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Drinking Water Supply

Drinking Water Supply

The September 2020 wildfires impacted many public and private water systems, with immediate effects to infrastructure and equipment used for treatment, storage, and distribution. Potential long-term changes threaten source water quality from related fire damages to the landscape in watersheds that supply drinking water. 

Resources on this page can assist local jurisdictions and property owners in recovering potable (safe to drink; drinkable) water resources and infrastructure lost from wildfires.  For information, questions or concerns about water quality, from intake to the kitchen sink. Contact the Potable Water Resources Task Force: fire.info@state.or.us



Wildfire-Impacted Domestic Well Testing Assistance

The Oregon legislature approved an extension of the 2020 Wildfire-Impacted Wells Testing Program through June 2023, and the Oregon Health Authority has relaunched this wildfire recovery resource. Information about the program, including the well testing voucher application, can be found on the Domestic Well Safety Program website. Applications for free well test vouchers are open now through May 15, 2023, as supplies last. Vouchers expire on June 7th, 2023. Free testing is only funded to support domestic well users impacted by the 2020 wildfires.








For all water users



For private well owners

For more languages: domestic.wells@dhsoha.state.or.us, 971-673-0440 


For public water providers









Technical Assistance

  • Public Water System Circuit Rider: Free technical assistance for eligible water systems: Marlin Gochnour, PE, MBA - President  Civil West Engineering Services, Inc. mgochnour@civilwest.net or 541-266-8601 

Funding Resources

Business Oregon: Business Oregon has funding resources to help communities address potable water challenges as a result of wildfire. Funding for technical assistance and construction is currently available.

Oregon Water Resources Department: For those looking at longer term water supply solutions (i.e., non-immediate replacement), the Oregon Water Resources Department has two funding opportunities that may be of interest

  • Feasibility Study Grants - Reimburse up to 50 percent of the costs of studies to evaluate the feasibility of developing water conservation, reuse, and storage projects. This competitive funding opportunity helps individuals and communities investigate whether a project is worth pursuing.
  • Water Project Grants and Loans – This competitive funding opportunity covers up to 75 percent of implementation costs for projects that meet water supply needs and result in public economic, environmental, and social/cultural benefits. 
  • For more information about Water Resources Department funding, contact Kim Ogren



More information on wildfire recovery in Oregon

OHA - Drinking Water Services Wildfire Resource Page

DEQ – Wildfire Response Page Wildfire effects on air, land and water

DEQ – Source Water Assessment and Protection Impacts on drinking water sources

Impacts to Natural and Cultural Resources (https://wildfire.oregon.gov/pages/natural-resources.aspx) watershed assessment and restoration

OHA – Domestic Well Program - Information for Private Well Owners 

OWRD – Well Construction Program – Well construction and maintenance information for Well Owners

OWRD – Water Rights – Post-Fire Water Right Considerations



Contacts

Potable Water Resources Task Force – For information, questions or concerns about water quality, from intake to the kitchen sink. Contact: fire.info@oregon.gov

Emergency Management Contacts – Contact information for County and City Emergency Management 

OHA Drinking Water Services – Contact information for public water supplies

State Funding Opportunities: Business Oregon Infrastructure Finance Authority – Regional Contacts for Funding 

Watershed Assistance for public water supplies: DEQ Drinking Water Protection Program

VOC Sampling Assistance: Russ Kazmierczak, R.G. OHA Technical Services and Source Water Protection Specialist Russell.a.kazmierczak@dhsoha.state.or.us or Cell: 971-599-0121 

Domestic Well Testing:  Domestic.wells@dhsoha.state.or.us or 971-673-0440

Well Construction and Compliance – Maintaining Your Well After Wildfire:  Travis Kelly Well Construction Program Coordinator  Travis.N.Kelly@oregon.gov or 503-302-8618