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News Release

Salem To Test Second Connection To City Of Keizer Water Supply As Drawdown Preparations Continue - 01/22/26

Salem, Ore.— As part of ongoing preparations for a planned deep drawdown of Detroit Reservoir later this year, City staff will test a newly constructed pump station between the City of Keizer and the City of Salem’s water supplies Jan. 26.

 

During the test, both the new connection and the existing connection will be opened and evaluated for several days.

 

Testing these connections will allow City staff to make observations under conditions similar to those we expect to see at the time of the deep drawdown. Your drinking water will remain safe during our connection to Keizer’s reliable groundwater system, though customers (primarily in the West and Northeast Salem areas) may notice a slight difference.

 

This new connection is one of several resiliency measures authorized by the City Council in July to prepare the Salem water system for a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers planned deep drawdown of Detroit Reservoir that will occur in late fall or early winter 2026.

 

The drawdown of Detroit Reservoir is detailed in a Biological Opinion issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service in December 2024 as required by the Endangered Species Act. The opinion directs the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to lower the elevation in Detroit Reservoir to a level not seen since the dam was built over 70 years ago.
 
The purpose of this deep drawdown is to improve downstream passage of ESA-protected fish. However, the drawdown will also result in high levels of suspended sediments — fine particles of clay, silt and other matter — in the North Santiam River downstream of the dam. High levels of suspended sediment over an extended period of time present a significant risk to the operation of the City’s water treatment plant, which draws water from the North Santiam River at its location on Geren Island.
 
High levels of suspended sediment in the intake water will require the City to stop using river water at its water treatment plant, possibly for several weeks. During this period, the City will use other water sources to meet the anticipated demand. These alternative sources include existing and new groundwater wells on Geren Island, the Aquifer Storage and Recovery facility in South Salem, and an emergency supply of drinking water through a connection with the City of Keizer. These sources should meet the expected water demand during the drawdown and recovery period in 2026 and the years following.
 
New measures will not only increase our alternate water sources for the drawdown, but also will make our drinking water system more resilient in the face of other disruptions, such as the recent flooding.
 
In December 2025, City staff  opened the first connection to the City of Keizer’s water supply for seven days following a major storm, taking in about 25 million gallons of water to meet demand from Salem’s water customers. All drinking water remained safe during this time. The storm limited drinking water production capabilities at the City’s Geren Island Water Treatment Facility. As planned and previously tested, Salem was able to draw water from Keizer, groundwater wells at Geren Island and our Aquifer Storage and Recovery facility. 

 

Customers should contact Salem Public Works Dispatch at 503-588-6311 if they have any questions or concerns about their drinking water.  

Salem To Test Second Connection To City Of Keizer Water Supply As Drawdown Preparations Continue - 01/22/26

Salem, Ore.— As part of ongoing preparations for a planned deep drawdown of Detroit Reservoir later this year, City staff will test a newly constructed pump station between the City of Keizer and the City of Salem’s water supplies Jan. 26.

 

During the test, both the new connection and the existing connection will be opened and evaluated for several days.

 

Testing these connections will allow City staff to make observations under conditions similar to those we expect to see at the time of the deep drawdown. Your drinking water will remain safe during our connection to Keizer’s reliable groundwater system, though customers (primarily in the West and Northeast Salem areas) may notice a slight difference.

 

This new connection is one of several resiliency measures authorized by the City Council in July to prepare the Salem water system for a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers planned deep drawdown of Detroit Reservoir that will occur in late fall or early winter 2026.

 

The drawdown of Detroit Reservoir is detailed in a Biological Opinion issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service in December 2024 as required by the Endangered Species Act. The opinion directs the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to lower the elevation in Detroit Reservoir to a level not seen since the dam was built over 70 years ago.
 
The purpose of this deep drawdown is to improve downstream passage of ESA-protected fish. However, the drawdown will also result in high levels of suspended sediments — fine particles of clay, silt and other matter — in the North Santiam River downstream of the dam. High levels of suspended sediment over an extended period of time present a significant risk to the operation of the City’s water treatment plant, which draws water from the North Santiam River at its location on Geren Island.
 
High levels of suspended sediment in the intake water will require the City to stop using river water at its water treatment plant, possibly for several weeks. During this period, the City will use other water sources to meet the anticipated demand. These alternative sources include existing and new groundwater wells on Geren Island, the Aquifer Storage and Recovery facility in South Salem, and an emergency supply of drinking water through a connection with the City of Keizer. These sources should meet the expected water demand during the drawdown and recovery period in 2026 and the years following.
 
New measures will not only increase our alternate water sources for the drawdown, but also will make our drinking water system more resilient in the face of other disruptions, such as the recent flooding.
 
In December 2025, City staff  opened the first connection to the City of Keizer’s water supply for seven days following a major storm, taking in about 25 million gallons of water to meet demand from Salem’s water customers. All drinking water remained safe during this time. The storm limited drinking water production capabilities at the City’s Geren Island Water Treatment Facility. As planned and previously tested, Salem was able to draw water from Keizer, groundwater wells at Geren Island and our Aquifer Storage and Recovery facility. 

 

Customers should contact Salem Public Works Dispatch at 503-588-6311 if they have any questions or concerns about their drinking water.  

Geren Island Fuel Spill Poses No Threat To Salem’s Drinking Water - 01/20/26

Salem, Ore. — A limited-area fuel spill on the island that also houses Salem’s water treatment facility poses no threat to the City’s drinking water.

