Skip to main content
Oregon.gov Homepage

Drinking Water Regulations and Rules

Rules and Rulemaking

 Temporary Rules for Cyanotoxin Testing by Drinking Water Systems

Oregon Health Authority is developing temporary rules that will require drinking water systems in the state using certain surface water sources, such as those prone to harmful algae blooms, to routinely test for cyanotoxins that these blooms produce, and notify the public about the test results. These rules are now in development, and are expected to be in place by the end of June 2018 and remain in effect until permanent rules can be established later this year following a thorough, public rulemaking process. In the meantime, OHA is encouraging water systems that serve surface water that has had algae issues in the past to voluntarily test for cyanotoxins and notify the public about the results.

In the coming weeks and months, OHA will post updates on this page to inform the public about the rulemaking process, including meeting notices for the rulemaking process, draft of rules and ways to make public comment. For more information, contact Drinking Water Services.

Oregon Drinking Water Regulations

  • Drinking Water Rules
    Oregon's Drinking Water Quality Act and Administrative Rules for Public Water Systems serve to ensure safe drinking water for Oregonians.

Rule Implementation Guidance

Groundwater Rule
The Groundwater Rule (GWR) applies to all public water systems that use groundwater sources or purchase groundwater. The primary purpose of the rule is to protect public health from bacterial and viral pathogens in public groundwater systems.

Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT2)
The Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT2) rule applies to all public water systems that use surface water or groundwater under the direct influence of surface water (GWUDI). The purpose of the rule is to ensure adequate treatment of surface water sources with higher levels of Cryptosporidium and to address uncovered finished water reservoirs.

Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act
The Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act amends the Safe Drinking Water Act regarding the use and introduction into commerce of lead pipes, plumbing fittings or fixtures, solder and flux. The law is effective January 4, 2014. EPA has provided the following document to assist manufacturers, retailers, plumbers and consumers in understanding the changes to the law:

Revised Coliform Monitoring Requirements
These regulations apply to all public water systems with the intent of minimizing potential pathways for fecal contamination to enter distribution systems and to better protect the public from waterborne illness. The coliform monitoring revisions under this rule do not alter the source water monitoring required for groundwater systems. Changes to the revised rules are summarized below with links to additional resources for reference.

Stage 2 Disinfection Byproducts Rule
The Stage 2 Disinfection Byproducts Rule (DBPR) applies to all community and non-transient non-community water systems that add a primary or residual disinfectant other than ultraviolet light (UV), or deliver water that has been treated with a primary or residual disinfectant other than UV. Systems that purchase disinfected water are included in this rule. The Stage 2 DBPR builds on the existing Stage 1 rule and provides increased health protection.

Key Resources

Your browser is out-of-date! It has known security flaws and may not display all features of this and other websites. Learn how

×