OAR 340-040-0140: Wellhead Protection: Statement of Purpose

(1) Meet Federal Requirements — The intent of these rules is to fulfill the Federal requirements under the Safe Drinking Water Act for the establishment of a state Wellhead Protection Program. (2) Protect Public Water Systems — The purpose of a Wellhead Protection Plan is to protect the groundwater relied upon by a public water system from contamination. This is accomplished by reducing the risk of contamination to the groundwater from potential contaminant sources. (3) Establish Voluntary Wellhead Protection Program — Local jurisdictions and/or public water systems may voluntarily develop a Wellhead Protection Plan, but are not required, by these rules, to do so. (4) Procedures for State Approval — These rules establish a process to enable the Department to certify a local Wellhead Protection Plan, if it is submitted for certification, and to establish the process for a Responsible Management Authority, if they choose, to seek certification from the Department for a locally developed Wellhead Protection Plan.