Facilitating Smooth Transactions: Water Testing Services for Realtors, Inspectors, Home Lenders, & Landlords in Oregon
For real estate professionals, home inspectors, mortgage lenders, and landlords in Oregon, ensuring the quality and safety of a property’s water supply is a critical aspect of due diligence. Whether the property relies on a private well or a public system, understanding Oregon-specific water testing requirements is essential for facilitating smooth transactions and protecting all parties involved. Alexin Labs provides reliable and comprehensive water testing services tailored to the needs of the Oregon real estate and rental industry.
Navigating Oregon's Water Testing Requirements for Real Estate
Oregon law, specifically the Domestic Well Testing Act (ORS 448.271), mandates specific water testing for properties with domestic wells during a real estate transaction. This law aims to inform buyers about the water quality of the property they are purchasing.
Key Requirements for Sellers in Oregon
Upon accepting an offer to purchase real estate that includes a domestic well, the seller is legally obligated to have the well water tested for:
- Arsenic: A naturally occurring contaminant of concern in some areas of Oregon.
- Nitrate: Commonly found due to agricultural runoff and septic systems.
- Total Coliform Bacteria: An indicator of potential bacterial contamination.
Important Points for Oregon Real Estate Transactions:
Reporting Requirements
The seller (or their representative) must submit the test results and a Real Estate Transaction (RET) form to the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) within 90 days of receiving the results. Copies of the results must also be provided to the buyer.Sample Collection
While water professionals can collect samples, the law allows anyone able to follow proper sampling instructions to do so. However, accuracy is paramount. Some lenders may require a 3rd party to collect the samplesImpact on Sale
Failure by the seller to conduct the required testing does not invalidate the real estate transaction. However, it is a legal obligation.Validity of Results
Test results for these specific parameters (Arsenic, Nitrate, Total Coliform) are considered valid for one year if associated with the sale of the property.Testing Responsibility
The seller is responsible for ensuring these tests are conducted by an accredited laboratory.No Waiver
These mandated tests cannot be waived, even if the buyer agrees not to have the well tested.Additional Testing
The OHA may require testing for additional contaminants if the well is located in a designated area of public health concern. Buyers can also request additional testing beyond the mandatory parameters.
Why Water Testing is Crucial for Realtors, Inspectors, Home Lenders, and Landlords in Oregon
Oregon Real Estate Professionals
Meeting Legal Obligations: Understanding and adhering to ORS 448.271 is crucial for sellers and their agents.
Protecting Buyers: Ensuring the required tests are performed provides buyers with essential information about their potential water source.
Facilitating Smooth Transactions: Addressing potential water quality issues early can prevent delays and complications during the closing process.
Mitigating Liability: For all parties involved, understanding the water quality helps reduce the risk of future disputes.
Home Inspectors, Lenders, and Landlords
Comprehensive Property Assessment: For inspectors, water quality is an important aspect of evaluating the overall condition and safety of a property with a private well.
Meeting Lender Requirements: Mortgage lenders, particularly for government-backed loans (like FHA and VA), often have specific water quality requirements for properties with private wells to ensure a safe and sustainable water supply. These requirements may go beyond the state-mandated tests.
Assessing Risk: Lenders and Landlords need to assess the risk associated with properties that may have unsafe or unreliable water sources.
For Treated Water (If On-Site Treatment is Used)
Testing to verify the effectiveness of filtration, softening, or other treatment processes.
Treated Water (If On-Site Treatment is Used)
Testing to verify the effectiveness of filtration, softening, or other treatment processes.
Frequently Asked Questions
At this government site: Drinking Water Data Online.
Contact us to determine the type of sampling containers needed. It is important to use only the sampling containers provided by us as a certified lab to ensure the integrity of your results. All sampling containers provided by Alexin Labs have been quality checked for sterility and cleanliness as needed.
No, you are responsible for remembering when you need to take these samples. If you are a Public Water system in the State of Oregon, the Oregon Health Authority will typically alert you to your annual testing needs.
We’d recommend that you keep track of this yourself; however, we do keep all analytical results for at least five years. If you need copies of past reports, please contact our front office, additional re-processing fees will apply.
We are legally obligated to report failing results from routine or compliance drinking water samples for Public Water Systems only. For clients not representing a Public Water System, we ensure the utmost confidentiality and security regarding all private samples.
Alexin Labs: Your Partner for Oregon Real Estate Water Testing
Alexin Labs is familiar with the specific water testing requirements for real estate transactions in Oregon. Partner with us to ensure your real estate transactions in Oregon proceed smoothly with reliable and compliant water testing services.
Accredited laboratory services meeting Oregon OHA standards.
Testing for Arsenic, Nitrate, and Total Coliform Bacteria as mandated by ORS 448.271.
Comprehensive testing packages that go beyond the basic requirements, including tests for metals, VOCs, and other potential contaminants.
Clear and concise reporting to facilitate understanding for all parties involved.
Prompt turnaround times to keep real estate transactions on schedule.
Guidance on proper sampling procedures.
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