Residential water/wells

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 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 | Nov 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

More septic tank resources

Well Water Resources

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)

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)

More well water resources

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!

View publication

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

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-Woodruff | 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-Woodruff | 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-Woodruff | Jul 2023 | Featured question

Browse All Resources

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

All News

Explore more resources

Rural economic development

Gardening techniques

Lawn and turfgrass

Healthy homes

Water management and conservation

Family emergency preparedness

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

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.

Ask us a question

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