Current Requirements
According to
Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 448.271(1), when selling real estate that includes a domestic well, property owners are required to test the water for arsenic, nitrate, and total coliform bacteria. Domestic wells are those used for drinking and other household purposes. Test results must be reported within 90 days to the real estate buyer and the
Drinking Water Program after the seller receives the test results.
Collecting Water Samples
Samples must be collected (for current and future requirements above) according to
Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 333-061-0335, and through OAR 333-061-0330 samples must be analyzed by an accredited laboratory. A list of accredited laboratories for domestic well testing can be found by
clicking here (PDF).
Testing Form
Required for all real estate transactions when there is a domestic well on the property (Note: Springs
DO NOT need to be tested under these regulations).
Click here to download the "Domestic Well Testing Reporting" form (PDF). To search for well information, click on
Find a Well Log at the
Oregon Water Resources Department.
Test Results
Residential water quality testing results can be accessed from the
Pacific Northwest Water Quality Data Exchange Web site. Information on how to retrieve data from the Exchange is provided in DEQ's
Residential Well Owners - Water Quality Test Results fact sheet (PDF).
Who needs to comply, who can collect water samples, and other frequently asked questions
Please
click here for FAQs about domestic well testing and real estate transactions.
More information about domestic well testing and contaminants commonly found in well water
Information on well maintenance, filtration options, and more
