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Residential water/wells

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

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

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Well Water Resources

Keeping Your Well Water Well / Agua limpia en su pozo

Tips for making sure a well is properly constructed and maintained, and that the water is safe to drink. Consejos prácticos para asegurarse de que un pozo ha sido construido y mantenido correctamente, y que el agua del pozo se puede beber.

Chrissy Lucas, Maggie Livesay | Jun 2023 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Twelve Simple Things You Can Do to Protect Your Well Water / Doce pasos sencillos para proteger su agua de pozo

Practical tips on protecting well water. Consejos prácticos para proteger el agua del pozo.

Chrissy Lucas, Maggie Livesay | Mar 2021 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

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Water-wise Gardening in Central Oregon

By Amy Jo Detweiler

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!

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More Residential Water Resources

  • Well Water Program: 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.
  • Oregon Association of Clean Water Agencies (ORACWA): The Oregon Association of Clean Water Agencies (ACWA) is a private, not-for-profit organization that serves Oregon wastewater treatment and stormwater management agencies.

Latest Resources

How far should my chicken coop be from my well?

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?

Chrissy Lucas | Oct 2023 | Featured question

Safe laundry detergent for septic tanks?

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?

Chrissy Lucas | Oct 2023 | Featured question

When should I pump my septic tank?

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. ...

Chrissy Lucas | Jul 2023 | Featured question

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Latest News

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

New book reviews Oregon forest management, water quality issues

Trees to Tap: How Forest Practices Affect Oregon’s Municipal Water, is a comprehensive new book exploring how forest management impacts Oregon’s water.

Kym Pokorny | Nov 4, 2021 | News story

Groundwater specialist leads effort to repair fire-damaged septic systems and wells in Lincoln County

Chrissy Lucas-Woodruff is distributing flyers in English and Spanish and visiting fire survivors where they’ve landed after the fire stole their homes.

Kym Pokorny | Sep 8, 2021 | News story

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Upcoming Events

Jan 18

H2-Uh-Oh Emergency Preparedness Fair

10:00 am - 1:00 pm Roseburg, OR
See All Events

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
Small Farms, Ground Water Quality Outreach Program Coordinator
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Ask Extension

Have a question? Ask Extension!

Ask Extension is a way for you to get answers from the Oregon State University Extension Service. We have experts in family and health, community development, food and agriculture, coastal issues, forestry, programs for young people, and gardening.

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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

See More Questions