Partnering for Safe Water: Water Testing for Oregon Drinking Water Program Participants
As a city or municipality in Oregon providing drinking water to your community, you are entrusted with a critical responsibility: ensuring the delivery of safe and reliable water that meets the stringent standards of the Oregon Drinking Water Program (DWP). Compliance with state regulations is not just a legal obligation; it’s a fundamental commitment to public health. Alexin Labs in Tigard, Oregon, is a dedicated partner in supporting your efforts, offering comprehensive and accurate water testing services tailored to the requirements of the Oregon DWP.
Learn More: YourWater.Oregon.gov
Why Compliance Water Testing is Paramount for Oregon Municipalities
The Oregon Drinking Water Program, overseen by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), sets forth comprehensive rules and monitoring requirements to safeguard public drinking water quality. Regular and thorough testing is essential for:
Meeting Mandatory Monitoring Schedules
The DWP mandates specific testing frequencies and parameters based on system size, source water, and past compliance history. Adhering to these schedules is crucial for avoiding violations.Demonstrating Treatment Effectiveness
Consistent testing verifies that your water treatment processes (disinfection, filtration, etc.) are effectively removing contaminants and producing safe drinking water.Ensuring Public Health Protection
Compliance testing directly protects the health of your community by identifying and quantifying potential contaminants before they reach consumers at harmful levels.Maintaining Regulatory Compliance
Failure to meet DWP testing requirements can result in enforcement actions, fines, and reputational damage.Identifying Potential Water Quality Issues Early
Regular monitoring can detect emerging contaminants or changes in source water quality, allowing for timely intervention and preventative measures.Providing Transparency and Building Public Trust
Demonstrating a commitment to rigorous water quality testing builds public confidence in the safety and reliability of your water system.Responding to Sanitary Surveys and Assessments
DWP-conducted sanitary surveys may identify specific testing needs or areas requiring more frequent monitoring.
Common Water Tests for Oregon Drinking Water Program Compliance:
Alexin Labs offers a full suite of analytical services to meet the diverse testing requirements of the Oregon Drinking Water Program. Common test categories and specific analyses include:
Total Coliform and E. coli: The primary indicators of bacteriological contamination, with strict monitoring requirements based on population served.
Fecal Coliform: Used to confirm fecal contamination.
Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC): Can provide an overall assessment of microbial water quality.
Trihalomethanes (THMs): Including Chloroform, Bromoform, Dibromochloromethane, and Bromodichloromethane. Monitoring frequency depends on system size and source water.
Haloacetic Acids (HAAs): Including Monochloroacetic Acid, Dichloroacetic Acid, Trichloroacetic Acid, Monobromoacetic Acid, and Dibromoacetic Acid. Monitoring frequency also varies.
Bromate and Chlorite: Monitored in systems using ozone or chlorine dioxide for disinfection.
Nitrate and Nitrite: With regular monitoring required, especially for systems with vulnerable populations or historical issues.
Metals (Arsenic, Lead, Copper, Barium, Cadmium, Chromium, Mercury, Selenium, Silver): Monitoring schedules vary based on source water and historical data, with lead and copper requiring specific tap sampling protocols.
Fluoride: Monitored in systems that fluoridate their water.
Other Inorganics or Secondary Inorganics: as regulated by the DWP.
A comprehensive list of VOCs regulated by the DWP, with monitoring frequencies based on source water vulnerability.
A range of pesticides and herbicides regulated by the DWP, with monitoring schedules based on source water vulnerability and potential for contamination.
Gross Alpha and Beta Activity: Screening for overall radioactivity.
Radium-226 and Radium-228: Specific isotopes of radium.
Uranium: Monitored in systems with potential for uranium contamination.
Radon: While not federally regulated, the DWP may have specific monitoring recommendations or requirements.
Aluminum, Chloride, Color, Copper, Corrosivity, Fluoride, Foaming Agents/ Surfactants (MBAS), Iron, Manganese, Odor, pH, Silver, Sulfate, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Zinc: These are non-enforceable guidelines for aesthetic qualities of water.
Frequently Asked Questions
At this gov site: Drinking Water Data Online.
An annual potability test is recommended. Please refer to OHA’s Domestic Well Program for more information.
By contacting Alexin Labs, and discussing your water testing needs, we can determine the type of sampling containers which will be 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.
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.
Alexin Labs: Your Reliable Partner for Oregon DWP Compliance Testing
Alexin Labs is committed to providing Oregon cities and municipalities with the accurate, reliable, and timely water testing services required to meet the stringent demands of the Oregon Drinking Water Program. Our certified laboratory adheres to EPA-approved methods and maintains strict quality control procedures to ensure defensible data.
Ensure the safety and quality of your community’s drinking water and maintain full compliance with the Oregon Drinking Water Program. Contact Alexin Labs today to discuss your municipality’s water testing needs. We are proud to be your partner in providing safe and reliable drinking water for Oregon.
Comprehensive testing for all DWP-regulated contaminants.
Accurate and reliable analytical results.
Timely reporting to a state agency to meet your monitoring schedules.
Expert consultation and support to understand your testing requirements.
Convenient sample pick-up and delivery options throughout Northwest Oregon.
A dedicated team committed to supporting your public health mission.
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