Bill > HB3525

This bill establishes comprehensive water testing requirements for landlords who own dwelling units with exempt wells (wells used for specific purposes like domestic use) located within ground water management areas. Specifically, landlords must collect and test drinking water samples for contaminants including arsenic, coliform bacteria, lead, and nitrates, with initial testing required within 30 days of well installation and subsequent annual testing. The bill mandates that landlords use accredited laboratories to conduct tests, electronically report results to the Oregon Health Authority, and provide test results to tenants within 30 days. Landlords must also disclose well and water testing information before entering a rental agreement and take specific actions if tests reveal contaminant levels exceeding EPA standards, such as retesting and providing informational handouts about potential health impacts. The law becomes operative on January 1, 2027, with initial testing required before June 1, 2027 for existing dwelling units. Importantly, the bill includes provisions to protect tenant privacy and specifies that collected data cannot be used for determining location-specific ground water quality. The legislation aims to ensure tenant safety by establishing a structured approach to monitoring drinking water quality in rural or less regulated housing situations.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB3525