Untreated Sewage Leak Into Pringle Creek Resolved
- 03/20/26
SALEM, Ore. — At about 2:50 p.m. March 19, a leakage of untreated sewage into Pringle Creek occurred in the 600 block of Church Street SE. The incident was resolved at 5:34 p.m. after crew members located and repaired a leak in a 42-inch sewer pipe that runs horizontally under a bridge. About 165 gallons of untreated sewage were spilled.
To protect public health, signs have been posted advising residents to avoid contact with the water in Pringle Creek 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 creek 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 Leak Into Pringle Creek Resolved
- 03/20/26
SALEM, Ore. — At about 2:50 p.m. March 19, a leakage of untreated sewage into Pringle Creek occurred in the 600 block of Church Street SE. The incident was resolved at 5:34 p.m. after crew members located and repaired a leak in a 42-inch sewer pipe that runs horizontally under a bridge. About 165 gallons of untreated sewage were spilled.
To protect public health, signs have been posted advising residents to avoid contact with the water in Pringle Creek 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 creek 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.