We are here to make sure your drinking water is safe. If you live in the Lower Yakima Valley, WA, and use well water, please contact us for FREE testing and filtration systems.
Change Starts Here
The Clean Drinking Water Project is a non-profit organization dedicated solely to public outreach about nitrate contamination in the Lower Yakima Valley and providing free testing and filtration systems or bottled water to impacted residents.
Your Questions,
Answered
What are nitrates and why are they dangerous?
Nitrates are compounds found in soil, air, and water, as well as some foods. In excess, they can cause numerous long-term health problems, like reproductive and thyroid issues and even cancers. Nitrates impede the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, which is why the “blue baby syndrome” is often referenced.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set the safety threshold for nitrates in drinking water at 10 mg/L. However, due to contamination from manure generated at large dairies in the Lower Yakima Valley, many wells in the region test much higher than 10 mg/L.
How can I tell is my well water has unsafe levels of nitrates?
Nitrates are undetectable without a test. They are odorless, flavorless, and colorless. Boiling water only makes the problem worse by concentrating the nitrates.
If you use well water in your home, please contact the Clean Drinking Water Project to provide eligible homes with free lab testing and water filtration or bottled water if nitrate levels are unsafe.
How is Clean Drinking Water Project funded?
We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and are funded by Lower Yakima dairies pursuant to court-ordered settlement agreements. These dairies, initially brought to court in 2013, were held liable for the groundwater contamination caused by their management of the large amount of manure created at large confined dairies. Per the agreements, these dairies and others, pay into the clean water fund monthly or annually. This money is used solely to do public outreach, water testing, and installation of reverse osmosis units or provision of bottled water to impacted homes. Clean Drinking Water Project is able to provide these services for FREE, including annual maintenance of the filtration units.
Contact us for free water testing and safe water for eligible homes.
Eligible homes are in the Lower Yakima Valley area. We will send our outreach workers to your home to collect a sample of your well water, at no cost to you.
Once tested, if nitrate levels are unsafe, reverse osmosis units or bottled water will be provided to your FOR FREE.