 

In the early morning of Jan. 20, Public Works staff discovered a diesel fuel spill had occurred over the weekend when a part inside an electrical generator failed, resulting in about 600 gallons of fuel leaking onto the ground. The spill occurred on the west end of the island near administrative and laboratory buildings, about a half mile from the nearest water treatment area and more than 600 feet from the south channel of the North Santiam River.

 

The spill had no impact on the quality or safety of Salem’s drinking water supply. Your water remains safe to drink.

 

Salem’s Environmental Services unit responded and performed the initial surface clean up. Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality has been notified and is monitoring the situation. A contractor has been brought in to remove contaminated soil. Work will continue over the next several days to remove all contaminated soil and ensure no fuel reaches the North Santiam River.

 

Salem's water treatment facility on Geren Island in the North Santiam River has served Salem residents top-quality drinking water since 1937. Customers should contact Salem Public Works Dispatch at 503-588-6311 if they have any questions or concerns about their drinking water. 

Geren Island Fuel Spill Poses No Threat To Salem’s Drinking Water - 01/20/26

Salem, Ore. — A limited-area fuel spill on the island that also houses Salem’s water treatment facility poses no threat to the City’s drinking water.

 

In the early morning of Jan. 20, Public Works staff discovered a diesel fuel spill had occurred over the weekend when a part inside an electrical generator failed, resulting in about 600 gallons of fuel leaking onto the ground. The spill occurred on the west end of the island near administrative and laboratory buildings, about a half mile from the nearest water treatment area and more than 600 feet from the south channel of the North Santiam River.

 

The spill had no impact on the quality or safety of Salem’s drinking water supply. Your water remains safe to drink.

 

Salem’s Environmental Services unit responded and performed the initial surface clean up. Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality has been notified and is monitoring the situation. A contractor has been brought in to remove contaminated soil. Work will continue over the next several days to remove all contaminated soil and ensure no fuel reaches the North Santiam River.

 

Salem's water treatment facility on Geren Island in the North Santiam River has served Salem residents top-quality drinking water since 1937. Customers should contact Salem Public Works Dispatch at 503-588-6311 if they have any questions or concerns about their drinking water. 

City Of Salem And Marion County Launch Rapid Engagement, Assessment And Community Health Pilot (Photo) - 01/16/26

Salem, Ore. — The Salem Fire Department and Marion County Health and Human Services will host a press conference to announce the launch of the REACH (Rapid Engagement, Assessment & Community Health) Team.
 

Date: January 20, 2026
Time: 9 – 9:30 a.m.
Location: Salem Fire Department, Fire Station 1, 370 Trade Street SE

Scheduled speakers:

  • Opening Remarks, Salem Fire Chief David Gerboth
  • Salem City Mayor Julie Hoy
  • Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell
  • Salem City Councilor Vanessa Nordyke
  • Marion County Behavioral Health Crisis Services Director Debbie Wells
  • Closing Remarks, Salem Fire Chief David Gerboth

Following the press conference, members of the REACH Team will be available to discuss the program and participate in photos with the response vehicle and equipment.

 

New REACH Team: Paramedic, EMT and Mental Health Co-Response

The REACH Team will address the growing number of 911 calls driven by behavioral health, substance use, and other complex social needs that traditional emergency response alone cannot resolve. REACH provides a more appropriate response by pairing medical and behavioral health expertise to engage individuals early, connect them to services, and break the cycle of repeated emergency calls. This approach is intended to improve outcomes for the community, reduce strain on the 911 system, reduce referrals to the emergency room, and help ensure Fire and EMS crews remain available for the most serious emergencies.

 

Safe Clean and Healthy Initiative

On October 13, 2025, Salem City Council passed a supplemental budget to advance the Safe, Clean and Healthy Salem initiative following four months of City Council, resident, business community, and service provider conversations to enhance safety, cleanliness, and health in the downtown and northeast Salem.  These two areas of Salem experience higher volumes of requests for police support and emergency medical response.

Key efforts of the initiative include:

  • Safe
    • Funding two additional Homeless Services Team police officers to expand coverage to seven days per week to better connect people living unsheltered in our community to available services and shelter. The HST officers provide proactive policing and have familiarity working with unsheltered populations
  • Clean
    • Expanding cleaning services in high-response areas to further improve health and safety from four to seven days each week, to provide more consistent sanitation and hygiene efforts in public areas The Salem Outreach and Livability Services (SOS) team works in response to community reports to ensure health and livability of our outdoor spaces
  • Healthy
    • Piloting Salem Fire and Community Health – Co-Response Model, that will deploy integrated teams consisting of a paramedic, EMT and Marion County mental health clinician to incidents involving emotional disturbances, overdoses and other health emergencies while also conducting proactive outreach to prevent emergencies before they occur 

On November 4, 2025, Marion County’s Board of Commissioners approved funding for a mental health associate as part of the community health response pilot program following Council’s October funding action. 

 

A parking map is attached.

Attached Media Files: Station1parkingmap.png,

City Of Salem And Marion County Launch Rapid Engagement, Assessment And Community Health Pilot (Photo) - 01/16/26

Salem, Ore. — The Salem Fire Department and Marion County Health and Human Services will host a press conference to announce the launch of the REACH (Rapid Engagement, Assessment & Community Health) Team.
 

