Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
If this your first test, we have multiple resources, like this brochure or this fact sheet, that explain more.
In 2023, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and Morrow and Umatilla Public Health Departments began coordinating a program to help residents in your area get their well water tested with the support of local community-based organizations. Many private wells in the area have tested high for nitrate, so it's important to get your well water tested. Nitrate in drinking water above 10 milligrams per liter (mg/L) can harm your health and is especially dangerous for formula-fed babies. You can call (541) 564-5676 to schedule your test.
If you have tested before, this is a follow up. The following information may be helpful to know: Yours is one of over 1,900 households that accepted the offer of free testing of well water by a laboratory for nitrate and several other common well water contaminants. OHA, ODHS, and your local county health departments are now offering free retesting of wells to make sure water is safe, or that treatment systems are effective. This is important because levels of nitrate in groundwater can go up or down depending on weather and increasing nitrate contamination of the groundwater. You can call (541) 564-5676 to schedule your retest.
What is my water being tested for exactly?
While our main concern is high levels of nitrate, the initial test will also look for these other contaminants: arsenic, calcium, lead, magnesium, total coliforms, and e. coli. OHA also pays for three non-health related tests that can affect the choice of water treatment system: hardness, iron, and manganese.
You will receive all your results in a letter. If there are high levels of other contaminants present in your water, you will also be sent information about them.
Where are water samples collected?
The sample will be collected outside of your home, as close to the well as possible (usually from a hose bib). It may be possible for you to self-sample. If you have a water treatment system installed, a plumber will collect a sample at your sink when filters are changed to ensure it is working properly.
What are the potential health impacts of drinking water with high nitrate levels?
Short-term, high levels of nitrate in drinking water can be dangerous for formula-fed babies and increase the risk of miscarriage for pregnant people. Long-term exposure may increase serious health risks for everyone, like thyroid issues or cancer. OHA has a one-pager in English and Spanish with more information about health impacts.
What activities are safe to do when my water has high levels of nitrate in it? Which are unsafe?
Examples of
safe activities include bathing, washing food, doing dishes and laundry, and garden irrigation – as long as the water is
not being swallowed.
Examples of
unsafe activities include consuming the water in any form, including using it for baby formula.
Do not boil water with high levels of nitrate, this does not make it safe for drinking.
I have animals who drink from the same well as I do. Do I need to worry about their health too?
For pets: There is not much research about safe amounts of nitrate for companion pets. The safest thing to do is offer your pet(s) treated or bottled water, especially tiny pets like guinea pigs, hamsters, and chinchillas. Please talk to your veterinarian if you have concerns about your pet's health.
For livestock: Talk to your veterinarian if you have questions about nitrate and livestock (horses, goats, cattle, etc.). A licensed veterinarian is the best source of information on your animals' health.
I received my test results. What additional resources am I eligible for?
The resources offered to households are based on the level of nitrate in your water:
Tier 1: OHA is offering households with the lowest nitrate levels the option of a free annual laboratory test though self-sampling.
Tier 2: ODHS will collect a new water sample and deliver it to laboratory for testing. They will offer to do this quarterly (every three months) until they have completed one year of testing in every season of the year. This is to make sure your household's well water does not go over 10 mg/L at any point in the year.
Tier 3: If your household is in this category, you qualify for free water delivery and will be offered a free reverse osmosis (RO) system to help reduce the nitrate in your drinking water. If a treatment system has already been provided, the plumbing company who installed it is required to maintain the system. They will test the water when they carry out maintenance tasks to ensure your RO system is functioning and that your water is safe.
Tier 4: Your household should be receiving free drinking water delivery that meets your needs. OHA is also offering households with nitrate levels above 25 mg/L the option of a free annual laboratory test though self-sampling.
What can I expect during the retesting period? How often will this happen?
The frequency of retesting will be based on the level of nitrate in each household's well water:
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Tier 1 | Yearly
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Tier 2 | Quarterly (every 3 months) for 1 year
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Tier 3 | Yearly
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Tier 4 | Yearly
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Households in Tiers 1 or 4: OHA offers a free annual laboratory test though self-sampling*. You will receive information on where to pick up your self-sample kit, instructions for collecting the water sample, and the locations to the collection sites for sample and documentation drop off. The kit will also include a prefilled “Chain of Custody" document, which needs to be turned in with the sample.
*If a resident requires assistance collecting a water sample, staff with the Office of Resilience and Emergency Management (OREM), a program within ODHS, will schedule an appointment. In this case, the pre-filled Chain of Custody document will be provided to the sample collector with the water collection bottles. OREM field staff will collect the water sample and drop it off at the drop off sample collection site.
Households in Tier 2: ODHS will contact you with an offer to schedule an appointment for them to collect a new water sample and deliver it to laboratory for testing. They will offer to do this quarterly (every three months) until they have completed one year of testing in every season of the year. This is to make sure your well water does not go over 10 mg/L at any point in the year.
Households in Tier 3: Testing will be done directly by the licensed plumbers who either have or will install your treatment system. They will perform a test after installation and additional testing when filters are changed. After testing is complete, the plumber will reach back out to discuss the results and confirm if the system is working.
What is the process for retesting after the installation of a RO system?
Plumbers provide post-installation testing, offer maintenance services like filter changes, and collect samples during yearly maintenance for retesting. When samples are taken, they will be delivered to the lab by the plumbing company. The company is also responsible for sharing the results with you. Call the plumber to have your filter changed when you notice the stream of your water decreasing (Kinetico system) or the indicator light on your faucet changing to red (Culligan system).
A plumber took a sample of my water but I have not heard back about the results. Should I be worried?
No. The plumber will take a sample to make sure your system is working properly - they will only call you to report the results if there are concerns. If you want to know your results, you can follow up with them using the contact information provided by the company.
Why hasn't an in-home water treatment system been offered to me when someone else in my community is getting one installed?
The resources offered to each household are based on the level of nitrate in your drinking water. The state is providing households with test results at
10 mg/L or more with free bottled water and, where effective, in-home RO systems. Treatment systems provided by the state are certified to remove nitrate up to 25 mg/L. If your test results show nitrate above that level, your household will need to use bottled water until other solutions are found.
I have not received my test results or a letter from OHA. What do I do?
If you don't receive an additional letter within 30 days of your nitrate test, please contact the Domestic Well Safety Program (Domestic.Wells@odhsoha.oregon.gov or 541-952-9254). You can also reach out to your county public health department - they will receive a copy of your results and can share them with you.
Morrow County Public Health: 541-379-2372
Umatilla County Public Health: 541-278-6394
Do businesses, non-profits, or facilities qualify for free services?
Unfortunately, we are only able to offer testing, water delivery, or treatment system installation to eligible households with private wells. Businesses and facilities should reach out to
OHA's Drinking Water Services for support by emailing info.drinkingwater@odhsoha.oregon.gov or calling 971-673-0405.
I do not live in the LUBGWMA, but I am concerned about my well. What resources are available?
Free testing services are unfortunately not available to households outside of the LUBGWMA. OHA has an
toolkit for well users that you may find helpful. You are also welcome to contact the Domestic Well Safety Program (Domestic.Wells@odhsoha.oregon.gov or 541-952-9254) with any questions.