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Residential water/wells

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Displaying 1 - 10 of 56 resources

Be Well Project helps Oregonians learn about contaminants in their well water

About 23% of Oregonians use private wells as their primary source of water.

Chrissy Lucas | 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?

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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?

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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. ...

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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, Laura Neilson, Lilly Anderson | Jun 2023 | Extension Catalog publication 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, Laura Neilson, Lilly Anderson | Jun 2023 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

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, Laura Neilson, Lilly Anderson | Jun 2023 | Extension Catalog publication 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 ...

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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 ...

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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 | Mar 2022 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)