Domestic Water Testing Requirements in Oregon
If you're selling a property in Oregon that uses a domestic well, state law requires water quality testing to ensure the safety of the drinking water for the next homeowner. These tests must be completed by an accredited laboratory and are valid for up to one year.
What Needs to Be Tested?
Oregon law requires testing for the following contaminants:
- Arsenic – Maximum allowable level: 0.010 mg/L (10 parts per billion)
- Nitrate – Maximum allowable level: 10 mg/L (10 parts per million)
- Total Coliform Bacteria – Must be absent in a 100 mL sample
Seller Responsibilities
- Perform water testing after accepting an offer.
- Submit test results to the Oregon Health Authority (OHA).
- Provide a copy of the results to the buyer within 90 days of receiving them.
Additional Requirements
- Applies to properties with a domestic well as the water source.
- Testing is required even if the water source is shared or located on a nearby parcel (e.g., through an easement).
- Wells on unimproved lots that are capped and not in use may be exempt from testing.
