Customer Service: 503-823-7770
GENERAL INFORMATION: 503-823-7404
Groundwater Protection Program
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Cycle the Well Field Learn about groundwater protection as part of the annual bicycle ride around the well field.
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Groundwater Protection Area Is your business or home in the protection area?
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Technical assistance and training are available. Learn what groundwater protection laws mean for you.
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Annual Aquifer Adventure attracts family-friendly pirates to the wellfield. Families learn about protecting groundwater while paddling and exploring.
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Resources are available for businesses to learn about protecting groundwater. Click to view training and reporting information.
Just like our rivers, our groundwater must be protected. The Cities of Portland, Gresham and Fairview have implemented a groundwater protection program to protect the Columbia South Shore Well Field – a drinking water source for over 800,000 Oregonians.
The goal of the groundwater protection program is to prevent chemical spills that could seep into the ground and pollute our drinking water. Businesses within the wellhead protection area boundary are subject to regulation if they use certain types and quantities of chemicals. Regulations focus on spill containment, prevention and best management practices. Pollution prevention is a cost-effective way to protect our groundwater resource and requires the cooperation of everyone living and working in the protection area.
City Policy
Resolution No. 36156, effective July 2, 2003.
Columbia South Shore Well Field - Wellhead Protection Area Map
Uploaded August 28, 2013
FAQs about Groundwater Protection
Who and what is regulated, chemical thresholds, protection area boundary, and more.
How You Can Help Protect Groundwater
In the community -- at your home, garage, yard, wells and septic fields.
Reporting & Employee Training Information
Resources for Businesses
State certification
The city's request for certification from ODEQ. Includes Section 4, "Management of Potential Contaminant Sources"
Technical Assistance
Assistance for businesses, residents and agriculture.
The Columbia South Shore Wellfield Wellhead Protection Program Reference Manual
These are the groundwater protection requirements currently in force in the Columbia South Shore Well Field. Includes links to reporting requirements and forms.
Wellhead Protection Program - Training Requirements
Updated: March 2017