The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) works with partners to develop agricultural water quality management plans and regulations to prevent and  control water pollution from agricultural activities. These regulations (Area Rules), tailored for 38 water quality areas in Oregon, apply to agricultural lands regardless of size or use. They also apply to agricultural activities on forest land and within cities and urban growth boundaries.

Water quality goals can be reached by promoting voluntary cooperation among landowners and natural resource partners to address management concerns, and by ODA enforcing water quality regulations.

ODA is leading “Strategic Implementation” initiatives, where select areas around the state receive focused outreach and education to address priority water quality concerns. ODA and natural resource partners work together with agricultural landowners to concentrate technical and financial assistance as needed. They will enforce water quality regulations where problems persist.