Date: January 20, 2026
Time: 9 – 9:30 a.m.
Location: Salem Fire Department, Fire Station 1, 370 Trade Street SE

Scheduled speakers:

  • Opening Remarks, Salem Fire Chief David Gerboth
  • Salem City Mayor Julie Hoy
  • Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell
  • Salem City Councilor Vanessa Nordyke
  • Marion County Behavioral Health Crisis Services Director Debbie Wells
  • Closing Remarks, Salem Fire Chief David Gerboth

Following the press conference, members of the REACH Team will be available to discuss the program and participate in photos with the response vehicle and equipment.

 

New REACH Team: Paramedic, EMT and Mental Health Co-Response

The REACH Team will address the growing number of 911 calls driven by behavioral health, substance use, and other complex social needs that traditional emergency response alone cannot resolve. REACH provides a more appropriate response by pairing medical and behavioral health expertise to engage individuals early, connect them to services, and break the cycle of repeated emergency calls. This approach is intended to improve outcomes for the community, reduce strain on the 911 system, reduce referrals to the emergency room, and help ensure Fire and EMS crews remain available for the most serious emergencies.

 

Safe Clean and Healthy Initiative

On October 13, 2025, Salem City Council passed a supplemental budget to advance the Safe, Clean and Healthy Salem initiative following four months of City Council, resident, business community, and service provider conversations to enhance safety, cleanliness, and health in the downtown and northeast Salem.  These two areas of Salem experience higher volumes of requests for police support and emergency medical response.

Key efforts of the initiative include:

  • Safe
    • Funding two additional Homeless Services Team police officers to expand coverage to seven days per week to better connect people living unsheltered in our community to available services and shelter. The HST officers provide proactive policing and have familiarity working with unsheltered populations
  • Clean
    • Expanding cleaning services in high-response areas to further improve health and safety from four to seven days each week, to provide more consistent sanitation and hygiene efforts in public areas The Salem Outreach and Livability Services (SOS) team works in response to community reports to ensure health and livability of our outdoor spaces
  • Healthy
    • Piloting Salem Fire and Community Health – Co-Response Model, that will deploy integrated teams consisting of a paramedic, EMT and Marion County mental health clinician to incidents involving emotional disturbances, overdoses and other health emergencies while also conducting proactive outreach to prevent emergencies before they occur 

On November 4, 2025, Marion County’s Board of Commissioners approved funding for a mental health associate as part of the community health response pilot program following Council’s October funding action. 

 

A parking map is attached.

Attached Media Files: Station1parkingmap.png,

Street Closure Planned Jan. 19 For Event At Capitol State Park - 01/16/26

Salem, Ore. — One street south of Capitol State Park will be closed Jan. 19 for a planned event. Travelers and pedestrians are asked to be aware of the closures and plan other routes or schedules if necessary.

 

Court Street NE between 12th Street NE and Winter Street NE will be closed from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 19. No additional closures are planned.

 

Drivers traveling west through downtown Salem should expect increased pedestrian traffic and some delays on Court Street NE. Temporary signage indicating road closures and lane restrictions will be in place.

 

Drivers are asked to plan accordingly and seek alternate routes during the listed event times. Please drive safely and watch for an increase in pedestrians in the area.

 

The City of Salem appreciates residents’ cooperation and patience during this event and is committed to ensuring the safety and accessibility for all residents and visitors.

Street Closure Planned Jan. 19 For Event At Capitol State Park - 01/16/26

Salem, Ore. — One street south of Capitol State Park will be closed Jan. 19 for a planned event. Travelers and pedestrians are asked to be aware of the closures and plan other routes or schedules if necessary.

 

Court Street NE between 12th Street NE and Winter Street NE will be closed from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 19. No additional closures are planned.

 

Drivers traveling west through downtown Salem should expect increased pedestrian traffic and some delays on Court Street NE. Temporary signage indicating road closures and lane restrictions will be in place.

 

Drivers are asked to plan accordingly and seek alternate routes during the listed event times. Please drive safely and watch for an increase in pedestrians in the area.

 

The City of Salem appreciates residents’ cooperation and patience during this event and is committed to ensuring the safety and accessibility for all residents and visitors.

City Asks Corps To Take Additional Steps To Safeguard Salem’s Water In 2026 As Detroit Reservoir Drawdowns Begin - 01/13/26

Salem, Ore. — The City of Salem is asking the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to include additional safeguards as it continues to plan for annual deep drawdowns of the Detroit Reservoir to improve downstream passage of Endangered Species Act-protected fish beginning later this year. The drawdowns will result in high levels of turbidity, which creates significant risk to the City’s drinking water treatment plant as it draws water from the North Santiam River downriver from the Detroit Reservoir.

 

The Corps’ current plan addresses many of the concerns City staff have expressed since learning of the planned drawdowns last January, including significant commitments such as beginning the drawdowns closer to late November or early December when the demand on Salem’s water supply is lower, conducting the drawdowns in a series of deeper steps over several years to gauge drinking water impacts, and limiting the drawdowns duration to two weeks.

 

However, City staff remain concerned about the absence of turbidity triggers — ways to identify corrective actions depending on levels of murkiness in the water. Turbidity will make filtration difficult or impossible. Accompanying action measures are missing from the Willamette Valley System Operations and Maintenance Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement issued by the Corps of Engineers in November 2025.

