EUGENE WATER  &  ELECTRIC  BOARD

EWEB's septic system financial assistance programs are designed to help homeowners in the McKenzie watershed proactively maintain their septic systems and drainfields and make needed repairs to protect water quality.

Loans up to $7,000 are available to homeowners and limited grant funds are available for low-income families.

Approved loan types

This program is designed to address septic systems that need repairs in order to function properly. It is not intended for routine maintenance or pumping.

Work included

• Repairs to the septic tank, lid, baffles, etc.
• Repairs to the drainfield lines
• Installation of a new tank or drainfield to replace a failing one

Work not covered

• Installing septic system risers
• Work tasks associated with digging up or removing structures that were built on top of the system (driveways, decks, etc.)
• Landscaping after work is complete

Who can apply?

Homeowners with properties upstream of EWEB's drinking water intake (Hayden Bridge) will be eligible for loans. For the first couple of years while the septic loan program is being established, priority will be given to homeowners who participated in EWEB's McKenzie Septic System Assistance Program. Applicants do not have to be EWEB customers.

EWEB will reimburse homeowners upstream of EWEB's drinking water intake 50% of the cost for a septic system inspection and pump-out, if needed. In addition, EWEB will reimburse 50% of the cost of minor, necessary septic system repairs that cost up to $300. Limited funds are available on a first-come first-served basis.

Homeowners need to use a Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) approved contractor and provide EWEB with a receipt and copy of the inspection report for reimbursement. For minor repairs, homeowners must also provide documentation of the work completed.

EWEB encourages homeowners to get full inspections done for their septic systems, including locating the distribution box and drainfield and determining whether these components are properly functioning. See example septic system inspection criteria. However, if homeowners choose only to get their tank pumped, they should at a minimum, ask for documentation of the following:

• Approximate age of the system
• Type of system
• Size of tank
• Type of tank material
• Condition and integrity of baffles
• Overall condition/integrity of tank
• General site evaluation: any drainfield issues, ponding, odors, or other evidence of system failure
• Recommendations for any repairs needed
• Estimate for next service date

Please submit the required documents to:

Nancy Toth
500 East Fourth Ave.
PO Box 10148
Eugene, OR 97440-2148

For more information, contact Nancy Toth at (541) 685-7438 or Karl Morgenstern at (541) 685-7365.