugs. However, since low levels of some drugs are being found in our surface water this has no longer been recommended. Residents  can safely dispose of unused prescription, OTC medications, vitamins medications 24 hours a day, seven days a week at the new North Castle Drug Collection Unit .

Managing and Disposing of Household Hazardous Waste (NYSDEC)
Every year in New York State, more than 100,000 tons of these household hazardous wastes are emptied into trash cans. They end up in landfills or incinerators. They may also enter the environment from lawns, sewers and septic systems. To protect and preserve the quality of our groundwater, streams and lakes follow these guidelines.

Westchester County Brochure on A Homeowner’s Guide to Operating & Maintaining a Septic System

Your Septic System: includes Function, Maintenance, Daily Care, Septic system failure, Buying or selling a home with a Septic System, Septic System Records Form (14 pages) (Cornell Cooperative Extension )

Septic System Additives (Purdue Extension: Home & Environment)