Nitrates and Drinking Water

Safe/Unsafe water uses

 

Domestic wells in the parts of Morrow County called the Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area (LUBGWMA), may contain high levels of nitrates.

High level of nitrates in drinking water can cause serious health problems, including respiratory and reproductive diseases, as well as kidney, spleen and thyroid problems. Nitrates are most harmful to infants and during pregnancy.

 

Test Your Drinking Water for Nitrates

Ready to test your well? Umatilla County Health Department is now testing wells in the LUBGWMA region, including parts of Morrow County:

Schedule an appointment for well water testing [English/Español]

Oregon Health Authority also offers free nitrate tests for well owners in the Lower Umatilla Basin Ground Water Management Area (LUBGWMA). Find out more:

Oregon Health Authority | Make Sure Your Water Is Safe

Oregon Health Authority | Asegúrese que su agua de pozo esté limpia

 

What If The Test Shows That Your Water Has High Nitrates?

When water has nitrate levels above 10 parts per million (ppm), water users should drink bottled water or get a water filter that removes nitrates. 

If your well water tests high in nitrates, you can get bottled water delivered to your home or a water filter system installed for free.

Residents who have a high level of nitrates in their well water should not boil their water. Boiling does not get rid of nitrates.

 

Questions?

Contact Oregon Health Authority:
541-952-9254
domestic.wells@odhsoha.oregon.gov

 

Need More Help?

If you would like help testing your well or answering questions, contact Morrow County Public Health at 541-676-5421 or mchealth@morrowcountyor.gov

 

Read More about Nitrates

OSU Extension | Nitrate and Drinking Water

Servicio Extensión de OSU | El Nitrato en Su Agua Potable

 

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