Protect Your Groundwater
For additional information
regarding the details of the
protection program or to find
out about upcoming training,
workshops, or events,
contact:
PORTLAND WATER BUREAU
[email protected]
www.portlandoregon.gov/water
503.823.7473
Columbia Corridor Association
[email protected]
www.columbiacorridor.org
503.287.8686
Columbia slough watershed council
[email protected]
www.columbiaslough.org
503.281.1132
Why is GROUNDWATER Important?
Groundwater is a hidden resource that supplies drinking water to almost 50% of Americans. Groundwater is found in aquifers – underground layers of porous rock, such as sand, gravel, or fractured bedrock. Fairview and some other Portlandarea communities rely solely on groundwater for their drinking water. Groundwater is also a vital secondary source of water
for Portland and others who rely primarily on unfiltered surface water from the Bull Run watershed. Our local groundwater
source is found along the Columbia River in aquifers 100 to 600 feet deep.
As rainfall decreases through the summer and fall, stream and reservoir levels
decrease as well. When Bull Run storage can’t meet demand, groundwater from the Columbia South Shore Well Field is
used to augment supply. When storms increase sediment in the reservoirs or
there is an emergency that makes Bull Run unavailable, groundwater fills in as our main supply.
Groundwater makes up 30% of the earth's freshwater. Lakes, rivers and
streams combined make up only 1%.
Columbia South Shore Well Field
To access our groundwater, wells are drilled into aquifers (water-bearing rock layers).
Wells located in Fairview, Gresham and Portland, access these regional aquifers:
The Troutdale The Troutdale Gravel Aquifer (TGA)
Sandstone Aquifer (TSA)
The Sand and Gravel Aquifer (SGA)
The Blue Lake
Aquifer (BLA)
BLA
TGA
TSA
SGA
Water
stored in porous
sediments
What is the GROUNDWATER PROTECTION PROGRAM?
Just like our rivers, our groundwater must be protected. The Cities of Fairview, Gresham and Portland have implemented a
groundwater protection program to protect our drinking water.
The program’s goal is to protect our underground water source by preventing chemical spills that could seep into the
ground and pollute the water. Businesses within the wellhead protection area boundary, shown below, 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 area.
One gallon of TCE (trichloroethylene a solvent typically used to clean metal
parts) can contaminate 292 million
gallons of water.
Columbia South Shore Well Head Protection Area
The cities of Fairview, Gresham and Portland
are committed to preventing groundwater
contamination. Public education is critical
to our success. By spending 26¢ to print this
brochure today, we hope to save millions in
the future.
What Can
YOU Do?
We all play a role in preserving our vital
drinking water resource. Whether you’re
a resident, business owner, employee
or farmer, you can make a difference.
Even small amounts of chemicals spilled,
leaked or dumped on the ground can
seep into our aquifers and cause groundwater contamination.
• Carefully follow instructions for the use, storage and disposal of household chemicals. Solvents contained in products
like paint thinner, metal degreaser, furniture stripper, spot remover
and charcoal lighter fluid pose the greatest risk to groundwater.
• Check your vehicles for leaks. Leaks often go unnoticed and can contribute to groundwater contamination.
• Avoid overtreating your garden or lawn with chemicals. Excess fertilizer and pesticides can leach into the soil and into
groundwater. Consider less toxic or natural alternatives.
• Water wisely. Avoid overwatering, especially after applying fertilizers and pesticides. Conserving water helps preserve our limited water resources. Learn more at www.conserveh2o.org
• Recycle or dispose of batteries properly to keep
heavy metals out of the environment.
• Get informed. Call Metro’s Recycling Information
Hotline for information on: - proper disposal of household hazardous waste
- natural gardening techniques
- alternatives to toxic household products
503.234.3000 or visit www.metro-region.org/
recycling
• Check underground storage tanks for leaks. Many older homes have underground heating oil
tanks. Information on checking for leaks and decommissioning can be found at: http://www.deq.state.
or.us/lq/tanks/hot/homeowners.htm
• Landscape with native plants. Natives are adapted to our local soils and climate and require less fertilizer, pesticides and water. To learn more, visit Naturescaping for Clean Rivers at www.emswcd.org
• Report chemical spills and illegal dumping. Call Oregon Emergency Response System at
1.800.452.0311 and Bureau of Environmental Services at 503.823.7180.
• Never pour household chemicals or used motor oil down
storm drains. These can flow directly into dry wells or local streams.
• Clean up pet waste.