The more you know about your community's groundwater and the potential risks to it, the better equipped you'll be to make an impact. You'll probably be amazed how much information is available!
The following Web sites and contacts will get you started. If you can't find what you need, don't hesitate to make phone calls or write letters. Professionals working throughout the state would be delighted to know that citizens are interested in working with them.
Drinking water data
Public drinking water system data
All public drinking water systems must test their water regularly for possible contaminants and report the results to the Oregon Department of Human Services. Much of this data is available in a frequently updated searchable database.
You probably will be amazed at the number of small public water systems in your community. Motels, campgrounds, schools, mobile home parks, some neighborhood associations, and all other public places not served by "city" water are on a regulated public water system, most of them from groundwater sources. With all of these systems testing their water on a regular basis, you can get a good idea of your local groundwater quality.
For more information, contact the water system of interest or call the Oregon Department of Human Services at 971-673-0405.
Real estate sales data
When a home is sold that is not connected to a public drinking water system, the seller must test the water supply (private well or spring) for Coliform bacteria and nitrate. These results are reported to Oregon Department of Human Services Drinking Water Program. If you would like to use these data, contact the ODHS-DWP.
There is also a searchable data base that includes some, but by no means all, of the real estate data. If you would like to access these data, follow the instructions on the fact sheet. (Download Fact Sheet from Oregon Well Water Program Website)
Other Public Databases
Water Quality Data Base for the PNW
A searchable database containing much of the publicly collected water quality data in the Pacific Northwest is available to the public. (This is the same database that includes the real estate testing data). If you would like to access these data, follow the instructions on the fact sheet. (Download Fact Sheet from Oregon Well Water Program Website)
Hazardous materials used in businesses
The Oregon Office of the State Fire Marshal's Community Right to Know Program has a thorough database of all the hazardous materials stored or used in every business throughout Oregon. You can search their Web site by chemical or business name, or look for all businesses on a certain street. Not all of the chemicals listed have the potential of getting into groundwater, but this is a good place to start learning about potential contaminants in your community.
For more information, phone 503-378-6835 or email SFM.CR2K@state.or.us.
Reported spills and cleanup operations
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality manages cleanup of contaminated sites. Find out about cleanup activities in your community.
To talk to someone familiar with your community call DEQ Headquarters at 800-452-4011 and ask to be transferred to your regional office.
GIS maps on permitted facilities and cleanup locations
The DEQ Water Quality Program maintains an interactive Web site containing statewide GIS maps. At this writing, groundwater quality isn't specifically indicated on the maps, but the map layers of permitted facilities and cleanup sites can be helpful. (Note: The permitted facilities layer does not include facilities receiving permits from the Oregon Department of Agriculture, such as Confined Animal Feeding Operations.)
Agency Studies
Studies about groundwater contamination
Every 2 years, DEQ must report to the Legislative Assembly on groundwater protection in Oregon. These reports include a good summary of data available.
To determine whether any additional data or reports are available for your area, call DEQ headquarters at 800-452-4011 and ask to be transferred to your regional office.
Studies about groundwater hydrology
Oregon Water Resources (503-986-0900) and the U.S. Geological Survey (503-251-3200) are cooperating on in-depth studies of regional groundwater hydrology. Studies currently are available for the following areas:
Studies of additional areas are planned. For the most up-to-date information about your area of concern, ask to speak to one of the people involved in the groundwater studies.
Well logs
A well log or report is filed with the Oregon Water Resources Department when a well is drilled or repaired. Well logs can give you information about groundwater geology and alert you to the location of wells that might be a potential pathway for contamination. Keep in mind that there are many wells without logs on file, especially those drilled before 1960, so don't be surprised if you can't locate a specific well.
All of the state's well logs are available in a Water Resources Department Website. For additional assistance or to order individual logs, call WRD at 503-986-0900.