Salem, Oregon
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Community » Household » Water & Utilities » Salem's Drinking Water
Drinking Water Documents and Reports
Annual Water Quality Report
The City of Salem is committed to providing safe and high-quality drinking water to its residents. In compliance with the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, the City publishes an Annual Water Quality Report that details the quality of the community's drinking water.
Key Features of the Report:
- Contaminant Information: The report identifies potential water contaminants and outlines the measures taken to ensure water safety.
- Sources of Drinking Water: Salem’s drinking water is sourced from the North Santiam Watershed, with continuous monitoring to maintain its exceptional quality.
- Community Involvement: Residents are encouraged to participate in water conservation efforts and stay informed about water quality through the report.
- Monitoring Practices: The City employs rigorous monitoring practices to safeguard against contaminants:
- Daily Testing: Continuous monitoring at the treatment facility and routine daily testing at various distribution sites ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
- Monthly Sampling: The City collects at least 120 bacteriological samples each month to monitor water safety.
- Strategic Sample Sites: Weekly testing is conducted at 48 routine sample sites for bacteria, temperature, pH levels, turbidity, and chlorine residuals.
Protecting Water Sources
The City actively monitors the North Santiam Watershed to ensure a clean and safe water supply. This includes testing for cyanotoxins, such as Total Microcystin and Cylindrospermopsin, particularly during algae season (April to October).
To promote transparency and safety, water-quality data is publicly posted for key locations within the watershed. The Annual Water Quality Report is available in both English and Spanish to ensure accessibility for all residents.
Previous Annual Water Quality Reports
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Source Water Assessment (2003)
The 2003 Source Water Assessment provides a detailed evaluation of potential risks to Salem's drinking water supply, which is sourced from the North Santiam River. This assessment was conducted to identify potential contaminant sources and establish a foundation for developing a Drinking Water Protection Plan.
Key Features of the 2003 Assessment:
- Contaminant Source Identification: The assessment identified 48 potential contaminant sources within the drinking water protection area, categorized by risk levels (high, moderate, and low). These sources include wood processing mills, transportation corridors, and agricultural activities.
- Risk Assessment: The report highlights the importance of understanding both natural conditions and human activities that could impact water quality. It emphasizes the need for ongoing monitoring and management to safeguard the water supply.
- Recommendations for Protection: Developing a local Drinking Water Protection Plan is recommended to address identified risks and enhance community involvement in protecting water quality.
- Community Engagement: The assessment encourages collaboration between Salem Public Works and local stakeholders to refine risk understanding and implement effective protection strategies.
This foundational document remains a critical tool for ensuring the safety and sustainability of Salem's drinking water resources.
Source Water Assessment (2018)
The 2018 Updated Source Water Assessment builds upon the findings of the 2003 assessment, incorporating advanced analytical methods and updated data to provide a more comprehensive understanding of potential risks to Salem's drinking water supply.
Key Features of the 2018 Assessment:
- Enhanced Data and Analysis: This updated assessment includes more detailed information on natural characteristics and potential pollutant sources, reflecting advancements in analytical methods since the original assessment.
- Focus on Local Protection Strategies: The report emphasizes the importance of developing tailored local protection strategies to address specific risks within the watershed. It encourages proactive land stewardship and the implementation of best management practices.
- Contingency Planning: The assessment highlights the need for contingency planning to address potential threats to the drinking water supply, including mechanical failures and natural disasters.
- Collaboration and Community Involvement: The updated assessment underscores the importance of collaboration among public water suppliers, local governments, and community members to refine risk understanding and develop effective protection measures.
This updated assessment serves as a vital resource for the City of Salem in its ongoing efforts to protect and manage its drinking water sources effectively.
Water Management and Conservation Plan (WMCP)
The City of Salem's Water Management and Conservation Plan (WMCP) outlines strategies to ensure a reliable water supply while advancing conservation efforts. This comprehensive plan meets the requirements established by the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) and addresses the needs of Salem's growing community.
Key Highlights of the WMCP:
- Water Supply Sources: Salem relies primarily on the North Santiam River for its water supply. The plan also incorporates the use of groundwater and an aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) system to support emergency needs and peak demand periods.
- Conservation Measures: The WMCP identifies specific conservation initiatives, including annual water audits, system-wide metering, and public education programs. These measures are designed to enhance water efficiency over the next five years.
- Curtailment Plans: To address potential water shortages, the plan includes a structured curtailment strategy. This strategy outlines both voluntary and mandatory water use restrictions during critical supply shortages.
- Regulatory Compliance: The WMCP fulfills regulatory requirements under Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) and serves as a guiding document for Salem's water management and conservation efforts.
- Community Engagement: The City engaged local governments and stakeholders to ensure the WMCP aligns with regional land use plans and reflects community priorities.
This plan is vital for safeguarding Salem’s water resources, meeting the needs of residents, and protecting the environment. For more information, residents and stakeholders are encouraged to review the full WMCP, available on the City of Salem website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Expand/Collapse Questions and Answers
Are there In-home Devices that Consumers can use to Protect Themselves from Cyanotoxins in Drinking Water?
Some organizations are working on certification standards for in-home water filters to see how well they can remove cyanotoxins from drinking water. NSF International has certified some filters that can reduce microcystin levels to below the national Health Advisory limits. You can find more information about these filters and the contaminants they can remove at: http://www.nsf.org/Certified/DWTU/.
- Yes, the plumbing in your home can significantly affect your water quality. Old or damaged pipes can corrode and release harmful metals into your water, while bacteria can grow in pipes, especially if water sits still for too long, leading to bad tastes or odors. Additionally, hot water can pick up more contaminants than cold water, particularly from aging pipes. Over time, dirt and debris can also build up in pipes, affecting water flow and quality. To ensure your water remains fresh, it's important to regularly check your plumbing and replace old pipes as needed.
- The easiest way is to examine any exposed pipes underneath sinks, or in your basemen or crawl space. Copper pipes are a reddish-brown color and smooth to the touch. Plastic PVC pipes are white or grey and usually have a smooth surface. PEX, flexible plastic tubing, is typically red or blue for hot and cold water lines and more flexible than PVC. Galvanized pipes are dull gray in color with a tough and possibly rough exterior. Lead pipes are a dull soft gray and can be scratched with a knife. Lead pipes are rare but were used in older homes during the late 1800s through the 1940s.
- The City of Salem samples and tests the water quality at Detroit Reservoir, several spots along the North Santiam River, Geren Island Treatment Facility and at 49 sampling sites with the city to ensure the utmost safety and quality for our community's water supply. For more information regarding the testing process and results please see the latest copy of the Water Quality Report here. You may also request a physical copy of the report be mailed to you by calling the Water Quality Hotline at 503-588-6323 or sending an email to water@cityofsalem.net.
- The City of Salem uses chlorine to treat Salem’s water which can be harmful to fish. Be sure to check with your local pet store for tips on how to keep your fish healthy.
Just like humans, some pets may be sensitive to the additives used in the treatment process. If you notice any adverse reactions reach out to your veterinarian for additional assistance. - The typical range for the pH in Salem’s water distribution system is between 7.6 and 7.8
- The City of Salem has been adding fluoride to its water since 1964 when voters first approved it. Surface water consists of snowmelt and rain run off; this water lacks minerals which are normally present in ground water. The CDC encourages water systems to adjust the amount of fluoride in drinking water to the recommended level to help prevent cavities leading to the reduction in oral health disparities amongst the community while saving money for individuals and the health care system.