About 25% of private wells in the United States contain contaminants known to increase the risk of chronic diseases. Arsenic and nitrate are among the most commonly detected contaminants. In Oregon, approximately 23% of residents rely on private wells as their primary source of drinking water. Yet until 2021 there were no statewide programs to help well owners understand treatment options, make informed decisions or overcome barriers to maintaining safe drinking water.
This work strengthens public health by helping private well users reduce exposure to harmful contaminants and make informed decisions about their drinking water.
In response, the Oregon State University Be Well Program partnered with the Oregon State University Extension Service to address this critical public health need. The program leveraged the trusted relationships Extension community educators have built across Oregon to support well owners in understanding water quality risks and taking meaningful steps toward treatment.
As part of a four-year study, OSU researchers tested private wells across Oregon for arsenic, nitrate and lead — contaminants linked to chronic health conditions. Participants received a free water test from a certified lab in Oregon, along with personalized feedback and educational support from OSU Extension. Extension educators served as home health navigators, helping participants understand test results, consider treatment options and build skills in decision-making and health literacy.
Participants also completed questionnaires about their water use, health and perceptions of risk. If a contaminant was detected above legal standards, participants received follow-up guidance — either written or direct consultation — on well maintenance and treatment strategies.
The study led to several positive results:
- Many participants adopted safer water practices such as switching to bottled water or installing treatment systems to reduce exposure to arsenic, nitrate or lead
- Health literacy and awareness of water quality risks improved
- A regional survey of 2,170 private well owners revealed that over 30% had experienced contamination and 18% had noticed a change in water color or taste. Despite this, 75% of respondents had never tested or treated their well water — highlighting the importance of continued outreach and education
To expand access to accurate, plain-language information, OSU Extension developed and published three new resources:
This work strengthens public health by helping private well users reduce exposure to harmful contaminants and make informed decisions about their drinking water. By improving health literacy, expanding access to testing and supporting state-level policy, the Be Well Program demonstrates the lasting value of OSU Extension’s trusted presence in Oregon communities.
The project was supported by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS grant R01 ES031669), part of the National Institutes of Health, and by funding from the Celia Strickland Austin and G. Kenneth Austin III Endowed Professor in Public Health at Oregon State University.
