A significant public health initiative aimed at addressing water safety in Eastern Oregon has made notable strides, particularly in the Lower Umatilla Basin. Many residents in this area rely on domestic wells for their drinking and cooking water, which have been found to be at risk of nitrate contamination. This issue poses a serious health threat, especially to formula-fed infants.

Since early 2023, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), in collaboration with the governor's office and various state agencies, has taken swift action to support affected families. The OHA has provided outreach and education in multiple languages, along with free well testing, treatment, and water delivery services. Community-based organizations have played a crucial role in developing culturally relevant health messaging regarding well contamination.

Through these efforts, the OHA identified 3,300 households with potentially at-risk domestic wells, a figure that was previously unknown. To date, 1,900 of these wells have been tested, revealing that approximately 500 households exceeded the nitrate standard of 10 milligrams per liter. This alarming statistic accounts for 40% of wells tested in Morrow County and 22% in Umatilla County. As a result, these households have been provided with alternative drinking water solutions, including water deliveries and the installation of filtration systems.

Currently, about 540 households are receiving water deliveries, and 200 filtration systems have been installed for eligible homes. However, the OHA is still seeking effective treatment systems for wells that test above 25 milligrams per liter, as existing solutions do not adequately address this level of contamination.

In addition to water safety, the meeting highlighted the success of the Family Connects program, which was established under Senate Bill 526 in 2019. This initiative aims to provide home visiting services by registered nurses for families with newborns, including those in foster and adoptive care. Since its launch in 2021, Family Connects Oregon has served nearly 4,000 families, ensuring they have access to medical homes, health screenings, and community resources tailored to their needs.

These initiatives underscore Oregon's commitment to improving public health and safety, particularly for vulnerable populations. The OHA continues to work diligently to reach households that have yet to be tested and to support long-term solutions for public water systems.