 

“The purpose of the turbidity trigger is to protect human health, the City’s residents and businesses who rely on Salem to provide safe drinking water, and to protect the City’s water treatment system,” said Krishna Namburi, Salem city manager. “It is critical that the Corps include a plan of action for how they will adjust their drawdowns if turbidity is too high to provide safe drinking water.”

 

This recommendation is based on years of operational experience coupled with scientific research conducted over the past year.

 

“Clear triggers and actions are essential for the City’s operational and contingency planning,” Namburi said in the January 12, 2026, letter. “Establishing mutually acceptable triggers and action measures also represents the best way forward for providing assurances to our current and future regional customers that safe drinking water will continue to be reliably delivered.”

 

The City of Salem remains committed to working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and others to evaluate and implement measures that support downstream passage of juvenile fish species, protect habitat and water quality, ensure water demands are met, and provide for the many users of the North Santiam River.

 

The drawdown of Detroit Reservoir is detailed in a Biological Opinion issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service in December 2024 as required by the Endangered Species Act. The opinion directs the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to lower the elevation in Detroit Reservoir to a level not seen since the dam was built over 70 years ago.
 
The purpose of the deep drawdowns is to improve downstream passage of ESA-protected fish. However, the drawdowns will also result in high levels of suspended sediments — fine particles of clay, silt and other matter — in the North Santiam River downstream of the dam. High levels of suspended sediment over an extended period of time present a significant risk to the operation of the City’s water treatment plant, which draws water from the North Santiam River at its location on Geren Island.
 
High levels of suspended sediment in the intake water will require the City to stop using river water at its water treatment plant, possibly for several weeks. During this period, the City will use other water sources to meet the anticipated demand. These alternative sources include existing and new groundwater wells on Geren Island, the Aquifer Storage and Recovery facility in South Salem, and an emergency supply of drinking water through a connection with the City of Keizer. These sources should meet the expected water demand during the drawdown and recovery period in 2026.
 
Over the past year, the City has taken several steps to prepare for the drawdowns. These include declaring an emergency in July 2025 to allow staff to expedite the construction of additional groundwater wells at Geren Island, adding an additional pump station connection with the City of Keizer and accelerating filter re-sanding to better withstand above-normal turbidity.

 

New measures will not only increase our alternate supply for the drawdown, but also will make our drinking water system more resilient in the face of other disruptions, such as the recent flooding.
 
Learn more about Salem’s Drinking Water at CityofSalem.net/drinking-water.

City Asks Corps To Take Additional Steps To Safeguard Salem’s Water In 2026 As Detroit Reservoir Drawdowns Begin - 01/13/26

Salem, Ore. — The City of Salem is asking the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to include additional safeguards as it continues to plan for annual deep drawdowns of the Detroit Reservoir to improve downstream passage of Endangered Species Act-protected fish beginning later this year. The drawdowns will result in high levels of turbidity, which creates significant risk to the City’s drinking water treatment plant as it draws water from the North Santiam River downriver from the Detroit Reservoir.

 

The Corps’ current plan addresses many of the concerns City staff have expressed since learning of the planned drawdowns last January, including significant commitments such as beginning the drawdowns closer to late November or early December when the demand on Salem’s water supply is lower, conducting the drawdowns in a series of deeper steps over several years to gauge drinking water impacts, and limiting the drawdowns duration to two weeks.

 

However, City staff remain concerned about the absence of turbidity triggers — ways to identify corrective actions depending on levels of murkiness in the water. Turbidity will make filtration difficult or impossible. Accompanying action measures are missing from the Willamette Valley System Operations and Maintenance Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement issued by the Corps of Engineers in November 2025.

 

“The purpose of the turbidity trigger is to protect human health, the City’s residents and businesses who rely on Salem to provide safe drinking water, and to protect the City’s water treatment system,” said Krishna Namburi, Salem city manager. “It is critical that the Corps include a plan of action for how they will adjust their drawdowns if turbidity is too high to provide safe drinking water.”

 

This recommendation is based on years of operational experience coupled with scientific research conducted over the past year.

 

“Clear triggers and actions are essential for the City’s operational and contingency planning,” Namburi said in the January 12, 2026, letter. “Establishing mutually acceptable triggers and action measures also represents the best way forward for providing assurances to our current and future regional customers that safe drinking water will continue to be reliably delivered.”

 

The City of Salem remains committed to working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and others to evaluate and implement measures that support downstream passage of juvenile fish species, protect habitat and water quality, ensure water demands are met, and provide for the many users of the North Santiam River.

 

The drawdown of Detroit Reservoir is detailed in a Biological Opinion issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service in December 2024 as required by the Endangered Species Act. The opinion directs the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to lower the elevation in Detroit Reservoir to a level not seen since the dam was built over 70 years ago.
 
The purpose of the deep drawdowns is to improve downstream passage of ESA-protected fish. However, the drawdowns will also result in high levels of suspended sediments — fine particles of clay, silt and other matter — in the North Santiam River downstream of the dam. High levels of suspended sediment over an extended period of time present a significant risk to the operation of the City’s water treatment plant, which draws water from the North Santiam River at its location on Geren Island.
 
High levels of suspended sediment in the intake water will require the City to stop using river water at its water treatment plant, possibly for several weeks. During this period, the City will use other water sources to meet the anticipated demand. These alternative sources include existing and new groundwater wells on Geren Island, the Aquifer Storage and Recovery facility in South Salem, and an emergency supply of drinking water through a connection with the City of Keizer. These sources should meet the expected water demand during the drawdown and recovery period in 2026.
 
