Well & Septic News and Resources
Well water testing vouchers available again
If you sustained losses or damage due to the 2020 wildfires, you may be eligible for free or subsidized private well testing. Oregon Health Authority will provide vouchers for private or “domestic” water testing to fire-impacted well owners. Vouchers will cover testing for Arsenic, Nitrate, Bacteria, Lead and, depending on damage assessment results, Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, and Xylenes (BTEX).
Even if the fire did not directly damage your well, or if you have repaired damage to your well, testing is an important step in recovering your property.
Applications for free well test vouchers are open now through May 15, 2023, as supplies last. Visit https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/HEALTHYENVIRONMENTS/DRINKINGWATER/SOURCEWATER/DOMESTICWELLSAFETY/Pages/Wildfire-Impacted-Domestic-Well-Testing.aspx for more information.
Clean Water Loans for septic systems
Craft3, a non-profit lender, offers affordable financing for homeowners facing a septic system repair or replacement. Their Clean Water Loan is designed to work for a variety of households, including lower-income homeowners and borrowers who may not have perfect credit.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Starting November 1, 2021, Oregon homeowners may be eligible to borrow up to the full cost of your septic repair or replacement. In addition, one or more of the following must apply:
- Your septic system is at least 25 years old
- Your septic system is failing
- You’ve been contacted by local health officials
- You are under orders to fix your septic system
This program is made possible by funding from the Oregon legislature and is administered in cooperation with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Additional information on the DEQ Onsite Septic Program is available on its website.
Learn more at www.craft3.org/Borrow/clean-water-loans/clean-water-loans-oregon.
This funding is not specific to fire recovery and not limited to those affected by the Holiday Farm Fire.
