High nitrate levels are dangerous for human consumption. Drinking water containing at least 10 milligrams of nitrate per liter of water can cause long- and short-term health effects when used for drinking and cooking.
The Oregon Health Authority and Morrow and Umatilla Counties are leading the effort in developing solutions to provide safe and sustainable drinking water to well users who may be affected by high nitrate levels in groundwater within the LUBGWMA.
The Oregon Health Authority
Domestic (private) well users living in parts of northern Morrow County or northwest Umatilla County within the LUBGWMA may access free well water testing, water delivery and water treatment depending on your test results.
Morrow and Umatilla Counties
Through a joint effort of Morrow and Umatilla Counties, the Drinking Water Roadmap Project was launched in 2024 to develop safe and reliable drinking water solutions for domestic well users. The project team is seeking domestic wells in the LUBGWMA region for free well water sampling to better understand nitrate impacts.