DEQ reveals nitrate concerns in Southern Deschutes County groundwater study results

The Southern Deschutes County Groundwater Monitoring Project took center stage at the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners meeting on February 3, 2025, as officials revealed concerning findings about local water quality. Greg Sweeland from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) reported that recent testing of 100 domestic wells in the area has detected nitrate levels that raise health alarms.

The sampling, part of a statewide groundwater quality monitoring initiative, began in spring 2023 and is set to continue through spring 2024. Nitrate, a long-standing concern in the region, was found in 65 of the tested wells, with three exceeding the state action level of 7 milligrams per liter. Alarmingly, two wells surpassed the Environmental Protection Agency's maximum contaminant level of 10 milligrams, with one well reaching a high of 23 milligrams.

Sweeland emphasized the importance of these findings, noting that nitrate can indicate the presence of wastewater in groundwater, posing potential health risks to residents. Well owners were promptly notified of their results and referred to public health resources for further guidance.

While a comprehensive report on the study is expected later this year, DEQ officials are currently analyzing the raw data and considering a trend analysis to better understand the implications of these findings. The DEQ remains vigilant about the long-term risks of nitrate contamination, particularly in shallow wells that are more susceptible to pollution from septic systems.

As groundwater management gains legislative attention, the DEQ is poised to enhance its groundwater protection efforts, underscoring the critical need for ongoing monitoring and community awareness regarding water quality in Southern Deschutes County.