Morrow County working on reducing nitrates in domestic wells
By Terry Murry on Wednesday, June 15th, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
The following is a news release from Morrow County. The problem with high nitrate levels only applies to domestic wells, not to city drinking water systems.
HEPPNER, Ore. — Morrow County is working closely with state agencies to respond to the state of emergency it declared June 7 due to high levels of nitrate in drinking water from domestic wells.
“Ensuring safe drinking water for the people of Morrow County is vital,” said Paul Gray, the county’s emergency manager. “Our main concern is for people who use private drinking water wells. These wells are not regulated and the responsibility of the well owner.”
“City or community drinking water systems are tested regularly. These water sources have not shown high levels of nitrate and are safe to cook with and drink from.” Gray said.
Some nitrate occurs naturally in surface and groundwater. At low levels, it is not harmful. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set the safe drinking water standard. When water has nitrate levels above 10 parts per million (ppm), water users should switch to bottled water or get a water filter that removes nitrate. A high level of nitrate in drinking water can cause health problems in humans. For example, respiratory and reproductive diseases, as well as kidney, spleen and thyroid problems in children and adults. Nitrate is most harmful to infants and those who are pregnant.
Residents who have a high level of nitrate in their well water should not boil their water. Boiling does not get rid of nitrate.
Certain water filter systems, such as reverse osmosis or distillation units used to treat water at a single tap or throughout the house will remove nitrate from drinking water. However, activated carbon filters such as in a water pitcher with a filter cannot remove nitrate.
Gray said the county encourages private well users to test their water at least once a year for nitrate and other pollutants. They can contact an accredited lab for instructions on how to collect, store and send a sample. To find a lab, go to www.healthoregon.org/wells. The test will cost from $20 to $40.
Residents who want to test their own water can find out how by going to OHA’s Testing Recommendations web page or by calling 541-256-0514. They can also learn how to read their test results by checking out OHA’s Nitrate in Well Water fact sheet. The fact sheet is also available in Spanish.
“We know there are several potential sources of nitrate contamination. However, it’s difficult to identify a single source,” Gray emphasized. “That’s why it’s important to test your well water routinely. Also, consider using filtration systems, which do a great job at removing nitrate.”
Morrow County is coordinating with the Oregon Office of Emergency Management, the Oregon Department of Human Services, the Department of Environmental Quality, the Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Health Authority to provide potable water to those in immediate need and to let residents know how to protect themselves.
For more on county response efforts, go to https://www.co.morrow.or.us/emergency/page/nitrate-emergency
