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.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of thousands of different chemicals that have been manufactured and used in a variety of commercial products since the 1940s – from everyday household items to food packaging – due to their heat, moisture, stain resistance, and non-stick qualities. These chemicals do not break down in the environment or human body and can accumulate over time. There is evidence that exposure to certain PFAS can lead to adverse human health effects.
Groundwater is water that exists underground in
saturated zones beneath the land surface. This page provides information
about groundwater, including groundwater chemistry and hydrogeology, aquifer
sensitivity (susceptibility) analysis, and wells.
Groundwater under the direct influence of surface water (GWUDI) refers to a groundwater source that is located close enough to nearby surface water (e.g., a river or lake) to receive direct surface water recharge. Because a portion of the groundwater source's recharge is from surface water, the groundwater source is considered at risk of contamination from pathogens and viruses that are not normally found in true groundwaters.
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.