Salem's Drinking Water

Our Commitment to You

Water is an invaluable natural resource, and the City of Salem is privileged to have access to a high-quality, reliable, and abundant supply.

Since 1937, Salem's water treatment facility located on Geren Island in the North Santiam River has been providing residents with top-tier drinking water.

It's easy to overlook this vital resource until we recognize the challenges faced by other regions in the United States and around the globe regarding their water supplies. We often forget the complex treatment processes, extensive network of water mains, pump stations, reservoirs, and the dedicated personnel required to deliver water to the average household for less than a penny per gallon.

Our current treatment processes include filtration, pre-treatment (when necessary), ozone treatment, chlorine disinfection, fluoridation, and pH adjustment to minimize lead leaching from household plumbing.

Salem conducts tests for various contaminants, including bacteria, pH levels, chlorine residuals, cyanotoxins, and other unregulated substances

The City of Salem’s drinking water consistently exceeds all public health standards established by the Oregon Health Authority and the EPA.