Domestic Well Testing for Real Estate Transactions

• Current Requirements: When selling real estate that includes a domestic well, property owners are required to test the water for nitrate and total coliform bacteria. Domestic wells are those used for drinking and other household purposes.
  
  
• Future Requirements: Beginning January 1st, 2010, property sellers will be also required to test their well water for arsenic (in addition to nitrate and total coliform bacteria). Test results must be reported within 90 days to the real estate buyer and DHS-Drinking Water Program after the seller receives the test results. New requirements are due to amendments to the Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 448.271(1).
  
  
• Why was Arsenic Added?: Arsenic was added to required tests because it is a common contaminant found throughout Oregon. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established limits on the amount of arsenic in water that can be safely consumed with harm to a person's health. This regulation is an important step in protecting public health.
  
  
• 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).
  
  
• 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, please see below links:
  
  Fact Sheet: Arsenic (pdf)
  
  Fact Sheet: Coliform Bacteria (pdf)
  
  Fact Sheet: Nitrate (pdf)
  
  Collecting a Water Sample (pdf)
  
  Oregon Administrative Rules and Domestic Well Testing (pdf)
  
  
• The following Web pages provide helpful information on well maintenance, filtration options, and more:
  
  Oregon State University Extension Service: More information on wells, groundwater and real estate transactions.
  
  EPA's Private Drinking Water Wells Information
  
  Fact Sheet: Coliform Bacteria and How to Disinfect a Well (pdf)
  
  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): About drinking water from private wells 
  
  National Ground Water Association's Well Owners Web page: Information about to private water well systems and ground water.
  
  Oregon Department of Environmental Quality: More information for private well owners
  
  Consumer Comparison for Water Treatment Options

For more information about testing wells, please contact the DHS-Drinking Water Program at ph. (971) 673-0405, M-F (8AM - 5PM).