If your septic system or cesspool is failing and you live in New Mexico, there’s a fund that may be able to help pay for repairs or replacement. But the application window closes soon, and funding for this pilot program is extremely limited.
This is the New Mexico Environment Department’s Liquid Waste Assistance Fund. It’s designed to help qualifying homeowners who can’t afford to address a failing septic system, cesspool, or other wastewater problem that poses a threat to health or the environment. The program may also help with the cost of connecting a home to a central sewer system.
Here’s what you need to know to submit a complete application before the deadline.
The Deadline Is Friday, October 2, 2026, at 5 PM Mountain Time
Applications are due by 5:00 PM Mountain Time on Friday, October 2, 2026, according to the New Mexico Environment Department’s current funding information.
The program reviews applications on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying earlier may improve your chances of receiving assistance while funding remains available.
You may encounter other dates or closing times in coverage of this program. The deadline has changed during this funding cycle, so the safest approach is to follow the current deadline published directly by NMED:
October 2, 2026 at 5:00 PM MT.
12 Households Will Be Funded Statewide
This is currently a pilot program with very limited funding.
For this funding cycle, NMED says 12 households will be awarded assistance statewide, with four households in each of New Mexico’s three regions.
Because applications are reviewed first come, first served, it’s important to review the eligibility requirements, gather all required documentation, and submit a complete application as early as possible.
Don’t rush through the application just to submit it sooner. NMED’s application instructions warn that incomplete applications will be returned without action.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the Liquid Waste Assistance Fund, applicants generally need to meet requirements involving homeownership, residency, income, property value, and the condition of the wastewater system.
You generally must:
- Own the property or be in the process of purchasing it
- Have lived at the property for at least one year
- Meet the program’s applicable HUD-based household income guidelines, which vary by county
- Have a county-assessed home value that does not exceed the applicable HUD median home value for your county
- Have a septic system, cesspool, or other wastewater situation that poses a threat to health or the environment
Because the applicable financial limits vary by county and can change, check the current requirements provided by NMED rather than relying on a general income-limit chart.
What Can the Fund Pay For?
The Liquid Waste Assistance Fund may help eligible households address qualifying wastewater problems.
Assistance can be used for costs associated with:
- Repairing or replacing a failing septic system
- Repairing or replacing a cesspool
- Installing an onsite wastewater disposal system
- Connecting a home to a central sewer system when appropriate
NMED does not currently publish a single fixed maximum award for each household. The amount of assistance can therefore depend on the qualifying project and program review.
What You’ll Need to Apply
NMED asks applicants to provide documentation establishing ownership, residency, household income, and identity.
Depending on your circumstances, this can include:
- Proof of ownership, such as a property tax bill or notice of value
- Proof that you’ve lived at the property for at least one year, such as an older utility bill or statement
- Household income documentation, including applicable federal and state tax returns
- A government-issued photo ID
The application requires household income information, so carefully review the instructions for the documentation required from members of your household.
Most importantly, make sure your application is complete before submitting it. NMED states that incomplete applications will be returned without action.
How to Apply
NMED provides both an online application option and printable application forms.
Apply Online
Visit the official NMED Liquid Waste Assistance Fund page and follow the link to the online application.
Use a Printable Application
NMED also provides printable application materials in English and Spanish on the same official program page.
Download the appropriate form and follow NMED’s current submission instructions carefully.
Need Help With the Application?
If you’re unsure whether your property or household qualifies, NMED lists two program contacts:
Michael Broussard, LWAF Program Manager: 505-827-1840
Suzanne Lopez, LWAF Eligibility Manager: 505-469-3048
With funding limited and applications reviewed first come, first served, it’s worth asking questions before submitting if you’re uncertain about a requirement or document.
Bottom Line
If you’re a New Mexico homeowner dealing with a failing septic system, cesspool, or another qualifying wastewater problem, the Liquid Waste Assistance Fund may be able to help with the cost of addressing it.
The key date is October 2, 2026 at 5:00 PM Mountain Time.
Only a small number of households will receive assistance during this pilot funding cycle, and applications are reviewed first come, first served. Review the requirements carefully, gather the required documentation, and submit a complete application as early as you can.
Relief Recap
Septic repairs are just one type of expensive home repair that can be difficult to cover on a limited budget.
If your home needs other work, such as roof repairs, electrical repairs, accessibility modifications, or weatherization, check out our guide to free home repair grants for low income Americans for other programs that may be available in New Mexico and elsewhere.
