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La Pine, Oregon, will receive $17.7 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to clean up and prevent groundwater contamination caused by septic tanks. Groundwater is a primary source of drinking water in La pine and Nitrate loading from septic systems is a growing concern. The loans and grants from the department will be used for municipal water improvements to transition away from septic systems. The area has porous, volcanic soil and shallow groundwater aquifers that allow for potential contamination. Local streams reportedly have excessive algae in some areas, possibly due to nutrient contamination from groundwater. The system improvements in La Pine will include the construction of a new 500,000-gallon water reservoir, the installation of new water distribution lines, and includes the Cagle and Glenwood Acres subdivisions in the municipal water system.