Skip to content
How-to · Housing & utilities

Ask EWEB about McKenzie watershed septic maintenance or repair help

EWEB offers a septic-maintenance incentive and separate infrastructure loans for eligible homes near the McKenzie River.

Steps

4 steps
  1. Check the property boundary and maintenance timingEnter your address in the Septic System Boundary Map. Eligible homes may receive the $300 maintenance incentive every three years; you need not be an EWEB customer. The work must have been completed within the six months before you apply.
  2. Use a qualified contractor and send maintenance documentsUse a DEQ-licensed and certified contractor, have the contractor complete the required form pages, and submit the application, contractor certifications and invoice to EWEB Customer Solutions, 4200 Roosevelt Blvd, Eugene OR 97402, or ems.answers@eweb.org.
  3. Use the separate loan pathway for major repairsQualifying homeowners can seek zero-interest loans up to $20,000 for eligible major septic or drainfield repairs and replacement, not routine maintenance or pumping. The standard loan term is five years, with possible longer crisis-recovery terms.
  4. Meet loan permit and inspection requirementsUse a DEQ-certified contractor, obtain required permits, and have Lane County inspect and sign off on the completed work. Apply online and select Yes for the loan fields.
  • How-to

    Appeal your Lane County property value

    Housing & utilities
    1. Get the petition formUse the Real Property or Personal Property petition and read the instructions that come with it.
    2. Gather evidence of the property's valueShow value as of January 1, 2026, such as a recent sale, independent appraisal, comparable sales or repair estimates.
    3. File with the County ClerkSubmit by mail or in person to the Property Value Appeals Board, Lane County Deeds and Records, 125 East 8th Avenue, Eugene, OR 97401.
    + 2 more steps in the full guide
    BringEvidence of value as of Jan. 1, 2026Authorization to Represent (if used)
    Cost$35 per tax account; $350 maximum for same-owner, same-subdivision accounts
    Lane County Clerk, Property Value Appeals Board541-682-4321
  • How-to

    Apply for EWEB help repairing an electrical service or panel

    Housing & utilities
    1. Check homeowner eligibility and grant limitsLimited-income grants are up to $5000 for owner-occupied homes under 200% of federal poverty guidelines; request at least two estimates for EWEB review before authorizing work. Preapproval is required.
    2. Meet contractor and loan conditionsLoans may be up to $20,000 at zero interest; all homeowners must apply. Credit approval and amount depend on EWEB history and credit report. Use a licensed, insured, bonded electrician and obtain required permits, inspection and approval.
    3. Apply onlineUse EWEB’s application. Select Interested in a Loan for loan fields or Yes under limited-income qualification to request grant income verification.
    Eugene Water & Electric Board
  • How-to

    Apply for free Oakridge-Westfir home heating upgrades

    Housing & utilities
    1. Complete the qualification questionnaireFill out the Qualification Questionnaire so the program can determine whether your home qualifies.
    2. Review priorities and capacityThe program prioritizes old or uncertified wood-stove replacement, then efficient electric backup heat, then insulation, air sealing or small repairs that support air-quality improvement.
    3. Wait for the program rather than applying twiceThe program plans to serve qualifying homes into 2027. If you already submitted the questionnaire, your response is recorded and you do not need to repeat it. Funding is limited, so service is not assured for every interested home.
    Oakridge Air