U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref | U.S. Department of Justice
United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice has ordered three dairies in the Lower Yakima Valley to conduct well testing and provide safe drinking water to nearby residents affected by nitrate contamination. This order is part of a preliminary injunction granted following a motion by the United States, as announced by U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref.
The legal action, initiated under the Safe Drinking Water Act, aims to ensure access to clean drinking water for communities impacted by nitrate-contaminated wells. The lawsuit, filed by the Department of Justice in June 2024, accuses these dairies of contributing to groundwater contamination with nitrates, which can pose serious health risks such as methemoglobinemia or "blue baby syndrome" in infants.
Judge Rice's order mandates that the dairies test drinking water wells within a 3.5-mile radius downgradient from their locations and supply reverse-osmosis treatment systems or bottled water where nitrate levels exceed 10 milligrams per liter. Additionally, they must perform immediate groundwater monitoring and check for leaks in a lined lagoon.
This ruling is part of ongoing efforts by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and DOJ to mitigate groundwater contamination risks and address non-compliance with a 2013 agreement between the dairies and EPA.
U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref emphasized the importance of safe drinking water: “Everyone deserves access to clean, safe drinking water.” Dan Opalski from EPA’s Region 10 office stated that EPA is dedicated to collaborating with various stakeholders to tackle public health challenges related to nitrate contamination.
Residents are encouraged to visit EPA’s Lower Yakima Valley Groundwater webpage or contact their hotline for information on whether their wells are affected. The dairies are required to submit a plan for residential well testing within 30 days and complete it within 60 days after receiving EPA approval.
For those outside the affected area, free well testing and alternative water sources are available through the Lower Yakima Valley Groundwater Management Area Safe Drinking Water Initiative.