Over the past year, the City has taken several steps to prepare for the drawdowns. These include declaring an emergency in July 2025 to allow staff to expedite the construction of additional groundwater wells at Geren Island, adding an additional pump station connection with the City of Keizer and accelerating filter re-sanding to better withstand above-normal turbidity.

 

New measures will not only increase our alternate supply for the drawdown, but also will make our drinking water system more resilient in the face of other disruptions, such as the recent flooding.
 
Learn more about Salem’s Drinking Water at CityofSalem.net/drinking-water.

New Trash Receptacles Address Disposal Needs In Downtown Salem (Photo) - 01/13/26

  • Installation of new downtown trash receptacles will occur in stages between January and February. Installation began January 12, 2026.

Salem, Ore. – The installation of new trash receptacles in downtown Salem began this week. These will replace receptacles installed over 20 years ago that are worn and unable to handle the current trash disposal needs.
 

“This project comes at a crucial time as we strive to enhance the cleanliness of downtown, directly addressing the concerns raised by our businesses and visitors,” said Dana DeKlyen, Urban Development Assistant Director.

 

The new, improved trash receptacle design will eliminate the ability to display trash on the exterior, feature a larger opening, a chute for disposal and a flat, smooth surface that will be easier to clean. The new design will also allow the possibility of a future art wrap, much like the downtown utility box wraps.

 

There are no current plans to reduce the number of downtown receptacles, instead they will be redistributed for broader accessibility.

 

This project is made possible by Urban Renewal funding dedicated to Riverfront Downtown capital projects and is part of the multi-year Downtown Salem Streetscape project.

 

# # #

Attached Media Files: Newly-installed trash receptacle in Downtown Salem.,

New Trash Receptacles Address Disposal Needs In Downtown Salem (Photo) - 01/13/26

  • Installation of new downtown trash receptacles will occur in stages between January and February. Installation began January 12, 2026.

Salem, Ore. – The installation of new trash receptacles in downtown Salem began this week. These will replace receptacles installed over 20 years ago that are worn and unable to handle the current trash disposal needs.
 

“This project comes at a crucial time as we strive to enhance the cleanliness of downtown, directly addressing the concerns raised by our businesses and visitors,” said Dana DeKlyen, Urban Development Assistant Director.

 

The new, improved trash receptacle design will eliminate the ability to display trash on the exterior, feature a larger opening, a chute for disposal and a flat, smooth surface that will be easier to clean. The new design will also allow the possibility of a future art wrap, much like the downtown utility box wraps.

 

There are no current plans to reduce the number of downtown receptacles, instead they will be redistributed for broader accessibility.

 

This project is made possible by Urban Renewal funding dedicated to Riverfront Downtown capital projects and is part of the multi-year Downtown Salem Streetscape project.

 

# # #

Attached Media Files: Newly-installed trash receptacle in Downtown Salem.,

Limited-Area Boil Water Notice Lifted - 01/12/26

Bacteriological analysis of drinking water samples collected Jan. 10 confirm the water is free from coliform bacteria and is safe to drink.

 

A Portland General Electric power outage in the S4 water pressure zone in South Salem caused a temporary loss of water pressure when a safety device at the Davis Road Water Pump Station shut down the pumps. Although the emergency generator started as designed, the pumps did not restart until City staff reset the safety system. Because a loss of pressure can allow contaminants to enter the water system, the Oregon Health Authority requires the City to issue a precautionary boil-water notice in such situations. This notice applied only to the affected homes in the S4 pressure zone.

 

Oregon Health Authority rules require a Boil Water Notice be issued as a precautionary measure if system pressure is lost. This notice was distributed directly to the homes affected.

Limited-Area Boil Water Notice Lifted - 01/12/26

Bacteriological analysis of drinking water samples collected Jan. 10 confirm the water is free from coliform bacteria and is safe to drink.

 

A Portland General Electric power outage in the S4 water pressure zone in South Salem caused a temporary loss of water pressure when a safety device at the Davis Road Water Pump Station shut down the pumps. Although the emergency generator started as designed, the pumps did not restart until City staff reset the safety system. Because a loss of pressure can allow contaminants to enter the water system, the Oregon Health Authority requires the City to issue a precautionary boil-water notice in such situations. This notice applied only to the affected homes in the S4 pressure zone.

 

Oregon Health Authority rules require a Boil Water Notice be issued as a precautionary measure if system pressure is lost. This notice was distributed directly to the homes affected.

Limited Area Drinking Water Warning: Boil Your Water Before Using (Photo) - 01/10/26

At approximately 7:00 pm on January 10, 2026, a Portland General Electric (PGE) power outage in the S4 water pressure zone in South Salem caused a temporary loss of water pressure when a safety device at the Davis Road Water Pump Station shut down the pumps. Potentially harmful bacteria could be present in the water supply. If these bacteria are present, they could make you sick, and are a particular concern for people with weakened immune systems. The affected area is limited and can be found in the attached map. 

 

Do not drink the water without boiling it first.

