‘The Evergreen’: Eastern Oregon’s polluted drinking water
‘The Evergreen’: Eastern Oregon’s polluted drinking water Oregon Public Broadcasting
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A Report on the Nitrate Pollution Crisis in Eastern Oregon
A group of rural Boardman residents assemble in a garage to speak with U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley about nitrates in Boardman, Ore., Jan. 20, 2023.
Antonio Sierra / OPB
Introduction
A water pollution crisis has been unfolding in Eastern Oregon for decades. Contamination of the Lower Umatilla Basin’s groundwater with excess nitrates — a naturally occurring chemical also found in fertilizer — has meant residents of Morrow and Umatilla Counties who get their water from private wells are struggling to access clean drinking water. Though the issue has been a known problem for over thirty years, nitrate pollution there is only getting worse, and some residents are still just learning about the risks to their health.
Discussion
Monica Samayoa, OPB’s climate and environment reporter, and Antonio Sierra, OPB’s rural communities reporter, have been covering the area’s worsening nitrate pollution for years. They join us to talk about how we got here, what’s being done about it, and what locals without clean water still need.
Listen to all episodes of The Evergreen podcast here.
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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
- Indicator 6.3.2: Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality.
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SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.
Analysis
The article discusses the water pollution crisis caused by excess nitrates in Eastern Oregon, specifically in Morrow and Umatilla Counties. Based on the content of the article, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:
1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
The issue of nitrate pollution in the groundwater aligns with SDG 6, which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. The contamination of the Lower Umatilla Basin’s groundwater with excess nitrates is a clear violation of the target to improve water quality by reducing pollution and minimizing the release of hazardous chemicals (Target 6.3). The article highlights that residents who rely on private wells are struggling to access clean drinking water, indicating a failure to achieve the target.
The article does not explicitly mention the indicator 6.3.2, which measures the proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality. However, it implies that the water quality in the affected area is poor due to nitrate pollution.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The article also connects to SDG 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. The contamination of groundwater with nitrates poses risks to the health of residents who rely on private wells for drinking water. This aligns with Target 3.9, which aims to reduce deaths and illnesses caused by pollution and contamination. The article highlights that some residents are just learning about the risks to their health, indicating a lack of progress towards achieving this target.
The article does not explicitly mention the indicator 3.9.1, which measures the mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution. However, it implies that the nitrate pollution in the groundwater can lead to health issues, although specific mortality rates are not provided.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials. | Indicator 6.3.2: Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality. |
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution. |
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Fuente: opb.org
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