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Septic Pump Out Program

The Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission is excited to offer a cost-free septic tank pump-out program for eligible residents of Roanoke and Botetourt Counties.

Unmaintained septic systems can contribute to nutrient and bacteria pollution, impacting local streams and the broader watershed. Failure to maintain a system may also lead to costly issues for homeowners, such as backups into homes and yards. This program aims to reduce environmental impacts and prevent property damage caused by failing systems, ensuring a healthier community for all.

Funding for septic pump-outs is provided by the Virginia Environmental Endowment and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.

How Your Septic Works

Septic systems are designed to treat household wastewater on-site for homes without connection to a centralized wastewater treatment system. Please visit this animated, interactive model created by the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority to better understand how a household septic system works. Regular maintenance is crucial; septic systems should be inspected every 1 to 3 years and pumped every 3 to 5 years.

A well-maintained septic system separates wastewater into three layers: a solid sludge layer at the bottom, a watery effluent layer in the middle, and a scum layer floating on top. In a healthy septic tank, bacteria break down the sludge while the effluent is pumped into the drainfield, where it is filtered into the soil and groundwater.

In a failing septic tank, the sludge and scum layers can accumulate, leaving insufficient space for effluent to be pumped out. This can lead to backups, causing solid waste to overflow into your yard and home. Regularly pumping out your tank can prevent this.

Click here to be redirected to Roanoke County's application portal.
 If you are a Botetourt County resident apply below.

Are You Eligible?

Botetourt County residents located within the Chesapeake Bay watershed may be eligible for a septic pump-out. Priority will be given to low-income households with an annual income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) as defined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Map of Eligible and Ineligible Botetourt County Residents  

Residents living in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, designated by blue, are eligible for this program. Households not in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, designated by green, are ineligible.

If you are ineligible for this program due to your location, please visit the Mountain Castles Soil & Water Conservation District – Residential Septic Program webpage to learn more about their cost-share program servicing the Roanoke River watershed area.

2024 80% Annual Median Income by Household Size and Locality

Household SizeAnnual Income
1 Person$48,800
2 People$55,800
3 People$62,750
4 People$69,700
5 People$75,300
6 People$80,900
7 People$86,450
8 People$92,050

Households with an annual income at or below the median income guidelines will be given priority for funding. NOTE: Botetourt County is part of the Roanoke, VA HUD Metro FMR Area.

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Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission
P.O Box 2569, Roanoke, VA 24010

General Info: rvarc@rvarc.org
Media: Elizabeth Elmore, eelmore@rvarc.org

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