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News Release

Precautionary Boil Water Advisory Issued For 26 Homes In South Salem (Photo) - 07/29/26

All Other City of Salem Water Customers Do Not Need to Boil Water

SALEM, Ore. — A limited-area notice for residents to boil water before drinking it was issued to 26 homes in south Salem on Lansford Drive SE and 10th Court SE July 29. The water in all other areas of the City of Salem is safe to drink and use.

 

Shortly after 8 a.m. July 29, the affected 26 homes experienced a brief interruption of water pressure during a routine water main construction project at the corner of Commercial Street SE and Langford Drive SE. Residents of those homes have or will receive information at their door on the nature of the event and guidance on how to proceed safely.

 

Those affected have been directed to bring water to a rolling boil for one full minute, allow the water to cool before using and store the cooled water in a clean container with a cover. Affected residents 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

 

City Water Distribution staff will be flushing water mains in the affected area and collecting bacteriological samples. Sample results are expected by the evening of July 30. Residents will receive information regarding test results and the end of the boil order by a door hanger delivered by City of Salem staff.

 

No other areas of the Salem water system were affected by the pressure interruption.

 

Oregon Health Authority rules require a Boil Water Notice be issued as a precautionary measure if system pressure is lost. This notice will be in effect until water within the affected area is verified safe by bacteriological testing.

 

For more information on the City’s drinking water, see our Drinking Water page, https://www.cityofsalem.net/community/household/water-utilities/salem-s-drinking-water. If you are ever unsure about your water, call Public Works Dispatch at any time at 503-588-6311.

Attached Media Files: 10thCtSE_BoilNotice_7-29-26.jpg,

Precautionary Boil Water Advisory Issued For 26 Homes In South Salem (Photo) - 07/29/26

All Other City of Salem Water Customers Do Not Need to Boil Water

SALEM, Ore. — A limited-area notice for residents to boil water before drinking it was issued to 26 homes in south Salem on Lansford Drive SE and 10th Court SE July 29. The water in all other areas of the City of Salem is safe to drink and use.

 

Shortly after 8 a.m. July 29, the affected 26 homes experienced a brief interruption of water pressure during a routine water main construction project at the corner of Commercial Street SE and Langford Drive SE. Residents of those homes have or will receive information at their door on the nature of the event and guidance on how to proceed safely.

 

Those affected have been directed to bring water to a rolling boil for one full minute, allow the water to cool before using and store the cooled water in a clean container with a cover. Affected residents 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

 

City Water Distribution staff will be flushing water mains in the affected area and collecting bacteriological samples. Sample results are expected by the evening of July 30. Residents will receive information regarding test results and the end of the boil order by a door hanger delivered by City of Salem staff.

 

No other areas of the Salem water system were affected by the pressure interruption.

 

Oregon Health Authority rules require a Boil Water Notice be issued as a precautionary measure if system pressure is lost. This notice will be in effect until water within the affected area is verified safe by bacteriological testing.

 

For more information on the City’s drinking water, see our Drinking Water page, https://www.cityofsalem.net/community/household/water-utilities/salem-s-drinking-water. If you are ever unsure about your water, call Public Works Dispatch at any time at 503-588-6311.

Attached Media Files: 10thCtSE_BoilNotice_7-29-26.jpg,

Traffic Alert: Street Closure Planned For One-Day Event In Downtown Salem Aug. 1 - 07/29/26

Salem, Ore. — The City of Salem is alerting the public about street closures related to a planned one-day event on Saturday, Aug. 1, in downtown Salem. The permitted event will see the closure of Chemeketa Street NE between Commercial Street NE and Liberty Street NE and between Liberty Street NE and Hight Street NE from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Liberty Street NE will remain open to through traffic.

 

Drivers should expect increased pedestrian traffic and some delays. Temporary signage indicating road closures and lane restrictions will be in place. Drivers are asked to plan accordingly and seek alternate routes during the event. Please drive safely and watch for an increase in pedestrians in the area.

 

During the event, pedestrians will need to follow all pedestrian and traffic signals when crossing Liberty Street NE.

