Wildfire-Impacted Domestic Well Testing

Domestic Well Testing after Wildfires

If you sustained losses or damage due to wildfires, consider having your well water tested.  We recommend testing for Arsenic, Nitrate, Bacteria, Lead, and, depending on damage assessment results, Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, and Xylenes (BTEX). 

Even if the fire did not directly damage your well, or if you have repaired damage to your well, testing is an important step in recovering your property. 

Well Testing Assistance Voucher Project: If you sustained losses or damage due to wildfires in 2020 (those wildfires beginning September 7), you may be eligible for free/subsidized private well testing. Beginning in November 2021, Oregon Health Authority will provide vouchers for private or "domestic" water testing to residential fire impacted well owners. Vouchers will cover testing for Arsenic, Nitrate, Bacteria, Lead and, depending on damage assessment results, Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, and Xylenes (BTEX). 

Please let us know if you would like to be contacted when voucher applications become available. You can leave us a message at domestic.wells@state.or.us. 

Before testing, follow these steps to recover your well after the wildfire

Assess

Begin by completing the well damage assessment to identify damage level and next steps. 

Well Damage Assessment

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Protect

Test

After you have assessed the damage to your well and taken the needed actions, it's time to test the water. 

Contact an accredited laboratory to coordinate sample collection and analysis. 

Find an Accredited Laboratory

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