“NE Oregonians call on Kotek to declare emergency over nitrates in groundwater”

By George Plaven | Capital Press | April 17, 2023

“Ana Maria Rodriguez dipped a small nitrate test strip into a jar of water collected from her well near Boardman in rural northeast Oregon.

Within seconds, the strip turned a bright shade of pink — indicating high levels of nitrate, a toxic chemical that can cause potentially serious health risks if consumed in excess.

The demonstration was part of a gathering April 17 outside the state capitol in Salem, where residents and community activists demanded action from Gov. Tina Kotek to address longstanding groundwater pollution in the Lower Umatilla Basin. 

They called on Kotek to declare a public health emergency for the area in northern Umatilla and Morrow counties, and provide clean drinking water for homes with tainted wells. ”

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