Where Do I Get My Water Tested?
There are state certified labs that can test your water to ensure that your drinking water is within state safety standards. Information on water testing and a list of state certified labs is available at Oregon State Extension Well Water Program.
What Do I Do About Nuisance Wildlife On My Property?
We often get calls about nuisance wildlife on people’s property. ODFW has a list of permitted wildlife control operators and that list indicates what species they are permitted to trap.
Does Yamhill Soil & Water Conservation District Provide or do Testing? How Do I Take A Soil Test?
Soil testing is an important management tool on all farms. At the District, we do not have the laboratory equipment to provide landowners with soil analysis. OSU Extension has a publication that lists certified soil labs that you can send soil samples to for analysis.
Guide to Collecting Soils for Testing
How Do I Get Soils Information, Aerial Imagery, or Topographic Maps For My Property?
- Soil surveys are now available online and the District has produced step by step how to guide for the online tool. The District has reference copies of old soil surveys at the office for use if needed.
- Aerial or LIDAR imagery of your property, this is available on the Oregon Explorer website.
- Topographic quad maps are available for free download on the USGS website.
I Want to Build a Pond. Where Do I Start?
The District often gets inquiries from land owners interested in building ponds on their property. The first thing the District recommends is exploring the permitting process. Removal and fill is regulated by the Oregon Dept. of State Lands (DSL) and the Federal Army Corps of Engineers. Removal or fill of greater than 50 cu. yds of material generally requires a permit, but there are exemptions. DSL’s website has more information on that process and requirements.
The USDA published a great resource on pond design and construction which is an excellent starting point and resource.
Does My Property or The Property I’m Considering for Purchase Have Water Rights?
Water rights in Oregon can be complicated. Oregon’s Department of Water Resources has an excellent online water rights mapping tool that can be used to find out what water rights you have on your property or a property you are looking to purchase. The Water Resources Department also has an excellent publication, “An Introduction to Oregon’s Water Laws”, that outlines Oregon Water Law in an easy to read format.
Can I Irrigate Out of My Well?
Irrigation for commercial use from ground water sources (wells) is not allowed without water rights. Landowners are able to use their well water for irrigating a noncommercial garden not more than ½ acre in size.
Where Do I Pay My Water Bill or Set up Service?
- City of McMinnville – McMinnville Water and Light, at (503) 472-6158 or online at mc-power.com
- City of Newberg – you can call (503) 537-1205 to set up service and you can pay your bills online
- City of Amity: 503-835-4181
- City of Carlton: 503-852-7575 to start water service you can get an online application, first visit City of Carlton’s website
- City of Dayton: 503-864-2221
- City of Dundee: 503-538-6700
- City of Lafayette: 971-237-2515
- City of Sheridan: 503-843-2347
- City of Willamina: 503-876-2242
- City of Yamhill: Call (503) 662-4344