Know what your land can hold
On most McKenzie River lots there’s no sewer, so the septic system decides what you can build, rebuild or add. These guides take it in order, from the first question to paying for repairs.
Start here
Start with your situation
Whether you’re buying, rebuilding or adding a home, the septic question comes first.
Buying land?
A lot that can’t handle a septic system may not be buildable. Find out before you make an offer.
Ask the septic questionRebuilding or adding a home?
A new design may need a new site evaluation. Know what to ask your septic designer.
Questions for your designerTold your lot is unbuildable?
Newer treatment systems can sometimes work where a standard drainfield can’t.
See the optionsStep by step
Six guides, in order
Read them in order if you’re starting out, or jump to the step you’re on.
- 1
Ask the septic question first
Why the septic system, not the house plan, usually decides what a rural lot can hold.
- 2
Make sure the land can handle a system
Soils, slope, water and setbacks: what makes a site work or fail.
- 3
Run the checklist before you buy
The documents and answers to get before you close on land.
- 4
Hire the right designer
The questions that separate a good septic designer from a costly one.
- 5
Know the options for tough lots
When a standard system won’t fit, advanced treatment may still make a lot buildable.
- 6
Pay for fire damage
Grants and loans for systems damaged in the 2020 fire.
The bigger picture
Community wastewater for Blue River
Downtown Blue River’s small lots and aging septic systems held back rebuilding long before the 2020 fire. In 2016 MCP helped organize a Lane County study of a community wastewater system and a walkable downtown.
In 2021 MCP led the effort that secured $15.5 million in state funding for the Blue River community water system and the design of a community sewer.
Good to know
Who decides
In Lane County, septic site evaluations and permits go through the county under Oregon Department of Environmental Quality rules. Your designer and the county decide what a specific lot can hold.
These guides help you ask the right questions; they don’t replace a site evaluation.
More in the library: Septic & Wastewater and Buying Land.
Questions
FAQ
Does MCP design or inspect septic systems?
No. MCP doesn’t sell services or recommend contractors. We explain the process and point to the official sources.
Will Blue River get a community sewer?
Design work is funded and underway. Follow Blue River Recovery for updates.
Is there help paying for a septic system?
Help exists for systems damaged in the 2020 fire. See grants and loans.