Oregon lawmakers pass bill to fund water well and septic system assistance programs

The Oregon State Legislature introduced House Bill 2168 on January 13, 2025, aimed at enhancing support for households dependent on water wells and septic systems. This legislative measure, proposed by the House Interim Committee on Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water, seeks to address public health and environmental concerns associated with rural water supplies.

The bill mandates the Oregon State University Extension Service to establish a comprehensive assistance program for households relying on wells for drinking water and septic systems for wastewater treatment. Key provisions of the bill include outreach, research, education, and monitoring of these systems, particularly in areas designated as groundwater concern zones.

To facilitate the implementation of this program, House Bill 2168 allocates significant funding from the General Fund. Specifically, it appropriates $2.5 million to the Higher Education Coordinating Commission for distribution to the Extension Service, $5 million to the Water Resources Department for the Water Well Abandonment, Repair, and Replacement Fund, and additional funds to the Department of Environmental Quality for low-interest loan programs related to septic systems.

The bill has sparked discussions regarding its potential impact on rural communities, particularly in terms of improving water quality and public health. Proponents argue that the funding and resources provided will significantly benefit households facing challenges with their water systems, while critics express concerns about the long-term sustainability of such programs and the allocation of state funds.

As the bill progresses through the legislative process, its implications for rural water management and environmental protection will be closely monitored. The declaration of an emergency within the bill indicates a sense of urgency among lawmakers to address these pressing issues promptly. If passed, House Bill 2168 could mark a significant step toward enhancing the security and quality of drinking water and wastewater treatment in Oregon's rural areas.