In a pivotal meeting of the Oregon House Committee on Rules, voices from across the state echoed a pressing concern: the safety of drinking water for renters. Under the bright lights of the legislative chamber, advocates gathered to support House Bill 3,525, a measure aimed at enhancing transparency and safety regarding well water quality in rental properties.

Kim McCarty, the executive director of the Community Alliance of Tenants, passionately addressed the committee, highlighting the struggles faced by tenants, particularly in rural areas where access to information about water quality is scarce. “Many people call us regularly with health concerns,” she stated, emphasizing the lack of regulatory oversight that leaves renters vulnerable to potential contamination.

The bill, which has garnered support from various community members, including licensed nurse and PhD student in water resources sciences, aims to require landlords to test and disclose the quality of domestic well water. This initiative stems from extensive outreach conducted by the Oregon Water Futures Collaborative, which revealed that over 200 Oregonians identified water quality and transparency as critical issues.

Advocates argue that safe drinking water is a fundamental necessity, not a privilege. They expressed disappointment over amendments that would limit protections to designated groundwater management areas, arguing that contamination risks extend beyond these boundaries. “Limiting well water testing leaves many renters without the information they need to make informed decisions about their health and housing,” one advocate noted.

As the meeting unfolded, the urgency of the issue became clear. With many families, particularly those in low-income or disadvantaged communities, potentially consuming contaminated water without their knowledge, the stakes are high. The bill represents a crucial step toward safeguarding public health and empowering renters with the knowledge they need to protect themselves and their families.

As the committee deliberates, the voices of advocates like McCarty and others serve as a reminder of the importance of transparency in water quality reporting. The outcome of House Bill 3,525 could reshape the landscape of tenant rights in Oregon, ensuring that safe drinking water becomes a reality for all.