The Federal Safe Drinking Water Act requires the City of Salem to provide an annual report about the quality of the community’s drinking water.

Reports are available in:

• English
• Spanish

What the Report Includes

The annual water quality report provides information about:

1. Possible water contaminants
2. Salem’s sources of drinking water
3. Ways to get involved
4. Water conservation efforts

Monitoring Salem’s Water

Monitoring is the first line of defense in keeping contaminants out of the City’s water supply. By regularly tracking water conditions, the City ensures high-quality drinking water and can quickly respond to any changes that might affect the water supply.

• Daily Testing
  • The City’s treatment facility constantly monitors water quality. Routine testing is also conducted daily at various sites across the distribution system to ensure the water meets all federal and state regulations.
• Monthly Samples
  • The Federal Safe Drinking Water Act requires the City to collect at least 120 bacteriological samples each month.
• Strategic Sample Sites
  • The City has 48 routine sample sites throughout the distribution system. These locations were selected with help from the Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Program. Each site is tested approximately once a week for:
    
    • Bacteria
    • Temperature
    • pH levels
    • Turbidity (cloudiness)
    • Chlorine residuals

Protecting Salem’s Water Sources

Salem’s drinking water comes from the North Santiam Watershed. The City’s watershed program monitors conditions, collects data, and samples water in this area to ensure a clean and safe water supply for residents.

Monitoring for Cyanotoxins

To meet Oregon Health Authority rules, the City of Salem monitors for cyanotoxins, including Total Microcystin and Cylindrospermopsin. These toxins can form during algae season, which typically runs from April to October.

Water-quality data is posted for two key locations in the North Santiam Watershed to ensure transparency and safety.

Additional Resources

• Source Water Assessment - Original (2003)
• Source Water Assessment - Updated (2018)
• Water Management and Conservation Plan (2014)
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Ground and Drinking Water Information
• Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Information

Previous Annual Water Quality Reports