Program Overview

The Lake Parker Septic Assistance Program is a proactive initiative designed to improve the water quality of Lake Parker by addressing potential sources of pollution from lakeshore septic systems. This program aims to provide financial support to lakeshore landowners to encourage regular inspection and pumping of their septic systems. By facilitating these essential maintenance activities, we aim to reduce septic leaks and subsequently improve the overall ecological health and recreational value of Lake Parker.

Orleans County NRCD has allocated a portion of our FY26 State Appropriation funds from the Natural Resources Conservation Council (NRCC) to this program. Lake Parker was identified as an important lake for this pilot program due to preliminary results from the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation’s (VTDEC) lay monitoring program’s recently developed caffeine monitoring. Additionally, it is our hope that Lake Parker may eventually produce a Lake Watershed Action Plan. 

Program Goals

The primary goals of the Lake Parker Septic Assistance Program are to:

• Improve Water Quality: To reduce nutrient and bacterial loading into Lake Parker originating from failing or leaking septic systems.
• Prevent Septic System Failures: To encourage regular maintenance, thereby extending the lifespan of septic systems and preventing costly emergency repairs for landowners.
• Educate Lakeshore Landowners: To raise awareness among property owners about the importance of proper septic system maintenance and its direct impact on lake health.
• Identify and Mitigate Leaks: To help identify existing septic leaks or potential failure points, allowing for timely remediation.
• Foster Community Stewardship: To promote a shared responsibility among lakeshore residents for the long-term health of Lake Parker.

Program Details

Eligibility

• Properties must be directly adjacent to Lake Parker
• Properties must have a septic system of at least 20 years in age
• Must be one of the first 8 eligible applications received

Financial Assistance

The program will offer financial assistance to eligible landowners to offset the costs associated with septic system inspection and pumping. Both services must be completed to be eligible for compensation. The specific details of the financial support will be as follows:

Note: A $200 payment to OCNRCD will be required to lock-in your enrollment. After that, OCNRCD will absorb all reasonable costs associated with the inspection and pumping of the system. Any extraordinary costs will be discussed on a case-by-case basis.

Should repairs/upgrades be identified and recommended, OCNRCD staff will work with landowners in an attempt to connect them with funding from one of the programs listed below.

• Agency of Natural Resources On-Site Loan Fund - For homeowners that make less than 200 percent of state median income that has been denied financing for the repair or replacement of the failed system by at least one financing entity. Contact: Chris Rottler, (802) 461-6051
• ARPA: if eligible can assist with costs of repairing or replacing wastewater and potable water supplies.  For more information please visit the ARPA page of the ANR website.
• United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development - Open to low-income single-family homeowners of all Vermont towns except Burlington, South Burlington, Essex Junction, and Winooski. Grants and loans available; must be 62 or older to receive grants. Contact: Janice LeBlanc, Single-Family Housing Specialist, Janice.LeBlanc@usda.gov, (802) 424-3151
• RuralEdge - Loans or grants for residents of Caledonia, Orleans, or Essex counties that make less than 80% of the area median income for their county. Contact: (802) 535-3555, ask for the Homeownership Center
• Rural Community Assistance Project (RCAP) Solutions - Loans available for low and moderate income households to replace individual household water supply or septic systems. Contact: loanfund@sercap.org, (540) 345-1184

Application Process

Landowners interested in participating in the program can apply by completing an application form, which will be made available at the Lake Parker Association office and online.

1. Obtain Application: Download the application form below or pick up a physical copy at 59 Waterfront Plaza.
2. Submit Application: Completed applications, along with any required documentation, should be submitted to Will Marlier by Jan 30, 2026 at 5PM.
3. Submit Payment: Upon approval of the application, landowners will submit a $200 payment to OCNRCD to “lock-in” their participation in the program. 
4. Schedule Services: OCRNCD will interface with licensed professionals at Taplin Septic LLC to schedule a visit for Spring 2026. This will be done by utilizing landowner feedback on availability. 

Note: Only the first 8 eligible applications received will be chosen.

Program Timeline

• Community Information Session: Oct 21, 2025 6PM
• Program Launch Date: Oct 23, 2025 9AM
• Application Deadline: Jan 30, 2026 5PM
• Services Completed & Report Received by: Jun 1, 2026

For more information, please reach out to:  Will Marlier, Lake Watershed Program Specialist at (802) 624-7023; will.marlier@orleanscountynrcd.org