Domestic Wells Statutes (ORS), Administrative Rules (OAR), and Rulemaking Activity
This page provides links to Domestic Wells -related regulations, including Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) and Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs). These regulations include Landlord Testing and ORELAP Laboratory Reporting.
Information on rulemaking activities, including proposed rules released for public comment, current and past rulemaking advisory committee (RAC) activities, and how members of the public may apply to serve on future RACs, is also posted.
Rulemaking Activity
Information relating to rulemaking actions by the Domestic Wells Safety Program can be accessed below and includes information on current Rulemaking Advisory Committees (RACs) in progress. RACs are an important process that allow members of the public and communities to provide input and suggestions during the development of new rules or amendments to current rules. Persons interested in serving on a future RAC relating to Domestic Wells regulations can find information about applying, under 'General Interest in Participating in Rulemaking Advisory Committees' below.
Recently Filed or Amended Rule Making Activity
There are no new rules that have been recently filed or amended
Rulemaking Advisory Committees
The following rulemaking advisory committees (RACs) are either currently active or in the recruitment phase or have been completed. RAC meetings are not sub ject to the public meetings law. Members of the public may attend in person or virtually to listen to the dialogue but may not participate or offer public comment during the meeting (see agenda for meeting link). Members of the public may submit comments or questions at the conclusion of the RAC meeting to domestic.wells@odhsoha.oregon.gov and information will be shared with appropriate staff and RAC members. After the RAC process has concluded, information will be posted under "Proposed Rules Out for Public Comment " including time and location of public hearing and deadline for providing oral or written comments.
Active Rulemaking Advisory Committees
OAR 333-061 – Landlord Testing of Domestic Wells in Groundwater Management Areas (GWMA)
Private wells are not required to receive regular well testing for contaminants, so renters of dwelling units may use water with contaminants such as arsenic, lead, E. coli, or nitrates without knowing the risks.
The rules require landlords to test the well water on a set schedule, share the results with tenants, and have the results sent to the Oregon Health Authority directly from the laboratory. This gives renters clear information about their drinking water, supports the health of families in areas with potential groundwater contamination, and helps the landlords monitor water quality in places where contamination is higher.
Rules are being drafted in response to passage of HB 3525 (2025) - ORS 90.321 . The RAC member application process has closed.
Meeting date(s), agenda and meeting notes
Proposed Rules for Public Comment Period
There are no proposed rules for public comment.
General Interest in participating in RAC Process
Please send an email to Domestic.Wells@odhsoha.oregon.gov and someone will respond to your inquiry.