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Wildfire-Impacted Domestic Well Testing

Free Well Water Testing Available 

If you sustained losses or damage due to wildfires beginning September 7, 2020, you may be eligible for free private well testing. 

Beginning in February 2021, The 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). 

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. 

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

Cómo evaluar los daños
en los pozos privados

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Protect

Follow recommendations in the well damage assessment. Make sure you know what work you are authorized to do and what is required to be done by a licensed professional. Actions may include:

  • Repair and replace damaged well components
  • Re-pressurize and refill the well
  • Flush the water lines
  • Treat the well for microbial contaminants
  • Test (Apply for a free testing voucher)

Test

After you have assessed the damage to your well and taken the needed actions, it's time to test the water. Applications for free well test vouchers are open now through May 19th, as supplies last. If you need more time, please click here.

Vouchers expire on June 7th, 2021. 

Free Well Testing
Voucher Application 

Solicitud de vale para
prueba de pozo
doméstico (privado) 

Voucher Eligibility and Priority  

Eligibility 

All of the following criteria must be met: 
  • The property was impacted by the 2020 Oregon wildfires
  • The well water is used for things like drinking, bathing cooking and washing dishes
  • The well has 3 or fewer connections and is not part of a regulated water system

You will not be asked to share your US citizenship status in this application and your status does not affect eligibility to receive a voucher.  

Priority 

If demand for well testing vouchers exceeds supply, OHA will prioritize vouchers for: 
  • Households that meet certain income thresholds, and  
  • Communities that have been historically underserved including people of color 
  • Properties that had the greatest damage 
  • Second homes and vacation rental homes will not be prioritized

Additional Resources  

Education
  • Promotional flyer for OHA free well testing voucher project 
Contact domestic.wells@dhsoha.state.or.us with questions. 

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