DEQ offers free well water testing in Klamath Basin
/DEQ's Paige Haxton-Evans samples water from a domestic well
The following is a press release from Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is offering free well water testing in the Klamath Basin as part of a groundwater quality study. Interested well users should contact DEQ by May 15 at 503-693-5736 or groundwater.monitoring@deq.state.or.us to be considered for the study.
DEQ sampled 60 Klamath area wells in fall 2019 and now seeks another 40 wells to complete the study. DEQ samples domestic, irrigation and livestock wells for contaminants and sends property owners their individual results. Knowing if contaminants exist in well water can help residents make decisions to protect their health and their crops.
Map of the Klamath Basin groundwater sampling area.
Possible sources of groundwater contamination include nearby failing septic systems, current or prior application of fertilizers and pesticides, and leaking underground fuel tanks. Contaminants could include nitrate, arsenic, bacteria, pesticides or other chemicals.
Property owners are responsible for maintaining and monitoring private wells in Oregon—the state does not have water quality regulations for private wells. Well water testing is only required if the property is being sold.
DEQ will provide study participants with information on proper well maintenance, the health effects of common contaminants and options for water treatment.
DEQ well sampling staff will follow Covid-19 safety precautions when visiting well sites, including wearing masks and gloves and disinfecting well spigots before leaving the site. Learn more about DEQ safety precautions.
Sample results will be publicly available, but landowner information will not be included in the public database.
Klamath Basin is the sixth geographic area DEQ has studied as part of its Statewide Groundwater Quality Monitoring Program, which evaluates the current condition of Oregon’s groundwater. Earlier this year DEQ released a groundwater quality report on the Walla Walla Basin.
Find more information about participating in the study at http://bit.ly/DEQWaterStudy