Information for Private Well Owners

• Frequently Asked Questions  




• Oregons Domestic Well Testing Program for Real Estate Transactions
  When property containing a well which supplies groundwater for domestic purposes is sold, the well must be tested and the results reported to the Department of Human Services Drinking Water Program. Information on private well testing requirements and reporting forms can be found on the DHS website. Residential water quality testing results can be accessed on the Pacific Northwest Water Quality Data Exchange and additional information can be found in DEQ's Residential Well Owners - Water Quality Test Results Fact Sheet.

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Safe Drinking Water Hotline
  Free information on safe drinking water can be obtained by calling 1-800-426-4791 or see EPA's recommendations for people who get water from private wells.
   
• Oregon State University Extension Service's Well Water Web Site
  The Well Water Program is available to help Oregonians protect the groundwater that supplies their drinking water through education.  



• Private well owners with questions about wells or well water can also call the new Wellcare Hotline (888) 395-1033 operated by the Water Systems Council, a national organization focused on well systems not regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
  
  
• For more information on DEQ's Groundwater Protection Program, please see the Groundwater Protection webpage.