SALEM, Ore. (KATU) — Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek last week signed two bills into law over clean drinking water.
The first strengthens and modernizes the state’s Groundwater Quality Protection Act.
The second requires landlords who own units with well water to take and test samples of that water for things like arsenic, coliform bacteria, lead, and nitrates.
“There is no more essential public resource than water,” Kotek said. “Oregonians are dependent on groundwater resources for a number of purposes, the most important of which is providing drinking water for Oregonians across the state. We have to make sure that the quality and amount of water in our streams and aquifers is more resilient to the growing impacts caused by changing climate and increasing demands.”
Kotek’s office said the changes will take essential steps forward to address water quality and transparency concerns, while protecting Oregonians’ health.
The two bills are Senate Bill 1154 (strengthens groundwater act) and House Bill 3525, relating to landlords.