Post-Fire Wildfire Recovery Information
Wildfires can impact many public and private water systems, with immediate effects to infrastructure and equipment used for treatment, storage, and distribution. For general information and resources for drinking water supply recovery, visit Oregon's Wildfire Response webpage.
The Department has developed handouts on Post-Fire Water Right Considerations and a handout on Maintaining Your Wells After Wildfire.
Private Water Well Resources
If you need to have your water well inspected or are looking for a licensed professional to repair, replace, or abandon your water well, please visit the WRD driller database. For licensed contractors to work on water pumps or electrical to inspect or repair the wires, visit the Construction Contractors Board database and the Building Codes database.
The federal government can also provide resources to assist with private water well repairs. The US Department of Agriculture Rural Development program offers Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants to low-income homeowners. Loans of up to $40,000 may be used to repair, improve, or modernize homes, including private water wells, and grants up to $10,000 are available to low-income seniors (age 62 or older) to remove health and safety hazards.
The Rural Community Assistance Corporation also offers free drinking water well assessments.
Water Well Abandonment, Repair and Replacement Fund (WARRF)
The Water Well Abandonment, Repair and Replacement Fund (WARRF) provides financial assistance to individual households, or members of a federally recognized tribe in Oregon. This financial assistance can be used to permanently abandon, repair, or replace a water well used for household purposes.
Note that funding is subject to availability. Visit the WARRF page for more information.