Experts urge homeowners to update aging septic systems as grants and mandates expand

Real‑estate commentator Mike Dailyaly used his "Keeping It Real" segment to warn East End homeowners that aging cesspools and septic systems are a major contributor to nitrogen entering local bays and ponds, a concern tied to fish and shellfish die‑offs and brown tides.

"We have got a massive problem with nitrogen loading into our local watersheds," Dailyaly said on air, pointing to decades‑old cesspools and outdated septic systems that continue to discharge nitrogen into groundwater and coastal waters. He explained that local municipalities have moved to require innovative and alternative on‑site wastewater treatment systems (IIA systems) for new construction and substantial renovations, and that Suffolk County began mandating IIA systems for many new residential projects in 2021.

Dailyaly said earlier administrative problems — including an income‑tax treatment that complicated grant receipt for homeowners — have been addressed. "The red tape has been cleared. The tax issues have been smoothed out. And the money is flowing cleanly," he said, and noted that Suffolk County and New York State offer grants and rebates, with local programs providing additional assistance in towns such as East Hampton and Southampton.

He recommended homeowners contact the Center for Clean Water Technology for help applying for grants and finding certified engineers and installers. The broadcast did not provide program application deadlines or the exact amount of individual grants; Dailyaly said the county may pay grant dollars directly to installers to reduce out‑of‑pocket costs for homeowners.

The segment summarized the environmental rationale for upgrades but did not present estimates of total program uptake or the full range of eligibility requirements; residents seeking financial help or regulatory guidance were directed to county and town resources cited by the commentator.