If you aren't connected to a city sewer system, you probably have an on-site wastewater treatment system--a septic tank & a drainfield. A failed septic system can be a major expense and put the groundwater that supplies your drinking water at risk. The resources on this page will help you learn more about the care of your septic system to prevent unexpected problems.

• Take the Personal Water Systems Check-Up.
• Visit Oregon DEQ's Consumer Pages on Septic Systems
• Read through Septic System Management--Landscaping and other activities on your property

Check-out these OSU Extension Service Publications:

• Septic Tank Maintenance
• 12 Simple Things You Can Do To Protect Your Well Water
• Why Do Septic Systems Fail?

Other publications: (These are in pdf AND require legal length paper)

• "So . . . now you own a septic system"
• "The care and feeding of your septic system"
• "Groundwater protection and your septic system"

Some helpful web sites:

• National Small Flows Clearinghouse -- deals mainly with systems for small communities but has some good information for homeowners with individual septic systems, and many more link to all the other relevant web sites.
• Aquacosm Home page -- searchable National Directory of Water System and Septic System Professionals and lots of links to interesting info

 

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TO VERIFY THE LICENSES, FILE A COMPLAINT, OR CHECK THE RECORD OF A SEPTIC PUMPING OR INSTALLING COMPANY

• Contact Oregon DEQ Septic System Professional Licensing Desk at 503-229-6402 or 800-452-4011

• For business complaints you can also contact the Oregon Attorney General's Consumer Complaints Hotline at 1-877-877-9392 (toll-free in Oregon)

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