Wisconsin Fund Grant

Established in 1978, the Private Sewage System Replacement or Rehabilitation Grant Program provides financial incentives to protect public health, safety, and the waters of the state. Since its inception, the program has awarded over $58 million in grants for nearly 28,000 residences and business to replace or rehabilitate failing private sewage systems statewide.

The total amount reimbursed to Sauk County since 1979 is $3,147,306.50.

Contact Brian Cunningham or Gina Templin for assistance with your Wisconsin Fund Application.

Who Can Apply For A Grant?

You may be eligible for a grant under this program if ALL of the following requirements are met:

You reside in a county or governmental unit that is participating in the program.
You have received a written enforcement order/determination of failure to correct the violation from an approved county or local governmental unit representative before replacement begins.
You are not located in an area served by municipal sewer.
The private sewage system serving you was constructed prior to July 1, 1978.
The family income of all owners of the residence is less than $45,000. (Grant awards for each residence are reduced by $.30 for each $1.00 earned over $32,000)
Your residence is served by a category 1 or 2 failing system.
The residence is occupied at least 51% of the year by the owner.
Your application is submitted within (3) three years from the date of the verification of failure.

When is the Private Sewage System Considered Failing?

When properly operating, a private sewage system safely treats wastewater by storing sludge and solids in the septic tank and by treating and dispersing wastewater in a soil absorption field. However, a failing system can harm the environment by discharging sewage to the surface, to a lake or stream, or to groundwater. Your private sewage system may not show any apparent signs of failure and yet be failing. If you have any questions about your system, you can contact the Land Resources and Environment Department @ 608-355-3245.

The types of failing private sewage systems are divided into three categories:

Category 1 systems are those which fail by discharging sewage to surface water, groundwater, drain tiles, bedrock or zones of seasonally saturated soils. These are considered the most serious types of failure, and are given highest priority for grant assistance.
Category 2 systems are those which fail by discharging sewage to the surface of the ground. This type of failing system is eligible for a grant but has a lower priority for funding than Category 1 systems.
Category 3 systems are those which fail by causing the backup of sewage into the structure served. This type of failing system is not eligible for grant assistance.

How Much Money Can Be Received?

The maximum grant is limited to the amounts listed in tables published in Wisconsin Administrative Code , or $7,000. Amounts may vary based on the extent of the work needed to bring your system into compliance with the state plumbing code. Experimental systems are not included in the $7,000 maximum.

How Do I Apply?

To apply for the Wisconsin Fund Grant, contact the Land Resources and Environment Department. Staff will review criteria and an application. To complete your application, you will need the following:

A Wisconsin Fund Application, Part A (see below) - completed, signed and dated
Copy of Federal income taxes, (MUST INCLUDE ALL OWNERS) signed and dated.
The spouse must sign all of the above as well, if applicable.
$150.00 application fee included. Make checks payable to:Sauk County Land Resources and Environment.
Copy of itemized bill, marked paid, and canceled check or receipt as proof that you paid for the new system. This documentation must be submitted before reimbursement will be ordered but not necessarily before your application is submitted.
Copy of escrow if system was paid for by escrow account.

When Do I Get the Money?

Grant funds are allocated on an annual cycle. The county submits an application to the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services in December/January for all eligible individuals within their jurisdiction. The Department of Safety and Professional Services makes grant awards for these applications in the following fiscal year or in the fall of each year. Grant checks will be submitted to Sauk County and the office will be responsible for mailing to the property owners. This typically occurs around the Thanksgiving holiday.

If I am Not Qualified For a Grant or My Application is Denied, Do I Still Need To Correct My Failing System?

YES. Remember, a failing private sewage system is a violation of Chapter 25, Private Sewage System Ordinance of the Sauk County Code of Ordinances and state statutes and can result in water pollution and health hazards. You will be ordered to correct the problem even if you are not eligible to receive financial assistance.