What is the Wastewater Collection System?

Anytime water goes down a drain — whether from your sink, shower or toilet — it becomes wastewater (also called sewage). Salem collects and treats wastewater to protect public health and keep our local waterways clean.

Draft Wastewater Collection System Master Plan

Visit the Wastewater Utility page for more details!

Last Updated: 2007

Why update now?

Master planning best practices recommend updating plans every 5 to 10 years, and at least every 20 years. A new plan is essential to address aging infrastructure, growth, and new technologies. 

If you have any questions or comments to inform the City's update to the Wastewater Master Plan, you can use this form.

The Good News

• Significant capacity improvements to our wastewater conveyance system have led to a reduction in sanitary sewer overflows caused by capacity limitations.
• New technologies and green infrastructure options are now available that weren’t feasible in 1996.

Challenges

• Inflow and infiltration (I&I) during rainfall events results in up to 5X higher flows than in dry weather
• Aging Infrastructure
• Population growth is straining capacity

What You Can Do

• Keep wipes, fats, oils and grease out of the drain: Pouring them down the sink can cause blockages in your home and the city’s system.
• If you see a sewer backup, call the City’s dispatch number at 503-588-6311.