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 and Cascade Well Fields – drinking water sources 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.

Businesses that are located within Columbia South Shore and Cascade well fields and use hazardous chemicals in greater amounts than these thresholds are subject to annual reporting requirements:

• 10 or more gallons of halogenated solvents
• 30 or more gallons of hazardous waste
• 50 gallons or more of hazardous substances (including petroleum products)

Wellhead Protection Area Reference Manual

Annual reports are submitted online via this website, and are due annually by January 31.