Domestic Well Testing for Real Estate Transactions

According to ORS 448.271(1), the seller of the real estate [containing a well that supplies groundwater for domestic purposes] shall upon accepting an offer to purchase that real estate, have the well tested for arsenic, nitrates and total coliform bacteria, and have these results reported to the DHS-Drinking Water Program. The arsenic testing requirement becomes effective January 1, 2010. More information and resources for Oregon domestic well testing are available below:

Oregon Administrative Rules and Domestic Well Testing) (pdf)

Domestic Well Testing Reporting Form (pdf): Submit this form for all real estate transactions that include a well on the property for domestic use. Springs do not need to be tested under this law.

Domestic Well Testing and Real Estate Transactions FAQ: Frequently asked questions about domestic well testing and selling your property.

Accredited Oregon Environmental Laboratories (pdf): Labs on this list will test well water. 

Oregon State University Extension Service: More information on wells, groundwater and real estate transactions.

EPA's Private Drinking Water Wells Information

Fact Sheet: Arsenic (pdf)

Fact Sheet: Coliform Bacteria (pdf)

Fact Sheet: Coliform Bacteria and How to Disinfect a Well (pdf)

Fact Sheet: Nitrate (pdf)

For more information about testing wells, please contact the DHS-Drinking Water Program at ph. (971) 673-0405, M-F (8AM - 5PM).