Drinking Water Source Protection Grant Program
Drinking Water Source Protection Grant Program supports public water suppliers’ land purchases and conservation agreements to protect Oregon’s surface water and groundwater drinking sources.
Funder: Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board
Due Dates: November 25, 2026 (Required consultation) | December 3, 2026 (Optional completeness review) | December 10, 2026, 5 p.m. PT (Application)
Funding Amounts: At least $1.1 million available; transactions must close by October 2028
Summary: Supports public water suppliers’ land acquisitions and conservation agreements protecting Oregon drinking water sources.
Key Information: Applicants must serve 25,000 or fewer users and provide at least 5% non-OWEB cash or in-kind match.
Description
The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) administers this program to protect, restore, or enhance drinking water sources through land conservation. Established by House Bill 2010 in June 2023, it supports purchases from willing sellers, conservation easements, covenants, similar agreements, and repayment of loans financing these transactions. Both surface water and groundwater source protection are eligible.
The program focuses on public water suppliers serving rural communities and lower-income populations. Applicants may partner with organizations providing land transaction expertise or long-term property management capacity. The fall 2026 cycle combines Oregon Environmental Restoration Fund support with interest earned on earlier program funds.
