AquiFund Update: $64.3M in Loans Since 2007, $5M in Past Year
July 18, 2024 (Barnstable, MA) – Barnstable County is proud to announce that the Cape Cod AquiFund, the county’s low-interest betterment loan program, has reached a new milestone by dispersing $5 million in loans to Cape Cod homeowners over the past 12 months. The loans help residents pay for septic system upgrades or connection to municipal sewer systems.
Failed or poorly performing septic systems can leak harmful nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, into the groundwater and neighboring surface water bodies, which may lead to toxic algae blooms that are harmful to humans, pets, wildlife, and marine life in the region. On Cape Cod, 126,000 properties use onsite septic systems, with only a small number—2,382 properties—identified as having new or alternative septic systems.
Given the water quality challenges Cape Cod faces, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection last year proposed new regulations to the Title 5 septic regulations, and Cape Cod municipalities are building sewers to protect the region’s water from further nitrogen pollution.
To help with the financial burden that many residents will face when replacing or upgrading their septic systems or connecting to a municipal sewer, the AquiFund provides accessible low-interest loans for all residential wastewater management measures, especially for those with greater financial need.
“The AquiFund not only helps homeowners replace their failed septic systems, but it is also one of the cornerstone programs in the region’s efforts to repair the damage done by nitrogen pollution. This milestone is not only a milestone for the program but a milestone for Cape Cod as well,” says Brian Baumgaertel, Director of the Massachusetts Alternative Septic System Technology Center and Senior Environmental Specialist at the Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment.
The AquiFund currently offers 0%, 2%, 4%, and 5% interest betterment loans to help with upgrading to alternative septic system technologies and connecting to municipal sewers. The fund provides equitable access to financial assistance to help Cape Cod homeowners meet clean water goals.
If you have questions about interest rates or eligibility criteria, please contact the Cape Cod AquiFund at (774) 330-3010 or visit www.capecod.gov/aquifund.
ABOUT BARNSTABLE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT
Established under a Special Act of the Legislature in 1926, the Barnstable County Department of Health & Environment (BCDHE) provides regional public health and environmental health services throughout the 15 towns comprising Barnstable County. The Department manages several environmental, public health, and homeland security grants funded through state and federal resources. The Department’s primary mission is to protect public health and the environment and promote the physical and mental health and well-being of Barnstable County residents.
ABOUT BARNSTABLE COUNTY REGIONAL GOVERNMENT OF CAPE COD
Barnstable County provides exemplary government functions and services to keep our community healthy and safe, promote sustainable growth, and offer a proactive, open government that enhances the quality of life for the citizens of Barnstable County. Learn more at www.capecod.gov
