Update on well water testing north of Prineville
Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has released a new report looking at water quality from about 60 domestic wells located just north of Prineville. The report reviews test results collected by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and explains what those results mean for household health. OHA is seeking public comment on its analysis of community health risks related to drinking water from these wells.
Community members can send questions or comments to ehap.info@odhsoha.oregon.gov or call 971‑673‑0440.
Public comments will be accepted through August 17, 2026
What was found in the wells
Testing showed a mix of contaminants that are fairly common in Oregon wells, including arsenic, nitrates, and coliform bacteria. These can pose some level of health risk depending on the amount and how long people are exposed.
About half of the wells also had two additional issues:
- Lead was found at low levels in many wells. This is usually caused by plumbing inside the home rather than the groundwater itself.
- Manganese was present in amounts that can cause problems like unpleasant taste, discoloration or cloudy water. In most cases, people tend not to drink water with these nuisance levels because it tastes or smells off.
Seven of the wells had high enough manganese levels that the health of babies under 1 year old could be at risk if they drank the water. The report includes guidance for families on how to reduce or prevent exposure.
What households can do
OHA recommends several steps for anyone concerned about their well water:
- Consider blood lead testing for children, especially if plumbing may contain lead.
- Make sure home water treatment systems are working or consider adding treatment if needed.
- Do follow‑up water testing to confirm that treatment is effective.
Why OHA got involved
OHA began working with Crook County in late 2023 after commissioners brought together state agencies to address groundwater quality concerns raised by residents. This collaboration included county leaders, state agencies, the Governor’s Office and the local health department.
More background can be found on the Crook County Wells webpage.
Want to learn more or share feedback?
- The full report and supporting materials are available at: www.oregon.gov/crookcowells
- Community members can send questions or comments to ehap.info@odhsoha.oregon.gov or call 971‑673‑0440. As a reminder, public comments will be accepted through August 17, 2026.