Untreated Sewage Overflow Into Willamette River Resolved
- 12/17/25
SALEM, Ore. — At about 1 a.m. Dec. 17, an overflow of untreated sewage into the Willamette River occurred in the 100 block of Union Street NE. The incident was resolved by 1:30 a.m. About 1,700 gallons of untreated sewage were spilled.
This sanitary sewer overflow resulted from a power outage at the Union Street Sewer Lift station caused by the overnight winter windstorm.
To protect public health, signs have been posted advising residents to avoid contact with the water in the Willamette River due to potentially elevated bacteria levels. Water quality testing is underway and will continue until results confirm the issue has been resolved. Any bacteria introduced into the river should naturally flush out within the next few days.
If you notice an overflowing sewer manhole or want to report a spill, please contact the Public Works Dispatch Center at 503-588-6311.
You can help prevent sewer backups and overflows by keeping fats, oils, rags and grease out of the sewer system. Learn more about preventing sanitary sewer overflows and the City of Salem’s efforts to reduce these events by visiting https://www.cityofsalem.net/community/household/water-utilities/wastewater/how-to-prevent-sewer-back-up.
For additional information, please contact the City of Salem at 503-588-6311 or email us at service@cityofsalem.net.
Untreated Sewage Overflow Into Willamette River Resolved
- 12/17/25
SALEM, Ore. — At about 1 a.m. Dec. 17, an overflow of untreated sewage into the Willamette River occurred in the 100 block of Union Street NE. The incident was resolved by 1:30 a.m. About 1,700 gallons of untreated sewage were spilled.
This sanitary sewer overflow resulted from a power outage at the Union Street Sewer Lift station caused by the overnight winter windstorm.
To protect public health, signs have been posted advising residents to avoid contact with the water in the Willamette River due to potentially elevated bacteria levels. Water quality testing is underway and will continue until results confirm the issue has been resolved. Any bacteria introduced into the river should naturally flush out within the next few days.
If you notice an overflowing sewer manhole or want to report a spill, please contact the Public Works Dispatch Center at 503-588-6311.
You can help prevent sewer backups and overflows by keeping fats, oils, rags and grease out of the sewer system. Learn more about preventing sanitary sewer overflows and the City of Salem’s efforts to reduce these events by visiting https://www.cityofsalem.net/community/household/water-utilities/wastewater/how-to-prevent-sewer-back-up.
For additional information, please contact the City of Salem at 503-588-6311 or email us at service@cityofsalem.net.