State of Oregon: Water Quality Programs

Ballast Water ManagementThe goal of the DEQ's Ballast Water Management Program is to prevent the introduction of aquatic invasive species to state waters from commercial ocean-going ships.
BiosolidsThe Department of Environmental Quality implements a statewide program that encourages the beneficial use of biosolids in a manner to protect public health and maintain or improve environmental quality.
Clean Water State Revolving FundThe Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan program provides low-cost loans for the planning, design and construction of various water pollution control activities. Any public agency in Oregon is eligible for a CWSRF loan. Eligible public agencies include tribal nations, cities, counties, sanitary districts, soil and water conservation districts, irrigation districts and various special districts and certain intergovernmental entities.
Drinking Water ProtectionOregon implements drinking water protection through a partnership of DEQ and the Oregon Health Authority. The program provides information about drinking water, helps Oregonians get involved in protecting drinking water quality.
Groundwater Protection Groundwater is vital to the public health, economy, and environment of Oregon. DEQ has the primary authority for groundwater quality protection.
Industrial PretreatmentThe National Pretreatment Program is a cooperative effort of federal, state, and local regulatory environmental agencies established to protect water quality.
Nonpoint Source PollutionThe goal of DEQ's Nonpoint Source Program is to prevent and eliminate water pollution from nonpoint sources in all waterbodies in the state. A nonpoint source of pollution is any pollution entering a waterbody that does not come directly from a pipe.
Onsite Wastewater Management Program (Septic Systems)Over 30 percent of Oregonians rely on septic systems to treat wastewater from their homes and businesses. DEQ regulates the siting, design, installation and ongoing operation and maintenance of septic systems. Without this oversight, septic systems can fail or malfunction, pollute Oregon’s land and waterways with raw sewage and create public health hazards.
Oregon Basin Map
Pesticide Stewardship Partnerships Oregon Pesticide Stewardship Partnerships identify potential concerns and improve water quality affected by pesticide use around Oregon.
Section 401 Hydropower CertificationDEQ issues 401 certifications for hydroelectric projects and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission administers the federal licensing process. The water quality certification typically includes operating conditions designed to ensure project operations will not violate water quality standards.
Section 401 Removal and Fill Certification The 401 Water Quality Certification program reviews and evaluates the water quality impacts of projects which require a federal permit or license to conduct any activity that may result in a discharge (including dredge and fill material) in waters of the United States under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act.
Total Maximum Daily LoadsThis site contains links to Total Maximum Daily Load and Water Quality Management Plan documents prepared for waterbodies in Oregon designated as water quality limited on the 303(d) list.
Underground Injection ControlDEQ's Underground Injection Control Program is responsible for regulating the construction, operation, permitting, and closure of injection wells that place fluids underground for storage or disposal.
Wastewater Operator CertificationOregon law requires owners of wastewater systems and drinking water systems (public and private) to have their systems under responsible control and direction of certified operators. Oregon DEQ administers the program for domestic wastewater system operators.
Water Quality AssessmentEvery two years, DEQ is required to assess water quality and report to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on the condition of Oregon's waters. DEQ prepares an Integrated Report that meets the requirements of the federal Clean Water Act for Sections 305(b) and 303(d).
Water Quality Credit TradingWater quality trading is an innovative program that allows facilities that discharge wastewater to a stream or river to meet regulatory obligations by purchasing equivalent or larger pollution reductions from another source, or by taking action to protect or restore riparian areas, wetlands, floodplains, and aquatic habitat to reduce the impact of pollutants.
Water Quality Home
Water Quality MonitoringDEQ is responsible for keeping Oregon’s surface waters safe and healthy for a variety of uses such as drinking water, recreation, fish habitat and irrigation. To monitor status trends in water quality, DEQ regularly collects water samples at over 130 sites on more than 50 rivers and streams across the state.
Water Quality Permit Program Permit applications and other forms for wastewater, stormwater, underground injection control, section 401 and metal mining activities.
Water Quality StandardsDEQ uses water quality standards to assess whether the quality of Oregon's rivers and lakes is adequate for fish and other aquatic life, recreation, drinking, agriculture, industry and other uses. DEQ also uses the standards as regulatory tools to prevent pollution of the state's waters.
Water Quality Toxics MonitoringIn 2008, the DEQ Laboratory launched a statewide water quality toxics monitoring program. Lab staff sampled water, fish and sediment on a rotating basin basis. Land use, population pressures, past contamination and discharges were all factors in choosing monitoring sites.
Water ReuseOregon DEQ implements a statewide program that encourages water reuse (use of recycled water) in a manner to protect public health and the environment.