Domestic Well Testing & Real Estate Transaction FAQs

Domestic well testing is the process of having a laboratory test water from a private well for arsenic, nitrate (pdf), and total coliform bacteria (pdf) before the house served by that well is sold.

Yes. ORS 448.271 requires testing of domestic well water during a real estate transaction. Effective since July 24, 1989, ORS 448.271(1) states:

"In any transaction for the sale or exchange of real estate that includes a well that supplies ground water for domestic purposes, the seller of the real estate shall, upon accepting an offer to purchase that real estate, have the well tested for arsenic, nitrates and total coliform bacteria. The Oregon Health Authority also may, by rule, require additional tests for specific contaminants in specific areas of public health concern. The seller shall submit the results of the tests required under this section to the authority and to the buyer within 90 days of receiving the results of the tests."
Oregon Administrative Rule 333-061-0305 to 333-061-0335 (pdf) further defines the actions the seller must take. For more information about domestic well testing rules, click here. The complete rules and regulations can be accessed by clicking here.

The seller of the real estate is responsible. However, the seller may designate their attorney, real estate agent or broker, the laboratory person conducting the water testing, or a private party to assist them in complying with water testing and reporting requirements.

The seller must report specific information about the well. To assure all necessary information is provided, the seller should complete a Domestic Well Testing For Real Estate Transaction form (pdf). Blank forms are also available from local real estate offices and Oregon Drinking Water Services.

Technical assistance is available. Contact your local county health department or Oregon Drinking Water Services at 971-673-0405 (8am-5pm PT, Mon-Fri).