What is a Utility Master Plan?

A Utility Master Plan looks 20 years ahead to identify infrastructure needs, prioritize projects and guide investments in Salem’s water, wastewater and stormwater systems.

Key features:

  • Supports the Salem Comprehensive Plan
  • Focuses on areas within Salem’s Urban Growth Boundary (UGB)
  • Evaluates current system performance and vulnerabilities
  • Uses data analysis and modeling to forecast future needs
  • Guides infrastructure and program development
  • Identifies short-, mid- and long-term projects
  • Informs the City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
  • Aligns with Salem’s Strategic Plan goals

Current Planning Efforts

We are Currently

  • Reviewing utility system conditions and performance
  • Identifying future needs to support population growth and development
  • Exploring ways to improve resiliency and reduce risk
  • Beginning public outreach efforts to ensure our plans align with community values

Systems Being Evaluated:

All recommended projects are designed to be resilient, sustainable and cost-effective, ensuring long-term value for the community.

Why Update the Plans?

Updating the Master Plans ensures our utility systems can meet today’s needs and tomorrow’s challenges. This process helps us:

Both the Wastewater Conveyance System Master Plan and the Water System Master Plan are approaching 20 years since their last major updates. The Stormwater Master Plan is updated every 5 years and was last updated in 2020.

Why It Matters to You

Utility Master Plans help support:

  • Reliable services: Clean water, safe sewer, and effective stormwater drainage
  • Fewer outages and costly emergencies
  • Public health and economic growth
  • Smart investments that protect the environment and your wallet
  • Compliance with state and federal regulations

The Road Ahead: Progress, Strengths, and Challenges 

Timeline 

The City of Salem aims to present the final Utility Master Plans to City Council by Spring and Summer of 2026. This timeline allows for thorough analysis, community engagement, and coordination across departments.

Strengths We’re Building On

  • Well-documented systems: Salem’s utility systems are thoroughly mapped and documented, providing a strong foundation for data-driven planning.
  • Proactive planning: Ongoing studies and modeling ensure the Master Plans reflect current conditions, future growth, and best practices.
  • Efficient operations: Utility teams continue to deliver reliable service through effective maintenance and responsive management.
  • Secure water resources: Salem benefits from secure water sources, including senior water rights and innovative treatment facilities.

Challenges We’re Addressing

  • Funding constraints: Limited funding may impact the pace of improvements.
  • Aging infrastructure: Many parts of the system are aging and need repair or replacement.
  • Resiliency needs: Preparing for earthquakes, climate change, and other disruptions requires upgrades to improve system redundancy and emergency response capabilities.
  • Balancing priorities: Coordinating improvements across water, wastewater, and stormwater systems while minimizing community disruption is a complex task.

Get Involved

We want your input! Public awareness and engagement are key parts of the planning process. We are committed to keeping the community informed, involved, and aware of opportunities to share feedback or ask questions. Check back here for updates, future events, and important information about the water utilities Master Plan updates.

Public Hearings 

  • Dates will be posted 20+ days in advance.
  • Attend to ask questions and share feedback.

Neighborhood Association Presentations

  • Presentations will be scheduled with local associations
  • Check with your neighborhood group for dates and details

Presentation Materials

  •  Slides and summaries will be posted here after each event

Explore More

Salem has many other master plans that guide the future of parks, transportation, historic preservation, and more. Each plan is tailored to meet the unique needs of its focus area.