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Nitrate Contamination: Lower Umatilla Basin

Northern Morrow and Umatilla counties

The Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area includes parts of northern Morrow and Umatilla counties. DEQ designated it a groundwater management area in 1990 because of high levels of nitrate in the groundwater. It's one of three groundwater management areas in Oregon.

Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area Map  

Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area Map


Oregon Nitrate Reduction Plan

The State of Oregon is committed to reducing nitrate contamination in groundwater to protect the health of people who reside in the LUBGWMA. The Oregon Nitrate Reduction Plan for the LUBGWMA represents an unprecedented collaborative effort between the Oregon Health Authority, Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Agriculture and Water Resources Department to outline the state’s key strategies to reduce groundwater nitrate concentrations to less than 7 mg/L in the LUBGWMA, and protect public health in the immediate term. The state agencies will update the plan based on changing information, resources, and strategies, and will publish an annual report detailing progress. 

Background

There are multiple sources of nitrate contamination in the LUBGWMA, resulting in varying levels of nitrate in groundwater throughout the area. A 2011 analysis by DEQ, ODA, and OSU Extension identified the following primary estimated sources of contamination: about 70% from irrigated farmland, about 13% from large dairy and cattle farms (confined animal feeding operations or CAFOs), about 8% from animal pastures, about 5% from food processing facilities that reuse wastewater to irrigate fields, and about 5% from residential onsite septic systems and other sources. 



Estimated sources of nitrate contamination in the Lower Umatilla Basin, LUBGWMA Second Action Plan
Estimated sources of nitrate contamination in the Lower Umatilla Basin, LUBGWMA Second Action Plan

Drinking water safety

High levels of nitrate in the water you use for drinking and cooking can cause long- and short-term health effects. Infants fed baby formula mixed with high levels of nitrate-contaminated water are at risk for blue baby syndrome, a condition causing decreased ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen.  

If your water is from a private well: Protect your family. Get free tests, water and treatment through the Oregon Health Authority. 
 
If your water is from a city or community water system: Your water is safe to drink. You don't have to test your water. Public water systems are required to regularly test the quality of their water and ensure it is safe to drink.  

LUBGWMA committee

The Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area Committee is tasked with advising state agencies on local elements of long-term plans to reduce nitrate levels in the area. 

The committee is comprised of members representing county, tribal and city governments, science and research institutions, irrigated agriculture producers, livestock, dairy, CAFO operations, industry and business (food processors), environmental nonprofits, and the general public.

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Contact

Antony Vorobyov
Public Affairs, Eastern Region
503-887-9113

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