Oregon Well Testing Update
Arsenic Added to Required Domestic Well Tests
Customers are always curious about wells when buying country property. We have been recommending a whole home well inspection for many years which tests for a large variety of contaminants including arsenic and lead which have not been required by the state of Oregon in the past. These tests provide a comprehensive look at your new well and your drinking water which we think is essential to good health and peace of mind.
"In 2009 the Oregon State Legislature passed Senate Bill 739, which amended Oregon Revised Statute 448.271 by adding arsenic to the currently required tests for coliform bacteria and nitrate. The tests are required for any real estate transaction that includes a well providing groundwater for human consumption." (Oregon Real Estate News-Journal December 2009) This bill becomes effective January 1, 2010.
Arsenic will now be a required test for all real estate transactions that involve a well that is used for human consumption. Although we always tested for arsenic, we think this is a good change to the statute that will insure that all real estate professionals are testing for arsenic as a well contaminant. Public water systems, like community wells will also be required to test for arsenic in the future as part of their state required annual tests.
For more information regarding well testing please visit http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/dwp/dwt.shtml or call the Drinking Water Program at (971)673-0405
