North Santiam River

The North Santiam River supplies water daily from its mountain source east of the City to the Geren Island Water Treatment Facility. There, it undergoes filtration via slow sand filters and treatment at the Frank Mauldin Ozone Treatment Facility. The treated water is then piped to Franzen Reservoir in Turner and distributed across the community.

The City of Salem adheres to the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, routinely monitoring watershed conditions and collecting water quality samples from Geren Island and within the distribution system.

Tour Salem's Drinking Water Source View a full-screen version of this map in a new window.

Since Detroit Reservoir feeds into the North Santiam River, our drinking water source, the City monitors conditions in the river and reservoir. Algae and cyanotoxins, in addition to other water quality parameters, are monitored in the watershed. Data collected from the watershed can be used to adjust drinking water treatment at Geren Island. This allows us to provide high quality water to our residents and customers every day of the year.

Monitoring algae in the watershed typically begins in May and ends in October to coincide with the algae season. Depending on weather conditions and Detroit Reservoir water levels additional monitoring may occurs throughout the year.

Safe Drinking Water Today and for Our Future

Ensuring Safe Drinking Water Today and Tomorrow

For over eight decades, Salem's Geren Island Water Treatment Facility has provided top-quality drinking water for the residents of Salem.

Every day, the North Santiam River's water flows into our state-of-the-art facility on Geren Island, where it undergoes its treatment process. This process includes filtration, pre-treatment (if necessary), ozone treatment, chlorine disinfection, fluoridation, and the addition of soda ash to adjust pH levels and minimize risks to household plumbing.

Slow Sand Filters

At the heart of our treatment process lies one of the nation's largest slow sand filter systems, a testament to our commitment to excellence in water treatment. For more than 80 years, these filters have effectively purified Salem's drinking water through a natural, gravity driven process that consistently delivers high quality drinking water for the City.

Here's how it works: River water enters Geren Island through an intake and flows through a constructed channel to one of seven slow sand filter ponds. Here, a naturally occurring biological layer called the Schmutzdecke forms along the filter beds, consuming algae and other impurities as the water is filtered through the sand.

By the time the water reaches a depth of 8 inches in the sand filter, 99.5% of E. coli bacteria is filtered out, and by 14 inches, 98% of viruses and other bacteria are removed.

Once filtered, the water is transferred to the Frank Mauldin Ozone Treatment Facility via a perforated pipe.

The Frank Mauldin Ozone Treatment Facility

To ensure the longevity and resilience of our drinking water supply, Salem has invested over $50 million in the design and construction of the Frank Mauldin Ozone Treatment Facility at Geren Island.

Ozone treatment offers numerous benefits:

• Destruction of cyanotoxins and other pathogens
• Enhanced assurance of safe drinking water
• Compatibility with existing treatment processes
• Improvement of water taste and clarity year-round
• Reduction in chlorine usage
• Complete elimination of residual ozone in the treated water 

What is Ozone?

Ozone (O3) is a highly potent disinfectant, even more effective than chlorine. It not only eliminates pathogens but also enhances water clarity, taste, and odor. Our multi-step approach to cyanotoxin removal ensures that any remaining toxins are effectively neutralized by ozone treatment, guaranteeing the highest standard of water quality for our community.

How Ozone Works

Step 1: Oxygen Supply

Ozone (O3) is made from oxygen (O2). We are using super-cooled liquid oxygen. The liquid oxygen is first warmed and converted to oxygen gas. The oxygen gas is then sent to an "ozone generator."

Step 2: Ozone Generation

The ozone generator uses an electric charge to turn oxygen gas (O2) into ozone gas (O3). Once formed, ozone gas moves to a "contactor" chamber where it dissolves into and begins to clean our drinking water.

Step 3: Ozone Injection and Contactor

In the contactor chamber, ozone gas (O3) dissolves into the water. Here, it destroys cyanotoxins (if they are there) and breaks down any remaining materials that may affect the taste or smell of the water.

Step 4: Dissolved Ozone

Under normal operating conditions, all of the dissolved ozone is used in the treatment process. If all the dissolved ozone (O3) isn't used, it will go through a process to turn it back into oxygen gas (O2) before it is discharged back into the atmosphere.

