As nitrates continue to be a challenge for Eastern Oregon, irrigators share their solution

Central pivot irrigation waters a crop south of Boardman, Ore. on July 24, 2026. Antonio Sierra / OPB

Last week, a $6.2 million settlement was made between Madison Ranches and residents living in Morrow and Umatilla Counties whose wells were polluted with nitrates. The Lower Umatilla Basin has been grappling with high levels of nitrates for decades, affecting drinking water in wells in various communities. Food processors and farms using fertilizers are regarded as the source of the problem.

J.R. Cook is the founder and director of the Northeast Oregon Water Association. He joins us to share an irrigator’s perspective on the issue and solutions they would like to see.