The McKenzie River is the sole source of drinking water for 200,000 people in the Eugene area. EWEB's Drinking Water Source Protection (DWSP) team works to safeguard this vital resource by:

• monitoring water quality and identifying emerging threats throughout the watershed;
• implementing proactive strategies that protect water quality and help reduce water treatment costs; and
• building public awareness and supporting stewardship through targeted programs, partnership, and community action.

Protecting the McKenzie takes collaporation. EWEB leads a network of partners—including resource management agencies, local landowners, watershed organizaitons, and environmental nonprofits—to restore and protect the watershed. We bring outside funding to the region, support academic and institutional research, and connect community members with opportunities to help care for the river.

Through this collaborative, science-based approach, EWEB has built a nationally recognized source protection program focused on keeping the McKenzie River clean, healthy and resilient for generations to come.