Farm & Garden
Well Water Program
Farms and gardens (including lawns!) have the potential to significantly impact ground water quality.
OSU publications relating to farm and gardens
- Conserving Water in the Garden: Landscape and Lawn Care
- Managing Small-Acreage Horse Farms in Western Oregon and Western Washington
Irrigation Water Quality
- Plants vary in their sensitivity to salt, boron, arsenic and other water quality parameters.
- The season or stage of plant growth also affects sensitivity of individual plants.
- Recommended limits for arsenic in reclaimed irrigation water are 0.5 mg/l for long-term use and 2.0mg/l for short term use.
Other Resources
- OSU Small Farms Program has a variety of information for farms, including pasture, grazing and manure management to improve water quality.
- Oregon Small Acreage Fact Sheets and Resources from USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
- Groundwater - Friendly Gardening has some simple suggestions.
- Irrigation Water Salinity and Crop Production, a 9 page publication from University of California at Davis.
- US EPA Region 10 Beneficial Landscaping Site