Residents in targeted areas of Gloucester, Middlesex and Mathews counties are now eligible for grant funds to help pay for septic tank repairs, inspections, replacement and more as part of an effort to help address bacteria pollution in nearby waters.

The funds, provided by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and administered by the Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission, are part of a project to address bacteria pollution that’s led to reductions in shellfish harvesting in the Piankatank River, around Gwynn’s Island and the Milford Haven watershed area.

The upper Piankatank River watershed is located between the Rappahannock and York rivers in Gloucester and Mathews counties. The lower Piankatank River watershed touches Mathews and Middlesex counties, with Gwynn’s Island and Milford Haven in Mathews County.

Grant funds are available to cover 50 percent of the costs for septic tank pump-outs, conventional septic system repairs, septic system inspections an...