Salem, Ore - The Geren Island Water Treatment Facility continues to safeguard Salem’s drinking water from cyanotoxins (Microcystin and Cylindrospermopsin). Thanks to multiple investments in water treatment technologies including enhanced filtration systems, ozone treatment, and chlorination processes, Salem’s drinking water remains safe for all water customers.
A recent Harmful Algal Bloom Advisory issued by the Oregon Health Authority has provided guidance for recreational users of the North Santiam River, Big Cliff Reservoir, and Detroit Reservoir. Recreational users at these locations should be aware of this guidance and follow the given instructions. Salem Water customers do not need to take any action. Since mid-April, the City of Salem has been regularly testing for cyanotoxins in the reservoir, at the main intake from the North Santiam River for the Geren Island Treatment plant, and as drinking water leaves the facility after being treated. Salem’s standard treatment processes including slow-sand filters, ozone treatment, and chlorine have reduced cyanotoxins to non-detectable levels before entering the drinking water system.
Test Results
Testing of the North Santiam River has indicated an increased level of microcystin, a type of cyanotoxin, in the North Santiam River near the Geren Island Water Treatment Facilities' main intake. Standard treatment processes at the water treatment facility have successfully reduced microcystin levels to levels considered non-detectable in the treated drinking water supplied to City of Salem water customers. Those considered vulnerable are also protected by these state-of-the-art treatment process and do not need to take any further action. Salem’s drinking water remains safe to drink for all customers.
Ongoing Water Quality Monitoring
To ensure that the Salem community continues to enjoy safe and clean drinking water, Salem’s Public Works staff test the North Santiam River at the Geren Island Water Treatment Facility’s water intake and the treated drinking water at the Aldersgate testing site at regular intervals until the algae season is over this fall. It typically takes 24-48 hours to receive test results for microcystin and cylindrospermopsin after samples are collected. Test results are posted on the City of Salem website at www.cityofsalem.net/water as soon as those results are available.
Salem’s Commitment to Water Safety
Salem has invested over $80 million dollars in a state-of-the-art Ozone Treatment Facility since 2018, as well as significant investments in filters to continue to deliver clean and abundant water to its customers. The Frank Mauldin Ozone Treatment Facility has been in full operation since 2022 and continually protects our drinking water 24 hours a day and 7 days a week from potential contaminants.
Questions or Concerns
If you have questions, email media@cityofsalem.netUpdated information related to Salem’s water quality, including the 2024 Water Quality Report is available on the City of Salem website. For more information on the Oregon Health Authority’s Recreation Advisory, visit the OHA Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website.
