Well Water Testing Requirements in Oregon (OR)
Oregon requires arsenic testing at property sale under the Oregon Real Estate Notification law enacted in 2009. New wells must be tested for bacteria, nitrate, and arsenic. The Oregon Health Authority manages well programs. Arsenic is a significant concern, particularly in southern and central Oregon. The state has approximately 350,000 private wells.
Required Contaminant Tests in Oregon
Oregon requires testing for the following 3 contaminants at property sale:
Common Contaminants in Oregon Well Water
Based on geological conditions, land use patterns, and historical testing data, these contaminants are commonly found in Oregon private wells. Even if not required by law, testing for these contaminants is recommended.
Testing Requirements by City in Oregon
Local testing requirements may vary from state-level regulations. Some counties and municipalities have stricter rules than the state minimum. Below are details for major cities in Oregon.
| City | Testing Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Portland | Yes | Multnomah County; limited private wells in metro |
| Eugene | Yes | Lane County; Willamette Valley |
| Salem | Yes | State capital; Marion County |
| Bend | Yes | Deschutes County; volcanic geology; arsenic |
| Medford | Yes | Jackson County; Rogue Valley; arsenic concerns |
Testing Recommendations for Oregon Well Owners
- Arsenic is a known contaminant in your state. Test for arsenic at least once, even if not required.
- Radon in water is a concern in your state. Consider testing for radon, especially in bedrock wells.
- Nitrate contamination is common in your area. Test annually, especially if near agricultural land.
- Your state requires well water testing when selling property. Budget for testing costs in your sale preparation.
Understanding Oregon's Well Water Regulations
Testing Frequency
Oregon requires well water testing at property sale. This means that when a home with a private well is sold, the seller (or in some cases the buyer) must obtain water test results from a certified laboratory. The results must be provided to the buyer before closing. Beyond the sale requirement, regular testing is recommended but not mandated by the state.
New Well Requirements
Oregon requires testing when a new well is constructed or an existing well is significantly modified. The required tests include bacteria (coliform/e. coli), nitrate, arsenic, and the well must pass these tests before being put into service for drinking water. Well construction must comply with state standards and a permit is required before drilling.
State Laboratory and Testing Resources
Oregon operates a state laboratory or participates in a state lab network that provides water testing services, often at subsidized rates below commercial laboratory prices. Contact your state health department or environmental agency for current pricing and sample submission procedures. Many county health departments also offer basic bacteria testing, sometimes at no cost. The average cost for a comprehensive well water test in Oregon is approximately $200, though a basic bacteria and nitrate screen may cost significantly less.
How Oregon Compares
Oregon has a moderate level of well water testing regulation. Below are other states with similar regulatory approaches.
| State | Testing Required | Test at Sale | Required Tests | Avg. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon (OR) | Yes | Yes | 3 | $200 |
| New Hampshire (NH) | No | Yes | 15 | $350 |
| Wisconsin (WI) | Yes | Yes | 2 | $125 |
Check Other States
Use our well water testing lookup tool to check requirements for any state, or browse all 50 states ranked by testing strictness. If you are moving to or buying property in Oregon, understanding the testing requirements is an important part of your due diligence.