Both the Clackamas and Molalla Rivers provide drinking water to residents of Clackamas County.
Did you know that the Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District offers a Residential Septic System Repair and Replacement Loan Program to eligible homeowners in Clackamas County? And did you know that these loans are now interest-free to the borrowers?
Discovering that your septic system has failed is a miserable experience. Sadly, most septic systems will fail at some point because they are designed to have a useful life of 20 to 30 years under the best conditions. Older septic tanks with concrete or metal parts degrade over time. Eventually, the soil in the drain field becomes clogged with organic material.
Septic systems can leak or break over time.
Why offer a septic repair and replacement program?
Old septic systems that are wearing out or leaking become a public health and water quality concern. This affects people living in both urban and rural areas. While this can be an inconvenient and unpleasant mess for any homeowner, it is especially problematic when the home is along a river or stream that serves as a source of public drinking water, such as the Clackamas and Molalla rivers. If the problem is bad enough, residents may have to vacate their home until the septic system is repaired or replaced.
Old septic systems that are wearing out or leaking are an increasingly common source of water contamination in Clackamas County. That’s why Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District and the Clackamas County Septic and Onsite Wastewater Program office (“County”) are partnering on this issue. No-interest loans from the Conservation District are financed with funding provided by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.
Septic replacement or repair can be costly. We can help.
Septic system repair or replacement can be expensive and may not always be within a homeowner’s budget. Our Residential Septic System Repair and Replacement Loan Program enables us to assist homeowners with costs that they may not otherwise be able to afford.
Looking for Additional Information?
For details on our Septic System Loan Program, visit our Residential Septic System Repair and Replacement Loan Program web page. You can also call us at 503-210-6000.
There may be additional Septic System Financial Assistance for homeowners in the Clackamas River watershed. For more information, please contact our partners at Clackamas River Water Providers at 503-723-3510. The District loan program is available to all homeowners in Clackamas County. Homeowners in the Molalla River watershed, however, may contact Canby Utility or City of Molalla for additional possible assistance.
Need technical assistance or have questions about septic system permits? Call Clackamas County Septic and Onsite Wastewater Program at 503-742-4740.
