ORS 448.271 requires testing of domestic well water during a real estate transaction. The Oregon Real Estate Transaction law states:
“In any transaction for the sale or exchange of real estate that includes a well that supplies ground water for domestic purposes, the seller of the real estate shall, upon accepting an offer to purchase that real estate, have the well tested for arsenic, nitrates and total coliform bacteria. The Oregon Health Authority also may, by rule, require additional tests for specific contaminants in specific areas of public health concern. The seller shall submit the results of the tests required under this section to the authority and to the buyer within 90 days of receiving the results of the tests.”
Further information regarding the requirements can be found at http://www.oregon.gov/oha/ph/HealthyEnvironments/DrinkingWater/SourceWater/DomesticWellSafety/Pages/Testing-Regulations.aspx
In conjunction with other home inspection services, clients may ask us to take a water sample and deliver it to Spring Street Analytical. As we are an impartial third party to the real estate transaction, there is no conflict of interest. Some lenders or financing programs require that a neutral third party collect the water sample.
We deliver our water samples to Spring Street Analytical. Spring Street Analytical can assist you if you have questions regarding the testing process; feel free to call them at (541) 882-6286. Typically, the lab requires payment arrangements be made before sampling results will be released. Testing fees vary by requested services; you or your agent must contact Spring Street Analytical to verify the tests requested for your particular transaction, the associated fees, and to make payment arrangements. Call Spring Street Analytical at (541) 882-6286
Our fee for a water sample collection in conjunction with other inspection services is $25.00; our fee to only collect the water sample is $50.00.