 

 

Closure Details

  • Date: Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026
  • Time: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Affected Streets: Chemeketa Street NE
     

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

Traffic Alert: Street Closure Planned For One-Day Event In Downtown Salem Aug. 1 - 07/29/26

Salem, Ore. — The City of Salem is alerting the public about street closures related to a planned one-day event on Saturday, Aug. 1, in downtown Salem. The permitted event will see the closure of Chemeketa Street NE between Commercial Street NE and Liberty Street NE and between Liberty Street NE and Hight Street NE from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Liberty Street NE will remain open to through traffic.

 

Drivers should expect increased pedestrian traffic and some delays. Temporary signage indicating road closures and lane restrictions will be in place. Drivers are asked to plan accordingly and seek alternate routes during the event. Please drive safely and watch for an increase in pedestrians in the area.

 

During the event, pedestrians will need to follow all pedestrian and traffic signals when crossing Liberty Street NE.

 

 

Closure Details

  • Date: Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026
  • Time: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Affected Streets: Chemeketa Street NE
     

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

CORRECTION: Concerts In The Park To Bring Music, Food And Fun To Salem Amphitheater - 07/23/26

SALEM, Ore. — The free Concerts in the Park series is back for Summer 2026 with four great Oregon acts at Salem’s Gerry Frank | Salem Rotary Amphitheater. The series begins July 31 and continues on Aug. 28. Both shows begin at 6:30 p.m., and food trucks will be on site.

 

Salem has been hosting free concerts in the park since 2022 to bring residents together for a fun night of music and excitement.

 

For more information, visit www.salemor.gov/concerts.

 

July 31: The Druthers with opening act Idea the Artist
The Druthers make heart-sweeping folk/pop with his-and-hers harmony. The magnetic Portland six-piece is defined by the unmistakable voices of their two lead singers. The pair is accented by a song-serving flurry of trumpet, piano, organ, guitars, drums and bass.

Idea the Artist is a Guatemalan-American singer, songwriter, painter and writer currently living in the Pacific Northwest. Her crystalline vocals soar over lush arrangements and captivating lyricism, creating vivid soundscapes rooted in a love of the mythic, triumphant and bittersweet.


Aug. 28: Haley Johnsen with opening act Erin Adkisson

Haley Johnsen, a musical maverick from Portland, Oregon, is a genre-bending artist with a career path that is uniquely her own. Influenced by iconic voices like Brandi Carlile and Bonnie Raitt, Johnsen’s vocals soar with soul in the worlds of alt-pop and Americana.

Genuine and gripping, sensual and powerful, Erin Adkisson has the extraordinary ability of turning into a completely unique instrument. Exploring healing and religious trauma with a whisper to wail, Adkisson lays herself bare.

 

An earlier version of this release featured an incorrect date

CORRECTION: Concerts In The Park To Bring Music, Food And Fun To Salem Amphitheater - 07/23/26

SALEM, Ore. — The free Concerts in the Park series is back for Summer 2026 with four great Oregon acts at Salem’s Gerry Frank | Salem Rotary Amphitheater. The series begins July 31 and continues on Aug. 28. Both shows begin at 6:30 p.m., and food trucks will be on site.

 

Salem has been hosting free concerts in the park since 2022 to bring residents together for a fun night of music and excitement.

 

For more information, visit www.salemor.gov/concerts.

 

July 31: The Druthers with opening act Idea the Artist
The Druthers make heart-sweeping folk/pop with his-and-hers harmony. The magnetic Portland six-piece is defined by the unmistakable voices of their two lead singers. The pair is accented by a song-serving flurry of trumpet, piano, organ, guitars, drums and bass.

Idea the Artist is a Guatemalan-American singer, songwriter, painter and writer currently living in the Pacific Northwest. Her crystalline vocals soar over lush arrangements and captivating lyricism, creating vivid soundscapes rooted in a love of the mythic, triumphant and bittersweet.


Aug. 28: Haley Johnsen with opening act Erin Adkisson

Haley Johnsen, a musical maverick from Portland, Oregon, is a genre-bending artist with a career path that is uniquely her own. Influenced by iconic voices like Brandi Carlile and Bonnie Raitt, Johnsen’s vocals soar with soul in the worlds of alt-pop and Americana.

Genuine and gripping, sensual and powerful, Erin Adkisson has the extraordinary ability of turning into a completely unique instrument. Exploring healing and religious trauma with a whisper to wail, Adkisson lays herself bare.

