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Groundwater Protection and Well Stewardship

Oregon's Domestic Well Safety Program

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Nearly 23% of Oregonians rely on domestic wells, or private wells, as their primary source of potable water. This makes groundwater protection and well stewardship important to public health. The Oregon Domestic Well Safety Program (DWSP) works to protect the lifelong health of people in Oregon and our groundwater resources. We partner with local health departments and other state agencies to assess and manage risks associated with private wells and promote domestic well safety.

Highlighted Resources

  1. Drink well water? Test it regularly to protect your health¿Bebe agua de pozo? Haga pruebas constantes para proteger su salud.
  2. For a complete guide to water well maintenance and your health, check out the Well Owner's Handbook (pozos de agua manual para el propietario).
  3. New guide: Water Treatment Systems for Nitrate in Private Wells (sistemas de tratamiento de agua para nitratos en pozos privados).


Free Services for Residents of the Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area (LUBGWMA)

If you live in the LUBGWMA (an area that includes the towns of Hermiston, Boardman, Irrigon, Stanfield, Umatilla, and Echo), private wells in your community have tested high in nitrate. Drinking water with nitrate levels at or over 10 milligrams per liter (mg/L) can harm your health. You may be eligible for free well testing, water delivery, or water treatment. For more information, visit the Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area Domestic Well Testing and Treatment page. Para información en español, oprima aquí



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