The Christian County Health Department is seeking federal funding to help low-income homeowners repair or replace failing septic systems in rural areas of the county.

The department is requesting nearly 55-thousand dollars through the USDA Rural Development Housing Preservation Grant program.

The proposed program would focus on homeowners in rural areas and communities of 20-thousand or fewer people in Christian County, with priority given to the Lincoln Trail Road area and the Lake Bertinetti subdivision in May Township.

According to the Christian County Health Department (CCHD), approximately 620 households, representing more than 1,000 residents, in Taylorville, Johnson, and May Townships rely on private septic systems rather than centralized sewer service.

The department says some of those systems are aging or failing, creating concerns including wastewater backups, surface ponding, odors and potential threats to public health and nearby water resources.

The Lake Bertinetti subdivision is described as having particularly significant problems, with reports of septic system failures, wastewater entering groundwater and visible discharges into the lake.

The proposed grant program would provide assistance to eligible low income homeowners to repair or replace deficient septic systems and address related health and safety concerns.

The Health Department estimates septic repairs could cost between five- and 25-thousand dollars, while a complete replacement could cost between 30- and 40-thousand dollars.

Because of those costs, the department anticipates the funding could assist approximately three to four households.

Applications would be reviewed based on factors including household income, the severity of the septic failure and the threat to health and safety.

The proposed program would operate over a 12-month period, beginning with community outreach and applications, followed by property inspections, project planning, septic repairs or replacements, and final inspections.

The Health Department says outreach will include newspaper and website announcements, social media, emails to community organizations and meetings as needed. A program webpage with additional information and application materials is also planned.

The department says more information about eligibility and applications will be made available as the program moves forward. Once that information is available, you can find it at taylorvilledailynews.com.