Drinking Water Source Protection Grant Program
The Drinking Water Source Protection Grant Program supports Oregon public water suppliers in acquiring land or conservation agreements to protect, restore, or enhance drinking water sources.
Funder: Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board
Due Dates: November 25, 2026 (Required consultation) | December 3, 2026 (Optional completeness review) | December 10, 2026 (Application, 5 p.m. PT)
Funding Amounts: $1,000,000 available for the fall 2026 cycle; 5% non-OWEB match required
Summary: Grants help public water suppliers acquire land or conservation agreements that protect Oregon drinking water sources.
Key Information: Applicants must serve no more than 25,000 users and complete a pre-application consultation with OWEB.
Description
Established by the Oregon Legislature in 2023, the Drinking Water Source Protection Grant Program is run by the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB). It helps eligible public water suppliers protect, restore, or enhance drinking water sources through land conservation. The program focuses on suppliers serving rural communities and lower-income populations, but is not limited to them. Both surface water and groundwater sources are eligible.
Grants can support purchasing land from willing sellers, entering into covenants, easements or similar agreements with willing landowners, or repaying a loan used for either type of project. Water suppliers may work with partners on technical assistance, acquisition and long-term property management.
