Drinking Water Program
CONTACT US
Environmental Health Services
Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
3160 Center Street NE
Salem, OR 97301
Phone: 503-588-5346
Fax: 503-566-2986
The Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Services contracts with Marion County Environmental Health to oversee certain public water systems.
In Marion County, we regulate public water systems that:
- Use groundwater as their water source
- Serve 3,300 people or fewer
There are about 190 public water systems in Marion County that meet these criteria. We inspect each system every 3 to 5 years through a water system survey. A water system survey is a detailed review of the system's source, treatment, storage, and distribution to ensure safe drinking water.
What We Do
Marion County's Drinking Water Program supports both water system operators and the public. We help with:
- Water quality alerts and public notices
- Water monitoring and required testing
- Sanitary hazard analysis
A sanitary hazard analysis identifies risks that could contaminate the water supply.
If you operate a public water system and need guidance, contact Marion County Environmental Health for assistance.
Types of Public Water Systems
Public water systems are grouped by whom they serve and how often they serve them.
Community Water System
A community water system supplies drinking water to 25 or more of the same people year round in their homes.
Examples include:
- Cities and towns
- Residential subdivisions
- Mobile home parks
Non-Transient Non-Community Water System
A non-transient non-community water system supplies water to 25 or more of the same people for at least six months each year in places other than their homes.
Examples include:
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Workplaces
Transient Non-Community Water System
A transient non-community water system provides water in places where people do not stay long.
Examples include:
Oregon Very Small Water System
An Oregon Very Small, or OVS, water system serves:
- 4 to 14 service connections, and
- Commercial or public locations used by 10 to 24 people at least 60 days per year
A service connection is a water line that supplies a home or building.
Private Wells
The Drinking Water Program does not regulate private wells.
However, Oregon law ORS 448.271 requires testing of domestic well water during a real estate transaction. This law helps protect buyers and sellers by providing current water quality information.
For more information about private wells:
If you have questions about drinking water safety in Marion County, contact Environmental Health for guidance.
Revised Coliform Sampling Plan |
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 PDF |
Preparing for a Water System Survey |
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PDF |
Operations & Maintenance Manual Template |
 Word Doc | |
Level 1 Coliform Investigation Form
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PDF
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Public Water System Rules - OAR CH 333 Division 061 (Rev. 1/1/25) |
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PDF |
OVS Water System Rules - OAR 333-061-0100 (1/1/22)
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PDF |
Translated Drinking Water Warnings |
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PDF |
Lead Service Line Inventory Information
Revised Coliform Monitoring Requirements
Water System Training Courses
Arsenic Compliance Help
State Revolving Loan Fund
SDWIS Data Online
Monitoring Information
Operator Certification
Well Disinfection
Well Log Query
CCR iWriter - Web based program for generating a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR).
More information can be found on the
OHA Drinking Water Program web page.
Email Privacy: While we are happy to answer general questions via email, we suggest you do not transmit personal or health related information in your message. We cannot meet any expectation you might have of confidentiality when you communicate with us over the Internet. If you have a specific personal or health-related issue, please call the appropriate county government office instead.
Email address: health@co.marion.or.us
To report a public health emergency, or make an urgent report of communicable disease, call (503) 588-5621 at anytime.
