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Oregon Health Authority

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.

Drink well water? Test it regularly to protect health. 

¿Bebe agua de pozo? Haga pruebas constantes para proteger su salud.


Program News

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 miligrams 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

Water Well Abandonment, Repair, and Replacement Fund 

The Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) is currently accepting applications from low-to-moderate income households with domestic wells that are impacted by drought or wildfire. The Water Well Abandonment, Repair, and Replacement Fund provides financial assistance to permanently abandon, repair or replace a water well used for household purposes. Applications will be accepted year-round, depending on availability of funds. At this time, funding is available only for dry or declining wells, or wells impacted by wildfire. Please see the OWRD website for the most current information.


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