Several established programs might be able to provide assistance and structure to your efforts. Consider using more than one of these programs.
Oregon's Drinking Water Protection Program
If a public water system in your area obtains its water from groundwater, find out more about the Drinking Water Protection Program. The Drinking Water Protection Program Website is very informative and a great place to start.
For more information, call:
Sheree Stewart, Drinking Water Protection Program Coordinator at the Department of Environmental Quality (503-229-5413)
Groundwater Guardian
Groundwater Guardian is a non-profit project to support and recognize community efforts to protect groundwater. For more information, contact:
The Groundwater Foundation
P.O. Box 22558
Lincoln, NE 68542-2558
Phone: 1-800-858-4844
Email: info@groundwater.org
Watershed Councils
Many areas of the state have official groups that work on local water issues. Although their main focus usually is a local stream or river, groundwater is part of the watershed, so it is appropriate for Council action as well.
A list of Watershed Councils in Oregon is available on the Web. Or contact your local OSU Extension Service or Soil and Water Conservation District office.
The OSU Extension Service's Watershed Stewardship Education Program provides training to help watershed councils and other residents understand how watersheds work and apply that knowledge to local projects.
Groundwater Management Areas
If investigations show an aquifer to be contaminated with nitrate, pesticides, or other hazardous compounds, it can be officially designated as a Groundwater Management Area. In early 2001, Oregon had two Groundwater Management Areas:
- Lower Umatilla Basin GWMA in Morrow and Umatilla counties
- North Malheur County GWMA encompassing the cities of Ontario, Nyssa, and Vale
Other area of the state may be designated as Groundwater Management Areas in the future.
In a Groundwater Management Area, there are specific guidelines for communities to form working groups to develop a plan to reduce groundwater contamination. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality coordinates the program.
For more information, call the DEQ central number at 800-452-4011 and ask to be connected to your regional DEQ office.