Oregon Legislation Advances Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Executive Summary

The State of Oregon has enacted two significant legislative measures aimed at enhancing the safety and sustainability of its water resources. These new laws directly support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The legislation focuses on modernizing groundwater protection and ensuring the safety of drinking water in rental properties supplied by wells.

Legislative Details and SDG Alignment

Governor Tina Kotek signed two bills into law, marking a critical step forward in the state’s commitment to public health and environmental stewardship. The measures are designed to address water quality, improve transparency, and build resilience against climate change.

1. Senate Bill 1154: Strengthening Groundwater Protection
   • This law modernizes and strengthens Oregon’s Groundwater Quality Protection Act.
   • Alignment with SDG 6: By protecting aquifers from contamination and overuse, this bill directly contributes to Target 6.3 (improving water quality by reducing pollution) and Target 6.4 (substantially increasing water-use efficiency and ensuring sustainable withdrawals).
   • Alignment with SDG 13 (Climate Action): The modernization effort is a proactive measure to make Oregon’s groundwater resources more resilient to the impacts of climate change, as highlighted in official statements.
2. House Bill 3525: Ensuring Water Safety in Rental Housing
   • This law mandates that landlords of properties with private well water conduct regular testing for specific contaminants.
   • Required tests include those for arsenic, coliform bacteria, lead, and nitrates.
   • Alignment with SDG 3: This measure directly supports Target 3.9 (substantially reducing the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and water pollution) by protecting tenants from waterborne diseases and chemical contaminants.
   • Alignment with SDG 11: It advances Target 11.1 (ensuring access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing) by codifying the safety of a basic utility for renters.

Conclusion: A Commitment to Sustainable Health and Environment

The enactment of these bills demonstrates a robust institutional commitment, aligning with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), to create effective and transparent regulations. By prioritizing the quality of drinking water, Oregon is taking tangible action to safeguard the health of its citizens and the long-term viability of its most essential public resource, thereby advancing a comprehensive sustainable development agenda.

SDGs Addressed in the Article

The article on Oregon’s new clean water laws primarily addresses the following Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation: This is the most direct and central SDG related to the article. The entire focus is on ensuring the quality and safety of drinking water, specifically from groundwater and wells.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: The article explicitly links clean water to public health, stating the laws aim to protect “Oregonians’ health” from contaminants.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: The article discusses the creation and strengthening of laws (Senate Bill 1154 and House Bill 3525) and state acts, which relates to building effective and transparent institutions for resource management.

Specific SDG Targets Identified

Based on the content of the article, the following specific targets can be identified:

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

   • Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
     
     The article highlights the law requiring landlords to test well water, which directly aims to ensure that tenants have access to safe drinking water. The governor’s statement that “the most important [purpose of groundwater] is providing drinking water for Oregonians across the state” reinforces this goal.
   • Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution… and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials…
     
     The law mandates testing for specific hazardous substances like “arsenic, coliform bacteria, lead, and nitrates.” Furthermore, the strengthening of the “Groundwater Quality Protection Act” is a direct measure to improve water quality by managing pollution sources.

2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and from air, water and soil pollution and contamination.
     
     The article states that the new laws are intended to “protect Oregonians’ health.” By requiring testing for known harmful contaminants such as arsenic and lead, the legislation directly addresses the prevention of illnesses caused by water contamination.

3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
     
     The signing of “Senate Bill 1154” to strengthen the Groundwater Quality Protection Act and “House Bill 3525” to regulate landlord responsibilities demonstrates the development of more effective state-level institutions. The requirement for testing and, by implication, reporting results, also addresses the goal of transparency.

Implied Indicators for Measuring Progress

The article implies several indicators that could be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

1. For SDG Target 6.1 (Safe Drinking Water):

   • Implied Indicator: The proportion of rental units with well water that have been tested and meet safety standards. The article establishes the legal basis for this by mentioning the law that “requires landlords who own units with well water to take and test samples of that water.” The results of these tests would serve as a direct indicator.

2. For SDG Target 6.3 (Water Quality):

   • Implied Indicator: Concentration levels of specific pollutants in groundwater and well water. The article explicitly names the contaminants to be tested for: “arsenic, coliform bacteria, lead, and nitrates.” Measuring the presence and levels of these substances in water samples would be a key indicator of water quality.

3. For SDG Target 3.9 (Health):

   • Implied Indicator: Reduction in reported cases of waterborne illnesses or poisoning from specific contaminants (e.g., lead, arsenic) in the affected population. While not mentioned, this is the ultimate health outcome the laws aim to achieve by “protecting Oregonians’ health.”

4. For SDG Target 16.6 (Strong Institutions):

   • Implied Indicator: The existence and enforcement of legislation related to water quality protection. The article directly provides this indicator by naming the two new laws: “Senate Bill 1154” and “House Bill 3525.” The implementation and compliance rates with these bills would measure the effectiveness of the institution.

Summary of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: kpic.com