Certified labs by state
Oregon
Oregon’s Oregon Health Authority says nearly 23% of residents rely on domestic wells, so private-well testing is a significant public-health issue statewide. For residents, the main official sources are OHA’s Domestic Well Safety Program, ORELAP laboratory search, and Oregon DEQ’s private-well owner resources.
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- Certifies drinking water labs
- Oregon Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ORELAP), Oregon Health Authority State Public Health Laboratory
- Official certified lab list
- Official page →
- Free or low-cost testing
- Eligible private wells used for drinking and cooking in the Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area can get a free well-water test through OHA.
Official resources in Oregon
OHA’s main private-well program page explains groundwater protection, well stewardship, and links to testing, contaminants, treatment, and regulations.
This OHA page gives Oregon’s recommended private-well tests, routine testing frequency, and what to do with results.
This OHA/ORELAP page links residents to the official search tools for accredited laboratories that accept public well-water samples.
DEQ’s page summarizes owner responsibilities, common contaminants, state roles, and where to get Oregon-specific well information.
OHA’s page for Morrow and Umatilla county residents explains eligibility for free nitrate-focused well testing and related safe-water services.
Key facts for Oregon
- OHA DWSP says nearly 23% of Oregonians rely on domestic wells for potable water.
- OHA says Oregon requires well testing only when selling property with a well.
- OHA recommends annual coliform/E. coli and nitrate testing; arsenic every 3–5 years.
- OHA says initial arsenic above 8 ppb should be retested; with treatment, test yearly at the tap and every 3 years at the wellhead.
- OHA offers free testing for eligible drinking/cooking wells in the Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area in Morrow and Umatilla counties.
- OWRD says naturally occurring arsenic, uranium, and boron can make some Oregon groundwater unsuitable for some uses.
What to do next
- Use the ORELAP search and choose a lab accredited for the Drinking Water matrix that accepts public samples before collecting your private-well sample.
- Order at least annual bacteria and nitrate testing plus arsenic every 3–5 years; test sooner after flooding, septic problems, equipment failures, or water changes.
- If your well is in the Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area, apply for OHA’s free testing voucher before paying a private lab.
Helpful guides
- How to choose a state-certified drinking water lab
- What to test your private well water for (and how often)
- How to collect a well water sample without ruining the test
- How to read a water test report: MCLs, units and flags