SepticSmart Week serves as a great reminder for homeowners to check their on-site septic systems. In Washington, about one-third of households rely on septic. That's close to one million homes!

Reader question: We are home buyers who want to check out a well and septic system. We know nothing about them. We have city sewer and water now, so we have no responsibility beyond using them. Are ...

A woman and her dog have been rescued unharmed after falling into the six-meter-deep sinkhole that opened up in her Southeast Portland backyard. (Portland, Ore., Fire & Rescue) Rain and recent sewer ...