The majority of properties in Woodland are served by private septic systems and wells. This is due to the City's topography and large lot sizes.

Wells in Woodland provide safe, clean water that benefits from a softening system due to its high mineral content. The City provides optional, low-cost water testing for residents in late spring of even-numbered years. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency offers excellent information on wells and their maintenance.

Septic systems protect human health and the environment by safely recycling wastewater back into the natural environment. Septic systems treat wastewater as well as, or better than, municipal treatment systems when properly designed, installed, operated, and maintained. Keeping a septic system healthy is easy using a little common sense and following this septic system care sheet. The City provides a free visual check of septic systems every other year to ensure safety and proper functioning.

A compliance inspection is required when planning an addition of a bedroom or bath to an existing home, and if a system is showing signs of failure (odor, soggy ground, leaking or pooling in the yard). MetroWest Septic Services based in Loretto provides all permit reviews and inspection services for the City.

Below is a diagram of a typical septic system. To learn more, watch this 6-minute video.