Select a city below to view local well water testing services in your area. Each city page lists providers offering lab testing, field sampling, or mail-in well water tests.
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Oregon has significant private well usage, particularly in rural areas outside of the Portland metropolitan region. From the Willamette Valley to the Cascade Range to eastern Oregon's high desert, the state's diverse geology creates varied groundwater conditions.
Oregon does not have a statewide mandate requiring private well water testing at property sale for all properties. However, the Oregon Health Authority provides strong guidance on testing, and some counties or lenders may have their own requirements.
Known contaminants of concern vary by region. Arsenic occurs naturally in some Oregon groundwater. Nitrates can be elevated in agricultural areas. Radon in water affects some areas. Testing is essential to know what's in your specific well.
Oregon doesn't have a statewide mandate requiring water testing at sale for all private wells. Testing is recommended but generally voluntary for existing wells.
For new well construction, water quality testing may be required as part of the permitting process. Requirements are administered through county environmental health offices. Check with your county for specific requirements.
The Oregon Health Authority recommends annual testing for bacteria and nitrates for all private well owners. Additional testing may be appropriate based on your location and known contaminants in your area.
Real estate transactions often include testing. Mortgage lenders frequently require water quality documentation. Many buyers request testing during due diligence. Having test results facilitates smoother transactions.
OHA recommends annual testing for bacteria and nitrates as a minimum. These are baseline parameters for sanitary integrity and basic chemical safety that apply to all Oregon well owners.
Arsenic occurs naturally in some Oregon groundwater, particularly in certain volcanic and geothermal areas. It's odorless and tasteless, so testing is the only way to detect it. OHA can provide information on areas with known arsenic.
Nitrates can be elevated in agricultural areas of Oregon, particularly the Willamette Valley and other farming regions. If you're in an agricultural area, nitrate testing is particularly important.
Consider testing for: lead (especially with older plumbing), radon in water (some areas), and any contaminants your county environmental health office identifies as local concerns.
Every year
At least once, repeat every 3-5 years
Based on location and circumstances
Well water testing costs in Oregon depend on what you're testing for and which provider you use. Basic bacteria and nitrate tests are generally affordable. Adding arsenic, comprehensive panels, or specialty tests increases the cost.
County environmental health offices may provide well water testing or can direct you to certified labs. Private certified labs serve Oregon well owners. The Oregon State Public Health Laboratory may offer some testing services.
Turnaround time follows typical patterns: bacteria results within a few days (samples are time-sensitive and must reach the lab within 24-30 hours), chemical tests within 5-10 business days.
For real estate transactions, plan ahead. Allow adequate time for sample collection, analysis, and any follow-up if issues are discovered.
Oregon well owners can choose from certified laboratories, county environmental health services, and mail-in test kit providers. For accurate, defensible results, use labs accredited for drinking water analysis.
County environmental health offices are valuable resources. They may offer testing, maintain lists of certified labs, and can explain any local requirements. They understand local groundwater conditions.
Given regional variation across Oregon, local knowledge matters. The Willamette Valley has different considerations than eastern Oregon. Your county can advise on contaminants of concern for your area.
The Oregon Health Authority provides resources for well owners and can help connect you with testing options. Using accredited labs ensures reliable results.
Quick answers to common questions about testing well water in Oregon, from requirements to regional concerns.