Drinking Water Source Protection Grant Program
Drinking Water Source Protection Grant Program supports Oregon public water suppliers with land acquisitions and conservation agreements to protect surface water and groundwater drinking water sources.
This grant was recently updated
At least $1.1 million is now available, up from $1 million; your application is still due December 10, 2026, at 5 p.m. PT, with a 5% non-OWEB match. Check the newly stated economic-distress eligibility and SAM registration requirements, and send consultation materials at least three business days before your required meeting. Review the expanded document checklist, budget restrictions, and closing and stewardship obligations before submitting—incomplete applications are ineligible, and you cannot amend your application afterward unless OWEB requests changes.
Funder: Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board
Due Dates: November 25, 2026 (Required consultation) | December 3, 2026 (Optional completeness review) | December 10, 2026, 5 pm PT (Application)
Funding Amounts: At least $1.1 million available; awards start April 2027, with closing required by October 2028
Summary: Supports land acquisition and conservation agreements protecting, restoring, or enhancing Oregon public water suppliers’ drinking water sources.
Key Information: Applicants must be eligible public water suppliers serving 25,000 or fewer users.
Description
The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) administers this program, established by House Bill 2010 in June 2023, to protect drinking water through land conservation. Grants support purchases from willing sellers, conservation easements, covenants, equitable servitudes, similar agreements, and repayment of loans financing these transactions. Both surface water and groundwater sources are eligible.
The program focuses on suppliers serving rural communities and lower-income populations, but is not limited to those communities. Applicants may partner with organizations such as land trusts and watershed councils for technical assistance. Eligible partners may also hold and manage property when suppliers lack that capacity. The fall 2026 cycle includes funding from the Oregon Environmental Restoration Fund, supported by Oregon’s 2022 Monsanto settlement.
