Department of Environmental Quality

DEQ's Air and Water Quality Programs

DEQ’s Air and Water Quality Programs work to keep Oregon’s air and water clean and clear. DEQ employees monitor air and water quality, and permit and inspect facilities – from major manufacturers to mom-and-pop shops -- throughout the state to ensure they’re complying with environmental regulations. The programs provide valuable data showing long-term trends in Oregon’s air and water quality as well as real-time conditions through tools such as the Air Quality Index, which provides a snapshot of air quality conditions across Oregon.

 The Water Quality Program protects and improves Oregon’s air and water quality, ensuring that the state’s waterways are safe for drinking water, fish and wildlife, recreation and irrigation. The program develops and implements water quality standards, regulates sewage treatment systems and industrial dischargers, collects and evaluates water quality data, provides grants and technical assistance to improve water quality, and provides loans to communities to upgrade treatment facilities. The Air Quality Program works to ensure that Oregon’s air meets the National Ambient Air Quality Standards required by the Federal Clean Air Act. The program monitors and analyzes air quality data, regulates emissions from a variety of sources and conducts vehicle emissions testing in the Medford and Portland areas.