Federal funding issued through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is available to help McKenzie River community members re-establish functioning septic systems and protect the river from pollution including bacteria, viruses, and chemicals which can harm fish, wildlife, plants and people. To leverage this funding, EWEB has partnered with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Lane County, and other agencies to replace or repair septic systems for homeowners either affected by the Holiday Farm Fire and/or located above EWEB's drinking water intake at Hayden Bridge.

To receive Septic System Grant funding through ARPA, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Applicant must be the current property owner.
• The property must be located within the Holiday Farm Fire perimeter and have sustained structural damage or destruction, or
• The property must be located within the McKenzie Watershed and upriver of Hayden Bridge.
• If not completed by the property owner, septic system repairs or installation must be completed by a Licensed Onsite System Installer, certified by the DEQ.
• Completed septic projects must be inspected by Lane County, with permit status listed as final.

Eligible landowners may qualify for up to $35,000 but actual grant amounts will be based on multiple factors:

• Type of septic system
• Landowner income and number in household
• Documented cost of septic system replacement or repair
• Receipt of funding from other sources such as state, federal or utility programs.

For homeowners who have entered into loan agreements with EWEB’s 0% Septic Infrastructure Loan Program, grant funding will first apply to any outstanding balance. If the approved grant funding amount exceeds the loan payoff amount, EWEB will issue a check for the remainder.

If you have question please give us a call or email (541-685-7318, misty.fisher@eweb.org).

EWEB's Septic Maintenance Program offers a $300 incentive to encourage homeowners close to the river to perform regular maintenance on septic systems.

Eligibility

Determine if your property is eligible by verifying your address is located within the Septic System Boundary Map. Residential units including single-family, multi-family homes, duplex and mobile homes located within the boundary are eligible for the incentive every three years. You do not need to be an EWEB customer. Work must have been completed within six months of application. 

Choose a DEQ-licensed and certified contractor to complete the work. Please visit the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality website to see if the contractor is eligible to perform the work. 

Check out our homeowner's guide for more information about how to maintain your septic system. 

Does your septic system need to be replaced or have major repairs? Are you interested in protecting the watershed by relocating further from the waterway or upgrading to an advanced treatment system? We understand that the cost of replacing a system can be prohibitive, yet it is critical to have a functioning septic system. Our zero-interest loan program can help you replace or make major repairs to your septic system or drainfield.
The formerly named Septic Zero Interest Loan has been expanded to better support landowner needs.  The loan amount has increased to $20,000 to account for the higher potential cost of advanced septic systems.  Eligible expenses have been expanded.  The new Septic System and Infrastructure Loan still carries no interest and offers a standard 5-year term.  Crisis recovery applicants may be awarded a term of up to 8 years. Eligible landowners within the Holiday Farm Fire Perimeter and Septic System Boundary will automatically qualify for a longer term.

Work included 

• Repairs to the septic tank, lid, etc.
• Repairs to the drainfield lines
• Installation of a new tank or drainfield to replace a failing one
• Upgrading septic system to an alternative treatment system or adding advanced treatment (learn more about alternative technologies from DEQ here)
• Infrastructure investments resulting from relocation away from the waterway

Work not covered

• Routine maintenance or pumping
• 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

Eligibility

Residential units including single-family, multi-family homes, duplex, mobile home units, and small commercial operations located within the Septic System Boundary Map are eligible to apply. These are properties located in close proximity to the McKenzie. To see if your property qualifies, simply enter your address into the search tool on the map.  

You must use a DEQ-certified contractor to complete the work. Please visit the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality website to see if the contractor is certified. Homeowners are required to get any necessary permits for the septic system work in order to obtain a loan. Lane County must inspect and sign off when the project is complete.

Do you own property on the McKenzie River? Pure Water Partners is a new initiative designed to reward McKenzie landowners who protect high quality land along the river, helping to protect water quality. It is a joint effort between EWEB and a number of local agencies, including the McKenzie Watershed Council, Upper Willamette Soil & Water Conservation District, US Forest Service, McKenzie River Trust, and others.

Landowners may receive annual payments, technical assistance or other incentives to participate in Pure Water Partners. The program also provides assistance to landowners who wish to engage in restoration projects on their land.

At EWEB, we recognize that farms are a critically important resource in the watershed. They:

• Produce food and other important products
• Provide a livelihood for farmers
• Are a preferred land use to subdivisions and other intensive development adjacent to the river 

We have developed and participate in several initiatives designed to help farms to become more economically viable so that the land continues to be used for this purpose, rather than being sold off for development.

We seek to engage farmers and provide incentives to:

• Reduce chemical storage on farms
• Reduce chemical use by transitioning to certified organic crops or other methods
• Provide access to local markets that tend to pay more for crops
• Participate in programs designed to increase energy efficiency, incorporate renewable energy and reduce water consumption
• Participate in natural resource conservation programs or consider placing some land in conservation or working agricultural easements  

Contact us to learn more.

As we transition to a new customer information and billing system, we have temporarily paused program applications. We will begin accepting new applications in early December when we have transitioned to our new systems. 

We appreciate your patience and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. EWEB staff will still be available to answer all questions regarding our efficiency and water conservation programs during this period.  

Learn more about our system upgrades and scheduled downtime here.