Chrissy Lucas-Woodruff

Chrissy Lucas-Woodruff

Extension Domestic Groundwater and Septic Specialist , Assistant Professor of Practice

541-713-5009
[email protected]

Expertise: Healthy homes , Residential water/wells

Programs: OSU Small Farms , Small Farms in the Southern Willamette Valley

Locations: Benton County , Lane County , Linn County , Marion County , Polk County , Yamhill County

Links: http://wellwater.oregonstate.edu

Content by Chrissy Lucas-Woodruff

OSU Extension helps lead septic and well repair efforts in Lincoln County

The effort has significantly improved groundwater quality throughout Lincoln County by preventing large amounts of waste from contaminating local waterways.

Chrissy Lucas-Woodruff, Kelci Free | Jun 2025 | Impact story

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

How far should my chicken coop be from my well?

Q: 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?

A: View answer | View all featured questions

Safe laundry detergent for septic tanks?

Q: 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?

A: View answer | View all featured questions

When should I pump my septic tank?

Q: 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. ...

A: View answer | View all featured questions

Be Well Project: Nitrate in Your Drinking Water

Nitrate can contaminate well water, leading to serious health conditions. Learn how to prevent nitrate from getting in your well and how to remove nitrate from your drinking water.

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

Be Well Project: Arsenic in Your Drinking Water

Arsenic is a colorless, odorless toxic metal that can enter drinking water. Arsenic damage builds up over time and is linked to many health problems. Learn how to test and treat contaminated water.

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

Be Well Project: Lead in Your Drinking Water

Lead is a tasteless toxic metal that can contaminate well water. It can cause many serious health conditions. Learn how to test your water for lead and study options for water treatment.

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

Can one cow contaminate my well water?

Q: We have 1 mini Hereford on an acre that is downhill from our well. During the rainy months, I am worried that the rain will dissolve the cow manure and affect our water. Is that accurate? Or is that only a concern ...

A: View answer | View all featured questions

How to test and treat my residential well water?

Q: I am fairly new to using my well, and I had a few questions: My well has a holding tank and the water tested positive for E. coli bacteria. I had a UV light installed and was wondering what else I should do to ...

A: View answer | View all featured questions

Keeping your well water well

Learn how to ensure your private well water is safe. Find out how to construct a well, conduct maintenance on it and test the water for contaminants like bacteria and nitrate.

Chrissy Lucas-Woodruff, Maggie Livesay | Jun 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Can I leave my garden hoses outside this winter?

Q: If I unhook my garden hoses from the faucet, can I leave them outside? I always turn off the outside water for the winter. But will it damage a hose to leave it outside?

A: View answer | View all featured questions

Twelve simple things you can do to protect your well water

Learn twelve simple steps to protect your well water, from locating your well and septic system to reducing chemical use, maintaining equipment and safely managing runoff and animal waste.

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

What are the costs for urban goats?

Q: I live in Eugene and I am interested in purchasing two mini-Nubian goats. Do you have any information available on the expected expenses of keeping this breed (in town) per year? I'm wondering about both initial expenses and continuing expenses.

A: View answer | View all featured questions

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