Clean and healthy drinking water

At the end of the ozone process, hydrogen peroxide is added to quench ozone. Hydrogen peroxide, H₂O₂, combines with ozone, O₃, to make water and oxygen, H₂O and O₂. The water is piped to the west side of the facility where Flouride, Soda Ash, and Chlorine are added to the treated water in accordance with Federal Safe Drinking Water Act rules.

In general, processing water at Salem’s drinking water facility uses minimal chemical or energy inputs. Instead it uses gravity and natural processes to be treated and transported to the residents of Salem.

Water Quality

Salem's Water Quality report contains important information about your drinking water, including where it comes from, how its treated, and what, if any, contaminants it may contain.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandates many sections of the report; however, the City of Salem prides itself in providing a thorough report that is available to our customers.

Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) Testing

The Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) requires water providers nationwide to sample for unregulated contaminants once every five years. The EPA uses these sampling efforts to collect information about contaminants suspected to be present in drinking water that are currently not regulated by health-based limits under the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act.

The UCMR5 is the fifth round of UCMR, and will provide new data to the public about the presence of chemicals and substances that may be in our drinking water system including, 29 PFAS compounds and lithium.

The data will ensure science-based decision-making and help prioritize protection of disadvantaged communities. More information about the UCMR is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

The City of Salem began Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule – Round 5 (UCMR5) sampling in February 2023.

Clean, Abundant, Resilient

Frank Mauldin Ozone Treatment Facility 

For more than 80 years, the North Santiam River has provided clean drinking water to the residents of Salem. In 2022, the City designed and constructed the Frank Mauldin Ozone Treatment Facility, a $50 million dollar investment to ensure our community has clean and resilient drinking water long into the future.

The new facility provides an added layer of protection against algae blooms, severe weather events and wildfires in the North Santiam Watershed. Ozone is one of the strongest disinfectants used to treat water, even stronger than chlorine. It can remove cyanotoxins or other pollutants that can pose a health risk at increased levels. Ozone produces no taste or odor, and no ozone remains in the water after treatment.

Slow Sand Filter 2 Improvements

In 2024, Improvements to Slow Sand Filter 2 were completed. The $30 million dollar project increased Salem's drinking water production capacity by more than 20 million gallons per day (MGD).

Woodmansee Park Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) Well

For over 20 years, Woodmansee Park has been the site of a key part of the City’s water supply, called an Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) System. This system provides the City with supplementary drinking water during high-demand summer months or during emergencies.

At ground level you can see the 2,200 sq. ft. building. Below the surface of the building, the ASR System consists of a large, natural underground aquifer (reservoir). The ASR well pipes fill the aquifer with drinking water during the winter months and then distributes the stored water to supplement drinking water as needed.

The four existing ASR wells in the park can supply between 5 and 8 million gallons of water per day (mgd) which helps offset increased water demand during the summer when water use is higher.

The ASR system can be expanded to increase water storage capacity to serve the City if the primary source of water has a disruption of service.

In compliance with the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, the City of Salem routinely collects and tests water quality samples for possible contaminants. Sampling and monitoring procedures occur within the distribution system (in town), at the Geren Island Water Treatment Facility, and at several locations in the North Santiam River watershed. 

Comprehensive Testing Protocol

At every stage of our water treatment process, Salem upholds the rigorous standards set forth by the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, ensuring the utmost safety and quality for our community's water supply. Here's how we maintain our commitment to excellence:

1. Comprehensive Sampling Accross the System

The City of Salem collects water quality samples from the source at Detroit Lake Reservoir and at 48 different locations across the water distribution system. These sample locations were chosen with the assistance of the Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Program, and are strategically located to provide monitoring in all areas of the distribution system.

A bacteriological sample is collected at each site approximately once a week. Temperature, pH, turbidity, chlorine residuals, and additional water quality parameters are also collected.   A summary of the water quality data collected each year is compiled in Salem's Annual Water Quality Report and published online.