 

Customers should bring water to a rolling boil for 1 full minute, allow the water to cool before using, and store the cooled water in a clean container with a cover. Customers should use boiled water that has cooled or bottled water for:

  • Drinking
  • Brushing teeth
  • Washing fruits and vegetables
  • Preparing food and baby formula
  • Making ice
  • Cleaning food contact surfaces

 

Water Distribution staff will be flushing water mains in the affected area and collecting bacteriological samples. We will inform you when tests show no bacteria are present and you no longer need to boil your water. We should have the bacteriological results by early Monday, January 12, 2026.

 

This boil water advisory is a precaution. To limit risk to health, customers should follow the instructions contained in this advisory.

 

For more information, go to or contact Lacey Goeres-Priest, Water Quality Supervisor at Salem Public Works, 503-932-6270 or LGoeres@cityofsalem.net. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by contaminants in drinking water are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791 or the Oregon Health Authority, Drinking Water Services at 971-673-0405.

Attached Media Files: CityofSalemLimitedAreaBoilWaterNoticeforSouthSalem_January102026.pdf,

Limited Area Drinking Water Warning: Boil Your Water Before Using (Photo) - 01/10/26

At approximately 7:00 pm on January 10, 2026, a Portland General Electric (PGE) power outage in the S4 water pressure zone in South Salem caused a temporary loss of water pressure when a safety device at the Davis Road Water Pump Station shut down the pumps. Potentially harmful bacteria could be present in the water supply. If these bacteria are present, they could make you sick, and are a particular concern for people with weakened immune systems. The affected area is limited and can be found in the attached map. 

 

Do not drink the water without boiling it first.

 

Customers should bring water to a rolling boil for 1 full minute, allow the water to cool before using, and store the cooled water in a clean container with a cover. Customers should use boiled water that has cooled or bottled water for:

  • Drinking
  • Brushing teeth
  • Washing fruits and vegetables
  • Preparing food and baby formula
  • Making ice
  • Cleaning food contact surfaces

 

Water Distribution staff will be flushing water mains in the affected area and collecting bacteriological samples. We will inform you when tests show no bacteria are present and you no longer need to boil your water. We should have the bacteriological results by early Monday, January 12, 2026.

 

This boil water advisory is a precaution. To limit risk to health, customers should follow the instructions contained in this advisory.

 

For more information, go to or contact Lacey Goeres-Priest, Water Quality Supervisor at Salem Public Works, 503-932-6270 or LGoeres@cityofsalem.net. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by contaminants in drinking water are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791 or the Oregon Health Authority, Drinking Water Services at 971-673-0405.

Attached Media Files: CityofSalemLimitedAreaBoilWaterNoticeforSouthSalem_January102026.pdf,

Salem Closes Temporary Connection To City Of Keizer Water Supply - 12/31/25

Salem, Ore.— On Dec. 30, Salem stopped drawing drinking water from the City of Keizer, closing the connection after taking in about 25 million gallons of water to meet demand from Salem’s water customers since Dec. 23. All drinking water remained safe during this time. 

 

Salem drew water from Keizer due to recent storms, which limited drinking water production capabilities at the City’s Geren Island Water Treatment Facility. As planned and previously tested, Salem was able to draw water from Keizer, groundwater wells at Geren Island and our Aquifer Storage and Recovery facility. 

 

Recent storms limited drinking water production capabilities at the City’s Geren Island Water Treatment Facility, resulting in the need for additional water from Keizer, groundwater wells at Geren Island and our Aquifer Storage and Recovery facility. 

 

This City of Keizer water connection will be opened again in late January 2026 during a planned test of a recently completed pump station at a second connection to Keizer’s water supply. This new connection is one of several resiliency measures authorized by the City Council in July to prepare the Salem water system for a planned deep drawdown of Detroit Lake that will occur in late fall or early winter 2026.

 

Testing this new connection in January will allow staff to make observations under conditions similar to those we expect to see at the time of the deep drawdown. Your drinking water will remain safe during our connection to Keizer’s reliable groundwater system, though customers (primarily in the West Salem area) may notice a difference in taste. More information will be provided ahead of the testing.

 

The drawdown of Detroit Reservoir is detailed in a Biological Opinion issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service in December 2024 as required by the Endangered Species Act. The opinion directs the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to lower the elevation in Detroit Reservoir to a level not seen since the dam was built over 70 years ago.

 

The purpose of this deep drawdown is to improve downstream passage of ESA-protected fish. However, the drawdown will also result in high levels of suspended sediments — fine particles of clay, silt and other matter — in the North Santiam River downstream of the dam. High levels of suspended sediment over an extended period of time present a significant risk to the operation of the City’s water treatment plant, which draws water from the North Santiam River at its location on Geren Island.

 

High levels of suspended sediment in the intake water will require the City to stop using river water at its water treatment plant, possibly for several weeks. During this period, the City will use other water sources to meet the anticipated demand. These alternative sources include existing and new groundwater wells on Geren Island, the Aquifer Storage and Recovery facility in South Salem, and an emergency supply of drinking water through a connection with the City of Keizer. These sources should meet the expected water demand during the drawdown and recovery period in 2026 and the years following.

 

New measures will not only increase our alternate supply for the drawdown, but also will make our drinking water system more resilient in the face of other disruptions, such as the recent flooding.

 

Customers should contact Salem Public Works Dispatch at 503-588-6311 if they have any questions or concerns about their drinking water. For more information about Salem’s Drinking Water, visit https://www.cityofsalem.net/community/household/water-utilities/salem-s-drinking-water.

