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1. Where do I pay my water bill?

Orange County Soil and Water Conservation Office does not handle water bill payments. Find out where to pay your bill.

2. Where can I get my well tested?

Orange County Soil and Water Conservation Office does not perform well testings. Instead, please call 919-245-2360 or visit the Environmental Health Department page.

3. Can you test my soil?

The Soil and Water Conservation District has soil test boxes at the Hillsborough office. The boxes are mailed to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture in Raleigh for testing. The North Carolina Department of Agriculture analyzes the samples, and the results are usually placed on its website. Soil test boxes are also available at the North Carolina Botanical Garden, Piedmont Feed and Southern States Cooperative.

4. I have found this plant growing in my pond, stream or backyard. Can you tell me what it is?

The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Office provides this service. The office is conveniently located next door to the Soil and Water office.

5. Where do I obtain a Septic Tank Permit?

The Orange County Environmental Health Department handles septic systems services and programs. You may obtain a permit from that office.

6. Can you perform a perc test on my site?

This office does not perform perc tests. Please contact the Orange County Environmental Health Department at 919-245-2360.

7. Where do I obtain a well permit?

The Orange County Environmental Health Department handles well services and programs. You may obtain a permit from that office.

8. I am interested in obtaining financial assistance for my farm. Can you help?

Yes! Please contact us to set up a meeting to get started. We participate in a number of State and Federal programs which provide both financial and technical assistance to qualified applicants. Soil and Water Conservation staff will be happy to help determine the technical and financial programs that would be suit your needs.

9. My class is studying environment, water and soil issues. Can you come and speak with them about the issues facing Orange County?

Yes! We offer an extensive educational program and can tailor our presentations to meet the needs, interests and ages of the classroom participants. Please contact us to learn more.

10. Where can I find historical aerial photos for Orange County?

Yes, we have historical aerial photos for Orange County only. The maps are not available for loan or sale, but copies of a specific site can be made.

11. What maps are available for Orange County?

Orange Soil and Water Conservation District has historical aerial photos for Orange County only. We also have wetland and flood prone area maps. Orange County's Geographic Information Serivces/Land Records Office has current aerial photography and digital orthophotography. Contact the GIS/Land Records office for further information.

12. Do you have aerial maps for Durham County or other adjoining counties?

No, we only have maps for Orange County. Please contact the Soil and Water Conservation District offices in the adjoining counties. The North Carolina Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts offers more information about adjoining counties.

13. Where can I find topographical maps of Orange County?

Yes, we have "topo" maps available to review in the office. The maps are not available for loan or sale, but we are willing to make copies of a small area on a map. For more information concerning maps for sale, see North Carolina Geological Survey website.

14. What are your office hours?

The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The office is closed on Orange County Holidays. Please contact us with any additional questions.

15. Do you have trees for sale?

We do sell trees on a pre-order basis. We order trees from the North Carolina Forest Services in November of each year. Trees are delivered to our office in mid-to-late February for pick-up and sale to the public. We will post a tree order from on our website in late summer.

16. Do you sell birdhouses?

Yes, we sell bluebird houses and wood duck boxes on a pre-order basis. Contact us for further details.