2. In-House Testing for Cyanotoxins

The City's Willow Lake lab tests for cyanotoxins and gives timely results. The lab has state accreditation for testing cyanotoxins through the Oregon Laboratory Accreditation Program (ORELAP). This in-house capability gives operators the information they need to make the best water treatment decisions.

3. Cyanotoxins and Algae Season

During algae season, from April to October each year, additional monitoring and water quality sampling occurs within the North Santiam River watershed. This is an important step in meeting Oregon Health Authority Rules for monitoring the presence of Total Microcystin and Cylindrospermopsin (cyanotoxins).

Sampling frequency increases during the peak summer months, ensuring that we stay ahead of any potential exposure to elevated algae activity.

4. Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) 

The Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) requires water providers nationwide to sample for unregulated contaminants once every five years. The EPA uses these sampling efforts to collect information about contaminants suspected to be present in drinking water but are not currently regulated by health-based limits under the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act. The UCMR5 (the fifth round of UCMR), will provide new data to improve EPA’s understanding of the possible frequency that 29 PFAS (and lithium) are found in the nation’s drinking water systems and at what levels. This data will ensure science-based decision-making and help prioritize protection of disadvantaged communities. More information about the UCMR is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

The City of Salem began Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule – Round 5 (UCMR5) sampling in February 2023.

UCMR5 PFAS Results

What is a Harmful Algae Bloom (HAB)?

Algae are microscopic organisms that grow naturally in oceans and fresh waters. Under certain conditions, some types of algae grow into a large visible mass called a bloom. Not all blooms are harmful, but some types of algae, such as cyanobacteria (or blue-green algae), produce toxins (cyanotoxins) that can cause serious illness.

When recreating in waterways be cautious of areas with thick algae. Don't go into water that looks foamy, scummy, thick, pea-green, blue-green, or brownish red. Avoid water contact and keep pets out of the water. Look up advisories for the area you are visiting and at OHA's Current Cyanobacteria Advisories Page. When in Doubt, Stay Out!

Since the North Santiam Watershed is the source for Salem’s water we carefully monitor the area to ensure a stable supply of clean water.

Monitoring in the North Santiam Watershed

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) developed the rules that require us to routinely test for cyanotoxins and notify the public about the test results. These rules have been in place since December 2018. Our monitoring and reporting procedures meet and exceed these requirements.

During algae season, from May 1st to October 31st each year, water quality sampling occurs within the North Santiam River watershed. Additional monitoring occurs November-April depending on weather conditions and the Detroit Lake Reservoir water levels. 

Tests for cyanotoxins are taken at least every week during the season and increase in frequency as the summer progresses. It is common to test 3 to 7 times a week during the hottest summer months when algae activity can be at its highest. This is an important step in meeting OHA rules for monitoring the presence of Total Microcystin and Cylindrospermopsin (cyanotoxin producing algae).

Fast and Local Testing Capabilities

The City has lab equipment that can quickly test for cyanotoxins. This in-house capability gives operators the information they need to make the best water treatment decisions. Salem follows OHA testing guidelines and has earned state accreditation for this testing procedure through the Oregon Laboratory Accreditation Program (ORELAP). 

Here is a step-by-step guide on how the City’s lab analyzes for cyanotoxins using the Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)

Updated water quality sample test result data and news updates will be posted online as soon as they become available.

What are the Health Advisory Rules?

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) requires us to test and report results for two cyanotoxins, Cylindrospermopsin and Total Microcystin. Based on national public health research shown in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidelines, the rules set two health advisory levels for cyanotoxins in drinking water—one for "vulnerable people" and one for "all persons." A health advisory level (HAL) is the concentration of cyanotoxins at or below which adverse health effects are not expected to occur if consuming water containing cyanotoxins at this level for up to 10 days.

For more about the Oregon Health Authority rules visit their website. For questions about OHA's Cyanobacteria Program call 877-290-6767. 

