Water systems that treat surface water sources have to deal with complex regulatory requirements, constantly changing raw water quality, and costly management of various assets. The Surface Water Treatment site provides information and tools needed to optimize water treatment processes and maximize public health protection without costly capital improvements.
Water system capacity is the technical, managerial and financial capability of a water system to achieve and maintain compliance with drinking water standards and consistently provide safe drinking water. The Capacity Development site provides information and resources for drinking water systems to help build their capacity.
Water systems are required to issue public notices to alert consumers under specific circumstances (for example, when exceeding a Maximum Contaminant Level, failing to complete required tests, failing to report the results, or failing to meet treatment technique requirements). This page includes information on public notification requirements and templates for issuing public notices, as well as translations and FAQs for effective communication with partners and the public.
Information, techniques, and best management practices for water system management, including coliform sampling plans, start-up and shut-down tips for seasonal systems, shock chlorination instructions, preparing for water system surveys.
Information for water system operators on how to prepare for water system surveys and treatment plant inspections, as well as information on the outstanding performance designation for community water systems.
Circuit Riders provide free on-site technical services for short-term operational problems for community water systems serving populations under 10,000, as well as not-for-profit transient and non-transient non-community water systems.
Emerging contaminants are naturally occurring or manmade chemicals present in drinking water that are known or suspected to pose risks to human health and are not yet subject to federal regulatory oversight. Some emerging contaminants of concern in Oregon include toxins produced by cyanobacteria (cyanotoxins), Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), and Manganese.
Published quarterly by Oregon Drinking Water Services, the Pipeline newsletter provides information on technology, training, and regulatory and policy issues for public water systems in order to improve the quality of drinking water in Oregon.