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Residential water/wells

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OSU Extension provides trusted information to help Oregonians manage residential water systems including wells, septic systems and home water use. We offer resources on water testing, conservation and safety to protect household health and the environment.

Septic tank resources

Septic tank maintenance

To keep your septic system operating well, have the tank inspected and pumped every one to five years, depending on the number of people in your home.

John Talbott | Nov 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog

Why do septic systems fail?

Septic systems treat and dispose of sewage in a safe, sanitary manner. But if sewage backs up into your house or your yard develops a smelly spot, you may have a septic tank failure. Learn why and how septic tanks fail — and what you can do to keep it from happening.

John Talbott | Nov 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog

Well Water Program (in English)

The goal of the Well Water Program is to help Oregonians protect the groundwater that supplies their drinking water through education. Information available at Well Water Events is now available for your use on this OSU web page.

Jun 2018 | Online resource

Well Water Resources

Proyecto del Mantenimiento de Pozos: El Nitrato en Su Agua Potable

El nitrato puede contaminar el agua de pozo, causando efectos graves a su salud. Aprenda cómo evitar que el nitrato entre en su pozo y cómo eliminar el nitrato de su agua potable.

Veronica Irvin, Molly Kile, Chrissy Lucas-Woodruff, Laura Neilson, Lilly Anderson | Jun 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Doce pasos sencillos para proteger su agua de pozo

Aprenda doce pasos sencillos para proteger su agua de pozo.

Chrissy Lucas-Woodruff, Maggie Livesay | Mar 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Water Systems: Taking Care of a Precious Resource

These best practices for wells, ponds and other water systems can help you secure a safe, reliable water supply and help to ensure that we protect our streams, lakes and groundwater.

Rachel Werling, Stan Dean | May 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog

Rainwater harvesting in tanks or cisterns: Oregon regulations

Learn about Oregon's rainwater harvesting regulations, including required permits and guidelines for compliant rainwater collection and storage in tanks or cisterns for both potable and non-potable uses.

Learn more

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Latest resources

How far should my chicken coop be from my well?

P: We have a chicken coop that is 25 feet from the well that supplies water to our house and irrigation. The well itself is 60 feet deep, and the pump was replaced about three months ago and completely flushed out. Should we be concerned about contamination of the groundwater from the coop?

R: View answer | View all featured questions

Safe laundry detergent for septic tanks?

P: I'm confused by the claims made by detergent companies when it comes to septic tank safety. I've contacted some companies and have been told that eco-friendly, biodegradable detergents 'should' be safe. Is there an official certification process for products used with septic tanks?

R: View answer | View all featured questions

When should I pump my septic tank?

P: There are various recommendations on when to pump a septic tank. What is your recommendation for pumping a 1000 gal polyethylene tank for a household of two adults? The chart in OSU Extension's publication states 5.9 years. ...

R: View answer | View all featured questions

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Waterwise gardening in Central Oregon

You can have a colorful and beautiful landscape while conserving water and saving time, energy and money. Learn innovative conservation techniques for water-wise gardening, or xeriscaping, in central Oregon. Full plant lists give you plenty of options!

Learn more

Photo Credit: MelissaMN - Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)

Conserving water

Landscape maintenance to conserve water

Learn simple steps to conserve water while you work in your landscape, through pruning, fertilizing and mowing.

Brooke Edmunds, Ann Marie VanDerZanden, Jan McNeilan | Jun 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog

It pays to water wisely

Discover smart water usage tips for your garden and landscape. Learn about efficient irrigation systems, best times to water, and prioritizing watering to conserve water and maintain healthy plants.

Brooke Edmunds, Ann Marie VanDerZanden, Jan McNeilan | Jun 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog

Keys to water-efficient landscapes

Reduce your water use by up to 75% by planning your landscape and selecting the right plants.

Brooke Edmunds, Ann Marie VanDerZanden, Jan McNeilan | Jun 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog

Latest news

Be Well Project helps Oregonians take action to protect their well water

This work strengthens public health by helping private well users reduce exposure to harmful contaminants and make informed decisions about their drinking water.

Chrissy Lucas-Woodruff | Jul 2024 | Impact story

Helping Klamath gardeners save water with lawns and irrigation solutions

OSU Extension is helping local residents make informed choices about sustainable landscape practices.

Nicole Sanchez | Mar 2024 | Impact story

Home rain gardens treat stormwater and reduce flooding

Design, plant and maintain a small-scale system that protects waterways.

Kym Pokorny | Aug 31, 2023 | News story

All news

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Upcoming Events

May 14

No Cost Nitrate Screeening

4:30 pm - 7:30 pm Monroe, OR
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Meet Our Experts

Miranda Gray
Coastal Water Resources Extension Educator

Topics Miranda works on include: Watershed conservation and restoration, Drinking water, Water wise landscaping, Citizen science, Water data and technology

Chrissy Lucas-Woodruff
Extension Domestic Groundwater and Septic Specialist, Associate Professor of Practice
See All Residential water/wells Experts
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“Pregúntale a Extensión” es una forma de obtener respuestas del Servicio de Extensión de Oregon State University. Contamos con expertos en familia y salud, desarrollo comunitario, alimentación y agricultura, temas costeros, silvicultura, programas para jóvenes y jardinería.

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How far should my chicken coop be from my well?

P: We have a chicken coop that is 25 feet from the well that supplies water to our house and irrigation. The well itself is 60 feet deep, and the pump was replaced about three months ago and completely flushed out. Should we be concerned about contamination of the groundwater from the coop?

R: View answer | View all featured questions

See More Questions