Definitions:

• Parts Per Billion (ppb): the unit used to describe the concentration of cyanotoxins in the water. This unit is the same as micrograms per liter of water (µg/L) which is seen in our test results.
• Non-Detect (ND): The Lab Reported Concentration is a non-detect when the data concentration is less than the minimum reporting level (MRL). The lab reports this value as micrograms per liter of water (µg/L).
• Minimum Reporting Level (MRL): is the lowest concentration at which an analyte - Total Microcystin or Cylindrospermopsin - can be detected in a sample and its concentration can be reported with a reasonable degree of accuracy and precision.
• Health advisory Level (HAL): As defined by OAR 333-061-0520(8), health advisory level is a concentration of a cyanotoxin determined by the US Environmental Protection Agency, as specified in OAR 333-061-0530(1), at or below which adverse health effects are not expected to occur if consuming water containing cyanotoxins at this concentration for up to 10-days.

FAQ

• What happens if cyanotoxin test results indicate the need for a Do-Not-Drink health advisory?
  • If cyanotoxin test results indicate the need for a Do-Not-Drink health advisory, our community and water customers will be notified through our emergency notification system, news media, and social media channels.
• How is a Do-Not-Drink advisory lifted?
  • To lift a Do-Not-Drink advisory, test results must meet the Oregon Health Authority requirements of two consecutive days of sampling that show cyanotoxins at concentrations below the health advisory levels. We will also consider other factors such as cyanotoxin levels within the watershed when deciding to lift a Do-Not-Drink advisory.
• How do cyanotoxins (cylindrospermopsin and microcystins) affect pets and livestock when there is a drinking water advisory?
  • Both toxins are a risk to pets and livestock. Those with pets and small livestock should consider providing them bottled water or water from a different source. Contact a veterinarian if animals show signs of illness.

Getting Prepared for Emergencies

The City of Salem is better prepared today with the equipment, partnerships, and volunteer resources ready to distribute water more quickly, community-wide.

• City water tankers - The water tankers have been refurbished and are ready for use.
• Water delivery trailers - Three water delivery trailers are on-hand and ready to go.
• Preparedness - The City is ready to operate eight or more emergency water stations. Partnerships are in place to operate eight additional stations around the city.
• Volunteers - Salem has a robust database of volunteers, including the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). The City is supporting CERT recruitment and training. Sign up for CERT training.
• Training - Emergency preparedness classes have been held throughout our community, with a new course in Spanish.
• Coordination with the Army Corps of Engineers - The City works closely with the Army Corps of Engineers—the agency responsible for operating the dam at Detroit Reservoir. The Corps keeps the City updated on dam operations.
• Regional Watershed Coordination - City staff collaborate with the communities in the North Santiam watershed.

Join Marion - Polk Alerts for Community Alert Notifications 

If the need arises to issue a water advisory, a City notification will be sent through the Marion-Polk Community Alert System. Sign up to get critical, time-sensitive emergency notifications for up to five addresses to be notified in case of an emergency at your home, work, or child's school. You will also be able to register for Weather Alerts and turn off those notifications at times that are inconvenient to you.

Get Community Alerts

Water Quality Notifications will also be posted on the front page of our website, shared with media, and posted to the City of Salem Facebook and Twitter social media accounts.

What can Salem residents and businesses do?

Emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility. Some things you can do now to prepare:

• Visit the City of Salem's Emergencies & Disaster Preparedness website for local emergency information
• Check out Oregon's 2 Weeks Ready website to learn how you can prepare. 

Finding and Replacing Lead Water Pipes 

In Fall 2023, the City began an inventory of our water distribution network, which includes residential and commercial service lines. You can learn more about this program by visiting the Drinking Water Service Line Inventory webpage.

Did you know that on average, one person uses over 100 gallons of water per day?

Just a few simple changes at home and work can save water, save you money, and even help protect fish species when river flows are lower during the summer.

Contact us to get your free one-inch per week watering gauge, as well as an indoor and outdoor water conservation kit.

Indoor Tips

• Repair leaks. Check faucets, toilets, hose connections, and pipes for leaks. A leaky faucet that drips one drop of water per second wastes 2,700 gallons of water per year.
  • Find out how much water is wasted over time with the Drip Calculator
  • How to Look for Toilet Leaks
• A low-flow shower head can reduce water consumption significantly.
• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or shaving.
• Select water-saving devices when purchasing washers, refrigerators, and toilets.
• Select the proper load size when doing laundry.
• Run your dishwasher only when full. Avoid using extra cycles. Scrape instead of pre-rinsing.
• Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost your vegetable waste.
• Keep a container of cool water in the refrigerator instead of running the faucet.