Salem Closes Temporary Connection To City Of Keizer Water Supply - 12/31/25

Salem, Ore.— On Dec. 30, Salem stopped drawing drinking water from the City of Keizer, closing the connection after taking in about 25 million gallons of water to meet demand from Salem’s water customers since Dec. 23. All drinking water remained safe during this time. 

 

Salem drew water from Keizer due to recent storms, which limited drinking water production capabilities at the City’s Geren Island Water Treatment Facility. As planned and previously tested, Salem was able to draw water from Keizer, groundwater wells at Geren Island and our Aquifer Storage and Recovery facility. 

 

Recent storms limited drinking water production capabilities at the City’s Geren Island Water Treatment Facility, resulting in the need for additional water from Keizer, groundwater wells at Geren Island and our Aquifer Storage and Recovery facility. 

 

This City of Keizer water connection will be opened again in late January 2026 during a planned test of a recently completed pump station at a second connection to Keizer’s water supply. This new connection is one of several resiliency measures authorized by the City Council in July to prepare the Salem water system for a planned deep drawdown of Detroit Lake that will occur in late fall or early winter 2026.

 

Testing this new connection in January will allow staff to make observations under conditions similar to those we expect to see at the time of the deep drawdown. Your drinking water will remain safe during our connection to Keizer’s reliable groundwater system, though customers (primarily in the West Salem area) may notice a difference in taste. More information will be provided ahead of the testing.

 

The drawdown of Detroit Reservoir is detailed in a Biological Opinion issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service in December 2024 as required by the Endangered Species Act. The opinion directs the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to lower the elevation in Detroit Reservoir to a level not seen since the dam was built over 70 years ago.

 

The purpose of this deep drawdown is to improve downstream passage of ESA-protected fish. However, the drawdown will also result in high levels of suspended sediments — fine particles of clay, silt and other matter — in the North Santiam River downstream of the dam. High levels of suspended sediment over an extended period of time present a significant risk to the operation of the City’s water treatment plant, which draws water from the North Santiam River at its location on Geren Island.

 

High levels of suspended sediment in the intake water will require the City to stop using river water at its water treatment plant, possibly for several weeks. During this period, the City will use other water sources to meet the anticipated demand. These alternative sources include existing and new groundwater wells on Geren Island, the Aquifer Storage and Recovery facility in South Salem, and an emergency supply of drinking water through a connection with the City of Keizer. These sources should meet the expected water demand during the drawdown and recovery period in 2026 and the years following.

 

New measures will not only increase our alternate supply for the drawdown, but also will make our drinking water system more resilient in the face of other disruptions, such as the recent flooding.

 

Customers should contact Salem Public Works Dispatch at 503-588-6311 if they have any questions or concerns about their drinking water. For more information about Salem’s Drinking Water, visit https://www.cityofsalem.net/community/household/water-utilities/salem-s-drinking-water.

Willamette Valley Wind Advisory Canceled For Christmas Eve - 12/24/25

Salem, Ore.— As of 12:30 p.m., Dec. 24, the National Weather Service cancelled its High Wind Advisory for the Willamette Valley.

 

Earlier this morning, the National Weather Service updated its High Wind Advisory for all of Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington. Throughout the day, we monitored conditions as the potential intensity of the wind event reduced.

 

You can stay up to-date and on track of road conditions by:

  • Following Salem Police Department’s social media accounts for traffic alerts. https://www.facebook.com/salempolicedept/ and https://x.com/SalemPoliceDept
  • Monitoring Current Road Conditions (including closures) through Salem’s website: https://www.cityofsalem.net/community/transportation-getting-around/traffic-road-conditions/current-road-conditions-map

 

See Salem’s Emergency and Disaster Preparedness webpage for tips on preparing for winter weather to protect yourself and your home. You can also track power outages and updates on Portland General Electric’s website: https://portlandgeneral.com/outages and Salem Electric’s website: https://www.salemelectric.com/outages-safety/outagemapreport/

 

Contact the Public Works Dispatch Center any time at 503-588-6311 to report weather-related concerns. Sign up for Community Alerts to receive emergency notifications.

Willamette Valley Wind Advisory Canceled For Christmas Eve - 12/24/25

Salem, Ore.— As of 12:30 p.m., Dec. 24, the National Weather Service cancelled its High Wind Advisory for the Willamette Valley.

 

Earlier this morning, the National Weather Service updated its High Wind Advisory for all of Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington. Throughout the day, we monitored conditions as the potential intensity of the wind event reduced.

 

You can stay up to-date and on track of road conditions by:

  • Following Salem Police Department’s social media accounts for traffic alerts. https://www.facebook.com/salempolicedept/ and https://x.com/SalemPoliceDept
  • Monitoring Current Road Conditions (including closures) through Salem’s website: https://www.cityofsalem.net/community/transportation-getting-around/traffic-road-conditions/current-road-conditions-map

 

See Salem’s Emergency and Disaster Preparedness webpage for tips on preparing for winter weather to protect yourself and your home. You can also track power outages and updates on Portland General Electric’s website: https://portlandgeneral.com/outages and Salem Electric’s website: https://www.salemelectric.com/outages-safety/outagemapreport/

 

Contact the Public Works Dispatch Center any time at 503-588-6311 to report weather-related concerns. Sign up for Community Alerts to receive emergency notifications.

Update On Christmas Eve Wind Event: Wind Gusts Likely To Begin After 11 A.m. - 12/24/25

Salem, Ore.— City crews remain on high alert in preparation for response to anticipated high wind gusts Dec. 24.  

