About

Groundwater Protection Program

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:

Details on the program and reporting requirements are available in the

Wellhead Protection Area Reference Manual

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

Help with Annual Reporting:

Quick Guide: What needs to be reported and other Frequently Asked Questions

Quick Guide: Submitting your Annual Report Online

Groundwater Protection Program Resources:

Training Requirements

Portland Water Bureau’s Groundwater Protection Program website

City of Gresham Well Field Protection Program

Help with Identifying Regulated Substances:

Safety Data Sheet Search

EPA List of Lists

List of Hazardous Waste Codes for reference only - based on EPA listing provided in 40 CFR Part 261 Subpart D.