Outdoor Tips

• Washing cars. Rinse car once, wash from bucket, rinse quickly again. Use a shut-off nozzle on your hose.
• Sweep instead of hosing down pavement.
• Check faucets and automatic sprinkler systems annually for leaks.
• Consider installing a rain sensor on your sprinkler system if it does not have one.
• Consider an eco-lawn.

 Lawn and Garden Tips

• Watering in the morning (before 9:00 a.m.) or in the evening (after 6:00 p.m.) rather than mid-day can reduce the amount of evaporation that occurs by 30 percent.
• Water slowly and selectively during cool, windless hours.
• Use mulch in the garden and around shrubs to save moisture.
• Grow plants which don't require much water (Water-Wise Plants for the Willamette Valley).
• Lawns need only 1 inch of water each week to grow strong and deep roots. Find your Weekly Watering Number.

Find more water conservation tips from the US Environmental Protection Agency

Other Information on Water Conservation

Water Management and Conservation Plan
The Water Management and Conservation Plan has been created to guide development, financing and implementation of water management and conservation programs. It is intended to be a working document, consistent with the City’s adopted water and wastewater master plans, which will inform future development of the City’s water system.

Salem Water Plans
Salem’s water system serves a population of 192,000 and that number increases every year. Over the next decade, demand for water will approach Salem’s current capacity. Salem’s Public Works Department continues to evaluate long-term demand and long-term solutions for a sustainable water supply.

How to Shut off or Turn On Water to Your Home

Most water meters have a meter box in front of the house or property near the street. The top of the box is usually a 3-inch or 4-inch diameter disk. Follow these steps to turn on or shut off water to your home. For information about starting, stopping, or changing your utility service, learn how to manage your City of Salem utility service account

1. Always shut off your hot water heater before shutting off your water service to avoid damaging your water heater.
2. Locate your water meter. Water meters are installed inside meter boxes. If you are unable to locate your meter, call Public Works Dispatch.
3. Remove the metal lid from the meter box. You can use a standard screw driver to lift the lid.
4. Once the metal lid is removed, there will be a concrete cover that can be lifted up and off.
5. On some service lines, there will be a hand-operated shut-off valve on the customer side of the meter, which is the side closest to your house. If there is no hand valve on the customer side of the meter, there is always a valve on the side of the meter closest to the street. This valve is called a “curb stop valve,” and it requires a curb stop key to operate. You can buy a curb stop key at many local hardware stories, or you can check one out for free from the City of Salem’s Finance or Public Works offices. Please call ahead to make sure a key is available.

How to Turn on Your Water Service

1. Open an outside faucet first. This will allow air in the lines to escape when you turn the water back on.
2. Carefully and slowly turn the curb stop or hand valve until it stops.
3. Allow water to run from the outside faucet a few minutes, and then turn off the outside faucet.

If you are unable to turn your water service off or on, please call Public Works Dispatch.

City of Salem requires backflow assemblies to be tested annually. Backflow assemblies are a mechanical device that prevent the backflow of non-potable water into potable drinking water. Untested or broken backflow assemblies are a potential health risk. This is why testing must occur annually by a certified backflow assembly tester.

The City of Salem does not do the testing of the assembly. If you are the property owner, you should contact a certified backflow assembly tester to schedule the testing. The tester should submit a copy of the test report to the City of Salem's Cross Connection Specialist for verification.

The City keeps track of testing needs by assigning residents to a "month of compliance". The City will send you reminder letters during your month of compliance. If the City does not receive a test report after your month of compliance we will attempt to contact you. If multiple contact attempts fail we will eventually shut the water off to your home.

Testing of the backflow is often a quick process that does not require the property owner to be on site. Most testers charge a similar rate of approximately $35-$40.

A list of OHA-certified backflow testers is available on the Oregon Health Authority website.

Contact 

Pubic Works Department
1457 23rd Street SE
Salem, OR 97302

503-588-6311
Service@cityofsalem.net