Project: Individual Household Options
Media from Wix
Background
Because of its regulated nature, extensions of a municipal water source is the most dependable and affordable solution for improving access to clean water. However, the Consortium recognizes that the majority of nitrate-affected homes in unincorporated Morrow County are not close enough to an existing municipal source to be economical or feasible. Therefore, we continue to explore and evaluate potential individual home solutions. Below are some of the current ideas being used or explored.
Water Delivery
Currently, 346 households in Morrow County temporarily receive drinking water delivery through the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). Private well users whose water has more than 10 mg/L of nitrate qualify for this free service. To learn more about this program visit: testmywell.oregon.gov
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One possible long-term solution being explored for homes with contaminated wells include construction of cistern systems requiring regular bulk water delivery. Currently there are no businesses in the area that provide this service.
Under Sink Filtration
Contracting with three local plumbers, OHA also offers small under-the-sink reverse osmosis (RO) water treatment systems to households whose private well water tests between 10 and 24.99 mg/L of nitrate. In Morrow County, 195 homes currently receive this system and service at no cost. To learn more about this program visit: testmywell.oregon.gov
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Though supportive of this option, the Consortium is looking for filtration capable of handling higher levels of nitrate contamination and ways to increase the capacity beyond just the kitchen sink.
Whole-Home Filtration
To provide peace of mind, the Consortium is working with companies to find reliable whole-home filtration system options capable of handling high levels of nitrate contamination. Though many different commercial options may exist, most have not proven to work at high levels of nitrate, can be extremely inefficient, and produce a nitrate-concentrated by-product that must also be disposed of - only compounding the problem.
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At the September 8, 2026, board meeting, International Pure Water presented a process that shows promise and is among the most efficient options to-date. However, nitrate waste by-product and required system maintenance still pose possible barriers.
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Atmospheric Water Generation
This exciting, new technology was presented to the Consortium by Fred Ziari of Air2O at our September 8, 2026, board meeting. AWGÂ extracts water from humid air, producing clean, potable water without relying on traditional water sources, with no by-products. Current barriers to this option include cost and scalability. The Consortium will continue to explore the feasibility of this option and ways to increase its capacity as a viable individual home solution.
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Individual Well Improvements
Of all the options being explored, this one is the most challenging. Each individual well is different. Its age, depth, location, soil types, quality and condition of casement, level of contamination, and source of water (alluvial or aquifer), are among the factors that would need to be assessed for each well to determine possible improvements. Additionally, any improvements, including digging a deeper well, do not guarantee clean drinking water. Funding sources may also limit the improvements that are legally possible. Though the Consortium is not opposed to this option and is developing feasible solutions that may include well improvements, its complicated nature makes it difficult to scale up, fund, and plan for.