 

Earlier this morning, the National Weather Service updated its High Wind Advisory for all of Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington. As of 9 a.m., the potential intensity of the wind event has reduced. However, today’s wind event may still produce impactful wind gusts which may exceed 45 miles per hour, resulting in possible wind damage to trees and power lines.

 

The National Weather Service forecasts winds will increase as the morning progresses, coming from the southwest, with sustained winds 16-21 mph and gusts in the 30 mph to 50 mph range. The duration of the strongest winds will be one to three hours, with the strongest winds arriving sometime after 11 a.m. today. 

 

If strong wind gusts in the 45 mph or greater range, downed tree limbs, downed trees and downed power lines are possible, particularly due to saturated soils from recent rains.  

 

We will provide an update on conditions after 12:30 p.m. today. 

 

At this time, all Salem roads and parks remain open. 

 

See Salem’s Emergency and Disaster Preparedness webpage for tips on preparing for possible power outages and other tips to protect your home. You can also track power outages and updates on Portland General Electric’s website: https://portlandgeneral.com/outages and Salem Electric’s website: https://www.salemelectric.com/outages-safety/outagemapreport/

 

Contact the Public Works Dispatch Center any time at 503-588-6311 to report downed trees or other weather-related concerns. Sign up for Community Alerts to receive emergency notifications. 

Update On Christmas Eve Wind Event: Wind Gusts Likely To Begin After 11 A.m. - 12/24/25

Salem, Ore.— City crews remain on high alert in preparation for response to anticipated high wind gusts Dec. 24.  

 

Earlier this morning, the National Weather Service updated its High Wind Advisory for all of Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington. As of 9 a.m., the potential intensity of the wind event has reduced. However, today’s wind event may still produce impactful wind gusts which may exceed 45 miles per hour, resulting in possible wind damage to trees and power lines.

 

The National Weather Service forecasts winds will increase as the morning progresses, coming from the southwest, with sustained winds 16-21 mph and gusts in the 30 mph to 50 mph range. The duration of the strongest winds will be one to three hours, with the strongest winds arriving sometime after 11 a.m. today. 

 

If strong wind gusts in the 45 mph or greater range, downed tree limbs, downed trees and downed power lines are possible, particularly due to saturated soils from recent rains.  

 

We will provide an update on conditions after 12:30 p.m. today. 

 

At this time, all Salem roads and parks remain open. 

 

See Salem’s Emergency and Disaster Preparedness webpage for tips on preparing for possible power outages and other tips to protect your home. You can also track power outages and updates on Portland General Electric’s website: https://portlandgeneral.com/outages and Salem Electric’s website: https://www.salemelectric.com/outages-safety/outagemapreport/

 

Contact the Public Works Dispatch Center any time at 503-588-6311 to report downed trees or other weather-related concerns. Sign up for Community Alerts to receive emergency notifications. 

Where To Get Updates On Christmas Eve Wind Event - 12/24/25

Salem, Ore.— City crews remain on high alert in preparation for response to anticipated high wind gusts today.

 

Yesterday, the National Weather Service issued a High Wind Advisory for all of Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington. This period of sustained wind gusts may begin about 10 a.m. today. The system is fast-moving and the highest winds will likely occur for about 1-2 hours in duration. If strong wind gusts in the 45 mph or greater range, downed tree limbs, downed trees and downed power lines are possible, particularly due to saturated soils from recent rains.  

 

Winds are anticipated to move north up the Willamette Valley, arriving in Corvallis about 9 a.m. We will provide an updated forecast from the National Weather Service after 9:30 a.m. 

 

At this time, all Salem roads and parks remain open. 

 

See Salem’s Emergency and Disaster Preparedness webpage for tips on preparing for possible power outages and other tips to protect your home. You can also track power outages and updates on Portland General Electric’s website: https://portlandgeneral.com/outages and Salem Electric’s website: https://www.salemelectric.com/outages-safety/outagemapreport/

 

Contact the Public Works Dispatch Center any time at 503-588-6311 to report downed trees or other weather-related concerns. Sign up for Community Alerts to receive emergency notifications. 

Where To Get Updates On Christmas Eve Wind Event - 12/24/25

Salem, Ore.— City crews remain on high alert in preparation for response to anticipated high wind gusts today.

 

Yesterday, the National Weather Service issued a High Wind Advisory for all of Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington. This period of sustained wind gusts may begin about 10 a.m. today. The system is fast-moving and the highest winds will likely occur for about 1-2 hours in duration. If strong wind gusts in the 45 mph or greater range, downed tree limbs, downed trees and downed power lines are possible, particularly due to saturated soils from recent rains.  

 

Winds are anticipated to move north up the Willamette Valley, arriving in Corvallis about 9 a.m. We will provide an updated forecast from the National Weather Service after 9:30 a.m. 

 

At this time, all Salem roads and parks remain open. 

 

See Salem’s Emergency and Disaster Preparedness webpage for tips on preparing for possible power outages and other tips to protect your home. You can also track power outages and updates on Portland General Electric’s website: https://portlandgeneral.com/outages and Salem Electric’s website: https://www.salemelectric.com/outages-safety/outagemapreport/

 

Contact the Public Works Dispatch Center any time at 503-588-6311 to report downed trees or other weather-related concerns. Sign up for Community Alerts to receive emergency notifications.