Technical Assistance for Drinking Water Protection

DEQ and the Oregon Health Authority are working together to help communities identify risks to their drinking water. We are available to provide assistance to communities that want to develop local strategies to protect their drinking water. This page includes information on how to develop drinking water protection strategies, potential contaminant sources, fact sheets on drinking water protection, an overview of drinking water protection rules in Oregon, sample drinking water protection plans and examples of drinking water protection ordinances. Please refer to the staff contact and resources page with questions or if you would like assistance.

• Overview of Drinking Water Protection Strategies
• Fact Sheets - Drinking Water Protection
• Best Management Practices
• Land Use Planning for Drinking Water Protection
• Other Resources/Related Programs

Overview of Drinking Water Protection Strategies

Developing Management Strategies for Drinking Water Protection Fact Sheet

Drinking Water Protection Plan Certification Requirement Fact Sheet

Example plans and additional resources:


• Groundwater
• Surface Water
• TapSource: Resources for Drinking Water Source Protection for Lane County and Benton County

Fact Sheets - Drinking Water Protection

Basic Tips for Keeping Drinking Water Clean and Safe

EPA Source Water Protection Practices Bulletins - Fact sheets addressing fertilizer and pesticide applications, human and animal waste management, chemical use, stormwater runoff, tanks and vehicle washing

Groundwater Basics for Drinking Water Protection

Business and Industry Tips for Drinking Water Protection

Automotive Repair and Maintenance Tips for Drinking Water Protection

Use of Injection Control Systems and Groundwater Protection

Proper Care and Maintenance for Unregulated Tank Systems

Household Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal

Pesticide Collection Events


• Oregon Strategy for Collection of Unwanted Pesticides
• 2011 Clackamas and Marion Pesticide Round-up Events
Pollution Prevention for Industry and the Environment

Septic Tank Maintenance

Drinking Water Protection: Using an Ordinance or Overlay

Nitrate in Drinking Water


• Nitratos en Agua de Uso Doméstico

Best Management Practices

Summary of Potential "Management" Options by Land Use

Management Strategies for Commonly Identified Potential Sources of Contamination

Management Strategies Resource List

Management Strategies for:


• Residential/Rural Land Uses
• Industrial/Commercial Land Uses
• Note: Management strategies for Municipal Land Use (including wastewater, stormwater, golf courses, transportation corridors, etc.) and Agricultural/Forestry Land Uses are currently being updated. Please see:

• General guidelines in “Chapter 3 - Step 5” of the Wellhead Protection Guidance Manual
• Rules and Recommendations for Pesticide Use in Drinking Water Source Areas PDF
• Refer to the staff contact and resources information page if you would like assistance

Land Use Planning for Drinking Water Protection

Drinking Water Protection Using an Ordinance or Overlay Fact Sheet

Model Ordinances


• For Surface Water Sources of Drinking Water Fact Sheet
• For Groundwater Sources of Drinking Water Fact Sheet
Example Ordinances:


• Cave Junction (Title 13: see Chapter 13.12 for groundwater protection and Chapter 13.16 for surface water protection)
• Springfield (see section 3.3-200)
• Columbia South Shore Wellfield Wellhead Protection Program
• Wallowa County (see Article 24)
EPA Source Water Protection: Model Ordinances to Protect Local Resources

Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) and DEQ Water Quality Model Code and Guidebook

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