Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Contamination Class Action
Madison Ranches · Private-well groundwater in the Lower Umatilla Basin · Settlement Reached
About this case
Residents who rely on private wells in Oregon's Morrow and Umatilla counties allege that nitrate and nitrogen contamination in the Lower Umatilla Basin affected their groundwater and caused related costs. Madison Ranches agreed to a $6.2 million settlement that will fund assistance for affected homeowners and certain management practices, while claims against other defendants remain ongoing; a jury trial is scheduled to begin June 21, 2027.
Case overview
- Defendant company
- Madison Ranches
- Product or service
- Private-well groundwater in the Lower Umatilla Basin
- Court case number
- 2:24-cv-00362-HL
- Case status
- Settlement Reached
- Lawsuit type
- Consumer
- Reported harm
- Other
Participation information
Settlement Claim
The proposed settlement class covers people who own, rent, or reside at property supplied by a private well located in Oregon’s Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area. The court-related settlement information states that preliminary approval was granted on September 9, 2026, with final approval expected after a March 22, 2027 fairness hearing.
No current claim form or claim-filing deadline was identified. The settlement process is still in progress and the available case information indicates that court notice and further instructions will govern participation, objections, and exclusion requests.
- Type
- Settlement Claim
- Status
- Upcoming
- Total settlement amount
- $6,200,000
- Payout
- The $6.2 million fund is intended to help eligible residents who rely on private wells pay for water-filtration systems, deeper wells, or water bills if they connect to city water. The settlement also supports private-well and public-water infrastructure projects rather than providing a stated fixed cash payment per claimant.
- Reported proof requirement
- Unclear
Sources
- Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Contamination Class Action
KOIN 6 Portland ·