Title 5 and Septic Systems

What is Title 5?

The Massachusetts State Environmental Code, Title 5 is the regulation governing all septic systems in Massachusetts. The Department of Environmental Protection in conjunction with municipal Boards of Health, are responsible for enforcing the Title 5 Code.

Title 5 was originally instituted in 1978 and was revised in 1995. In addition to Title 5, many municipal Boards of Health, have promulgated their own Sewage Disposal Regulations which are more restrictive than Title 5.

In order to protect our drinking water and swimming beaches, it is important that all septic systems conform to local and state regulations.

For more information about buying or selling a property served by a septic system visit the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs website.

Educational Videos About Your Septic System

Title 5 Inspections

Perc Test

Septic Installation

Common Problems

Pump Chamber Alarm

Cracked Tank

Neglected Tank

Clogged SAS

Groundwater Too High

Rotted D-Box

Septic Tax Credit:

* SAVE UP TO $6,000 ON SEPTIC REPAIRS OR SEWER CONNECTIONS*

Septic Credit: An owner of residential property located in Massachusetts who occupies the property as his or her principal residence is allowed a credit of a maximum of $1,500 per taxable year for expenses incurred to comply with the sewer system requirements of Title V as promulgated by the Department of Environmental Protection or to connect to a municipal sewer system pursuant to a federal court order, administrative consent order, state court order, consent decree or similar mandate.

Animated Diagrams:
How Does Your Septic System Work?

The amount of the credit is 40% of the cost, up to $15,000, for design and construction expenses for repair or replacement of a failed cesspool or septic system. The maximum aggregate amount of the credit is $6,000. A five-year carryover of any unused credit is allowed. See TIRs 97-12, 98-8, 99-5 and DOR Directive 01-6 for more information. If you qualify for this credit, complete and enclose Massachusetts Schedule SC, Septic Credit, and fill in the appropriate oval in Part 1.

See TIRs 97-12, 98-8, 99-5 and DOR Directive 01-6 for more information. If you qualify for this credit, complete and enclose Massachusetts Schedule SC, Septic Credit, and fill in the appropriate oval in Part 1.

Title V Loan Program ~ Septic Financing:

Your Septic Service Company can assist you getting a loan under the Massachusetts Homeowner Septic repair Loan program.

The loan program is a combined effort of the department of environmental protection, the Massachusetts Department of revenue and the Massachusetts Housing financing agency- which provides below market rate loans to eligible homeowners for connecting to town sewer lines or for a septic system repair or replacement in accordance with Title V.

FIXED RATES OF 0% to 5% (maximum 6.913% APR) based on household income
Low $300 fee
Loan amounts of $1,000 to $25,000
Terms of 5 to 20 years
No Appraisal required
Funds typically Disbursed within 30 days
Covers septic repair, upgrade, or replacement as well as sewer connection costs and ancillary equipment such as pumps and meters.

Approximately 40 different banks and some Boards of Health participate in the type of loan program.

Call Curtis Septic at 508-393-7234 and they will show you the easiest way to acquire this type of loan.