KGW.com
Having been launched seven months ago a program testing for contamination has tested less than one third of household wells in Oregon countries Morrow and Umatilla. Social justice group Oregon Rural Action stated that the testing campaign failed to meet Gov. Tina Kotek’s expectations set in May 2023 saying that all wells would be tested by the end of September 2023. While the agency was criticized, they claimed their program was a success with 1,000 out of 3,300 wells tested stating that the goal was to test or offer testing, not necessarily to ensure all wells were tested.
Out of the 1,000 wells tested, 235 had nitrate levels above the EPA safe drinking limits. The nitrate pollutions is likely caused in part by agricultural fertilizers and animal manure used on nearby farms. The Oregon Health Authority launched a testing campaign in March offering free vouchers to test water.