Oregon Invests in Clean Water Access for Morrow County

As the 2025 legislative session came to a close, the Oregon Legislature took a major step toward securing safe drinking water for more residents of Morrow County. With the approval of HB 5006, $2.8 million in project funding is now slated for the Morrow County Clean Water Consortium.  

The approved funding is a critical part of the broader effort to address concerns about elevated nitrate levels in groundwater, which have been a persistent issue for residents in the area for more than 30 years, according to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. 

The consortium plans to begin using this investment in the West Glen neighborhood, just south of Boardman. The neighborhood does not receive treated city water, and tests from resident wells have shown nitrate levels that exceed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s safe drinking water standards. This area has been designated as a high-priority zone because of its dense population and high levels of nitrates in local well water.   

Several solutions have been suggested, but a leading option is connecting the West Glen neighborhood residences to the municipal water system in Boardman. Before settling on a solution, the consortium is gathering public input to foster more collaborative management of the issue. They held a meeting in June and have planned additional meetings for August and September.  

“These combined efforts reflect the importance of clean drinking water,” said Justin Green, executive director, Water for Eastern Oregon. “They also mark a meaningful shift toward proactive governance, where we work together to focus on both short-term fixes and long-term solutions.” 

This investment in water infrastructure aligns with Oregon's legislative push to enhance groundwater oversight in the Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area. State lawmakers also approved SB 1154 to update the management framework for designated groundwater areas and coordinate the state’s response. Similarly, HB 3525 introduces new rules for landlords with dwelling wells, mandating water testing and reporting results to tenants and the state. 

This is yet another example of collaboration between state and local governments that is leading to positive change in the region.