Groundwater Protection in Oregon

​​​DEQ's Water Pollution Control Permits and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits control discharges of wastewater to the ground and to surface waters. Where applicable, these permits include groundwater protection specific language and requirements. 

Visit DEQ's Water Quality Permitting page to find out more.

Oregon’s Underground Injection Control Program protects groundwater by regulating the emplacement of fluids (most commonly stormwater, but also water for aquifer storage and recovery, low temperature geothermal return, treated drinking water and other fluids).

Water quality permits are also implemented through other state agencies for different activities. 

• The Oregon Department of Agriculture has the lead responsibility for water quality protection in agricultural areas and is responsible for permitting of Confined Animal Feeding Operations. ODA coordinates with DEQ and other agencies to address groundwater quality issues related to their permits.

• The Oregon Department of Water Resources issues limited duration testing  and permanent operational authorizations for Aquifer Storage and Recovery and Artificial Groundwater Recharge projects. OWRD coordinates with DEQ and other agencies to address source and groundwater quality issues related to these projects. 

• The Department of Geology and Mineral Industries is the permitting agency for mining development and reclamation, geothermal wells and oil and gas wells. DOGAMI coordinates with DEQ and other agencies to address groundwater quality issues related to their permits.

​​​​Drinking Water Source Protection Program

Oregon's Drinking Water Source Protection Program assists public water systems and the communities they serve with protecting their sources of drinking water (streams, lakes and aquifers) from contamination. Drinking water protection is implemented in Oregon through a partnership of DEQ and the Oregon Health Authority.

Learn more about DEQ's Drinking Water Source Protection Program.

Private domestic wells 

Unlike water from public water systems, which is routinely tested and required to meet drinking water standards, private wells are not regulated. Under both federal and state law, private well users are responsible for monitoring their well water and ensuring it is safe to drink. The Oregon Health Authority's Domestic Well Safety Program is a resource for well owners. Oregon State University also maintains a website with valuable information about protecting your domestic well water quality.

The Water Resources Department has rules and provides licenses to well drillers to ensure proper well construction and well registration. All Oregon wells should have a well tag. More information about well identification and ordering well tags can be found using OWRD's Well Identification Program 

Unused wells should be capped or properly decommissioned to prevent becoming a conduit for groundwater contamination from surface activities. Find out more on Oregon State University's Well Water Program web page on old unused wells​.