 

An earlier version of this release featured an incorrect date

Salem State Capitol Complex To See Road Closures During Annual Basketball Tournament (Photo) - 07/16/26

SALEM, Ore. — Several streets around the Oregon State Capitol Complex will be closed July 20-26 for the annual Hoopla 3-on-3 street basketball tournament.

 

Hoopla is the biggest 3-on-3 street basketball tournament in Oregon and is the second largest in the United States.

 

Beginning at 6 p.m. July 20, the following streets will be closed:

  • Court Street NE between 12th Street NE and Church Street NE
  • Waverly Street NE between State Street and Court Street NE
  • Winter Street SE between Court Street NE and Chemeketa Street NE
  • Cottage Street NE between State Street and Chemeketa Street NE

 

This will accommodate set-up and operation of the event and ensure the safety of all participants and visitors.

 

Beginning at 2 p.m. July 23, these additional streets will also be closed:

  • State Street between 12th Street NE and Cottage Street NE
  • Winter Street NE between Ferry Street SE and State Street

 

All roads are expected to reopen by 10 p.m. July 26.

 

Those traveling through the area should find alternative routes during the event. For a full schedule of events, visit oregonhoopla.com.

Attached Media Files: Hoopla-basketball-Map-1600x1067-2026.png,

Salem State Capitol Complex To See Road Closures During Annual Basketball Tournament (Photo) - 07/16/26

SALEM, Ore. — Several streets around the Oregon State Capitol Complex will be closed July 20-26 for the annual Hoopla 3-on-3 street basketball tournament.

 

Hoopla is the biggest 3-on-3 street basketball tournament in Oregon and is the second largest in the United States.

 

Beginning at 6 p.m. July 20, the following streets will be closed:

  • Court Street NE between 12th Street NE and Church Street NE
  • Waverly Street NE between State Street and Court Street NE
  • Winter Street SE between Court Street NE and Chemeketa Street NE
  • Cottage Street NE between State Street and Chemeketa Street NE

 

This will accommodate set-up and operation of the event and ensure the safety of all participants and visitors.

 

Beginning at 2 p.m. July 23, these additional streets will also be closed:

  • State Street between 12th Street NE and Cottage Street NE
  • Winter Street NE between Ferry Street SE and State Street

 

All roads are expected to reopen by 10 p.m. July 26.

 

Those traveling through the area should find alternative routes during the event. For a full schedule of events, visit oregonhoopla.com.

Attached Media Files: Hoopla-basketball-Map-1600x1067-2026.png,

Invasive Plant Treatment Begins July 20 In Minto-Brown Island Park - 07/15/26

SALEM, Ore. — In partnership with Willamette Riverkeeper, the City of Salem will soon begin treating two sloughs in Minto-Brown Island Park to remove the invasive plant species Ludwigia hexapetala.

 

Treatments will begin July 20 and continue through July 31 in Oxbow Slough and Willamette Slough. Additional treatments will occur in late August or September.

 

Residents and visitors are asked to stay out of the sloughs while treatment is in progress and for 24 hours after treatment to protect against possible exposure. Treated plants will show signs of blue-green dye. The dye may persist for up to two weeks.

 

City of Salem and Willamette Riverkeeper representatives will be available for questions or conversations at Minto-Brown Island Park July 20-22 while the work is visible from the park.

 

This is the third year of a five-year partnership with Willamette Riverkeeper to reduce the invasive plant in Oxbow Slough. This is a similar project to the work previously done in Willamette Slough, which will also be treated to remove small remnant patches of Ludwigia.

 

Ludwigia forms dense mats in slow-moving backwater channels, oxbow lakes and sloughs. While this yellow-flowered plant may appear pretty, it has the potential to choke entire waterways, severely restricting recreational access, degrading water quality and creating an environment that is unfriendly to native fish and wildlife.

 

Groups along the Willamette River have been working to stop the spread of this highly invasive plant.

Invasive Plant Treatment Begins July 20 In Minto-Brown Island Park - 07/15/26

SALEM, Ore. — In partnership with Willamette Riverkeeper, the City of Salem will soon begin treating two sloughs in Minto-Brown Island Park to remove the invasive plant species Ludwigia hexapetala.

 

Treatments will begin July 20 and continue through July 31 in Oxbow Slough and Willamette Slough. Additional treatments will occur in late August or September.

 

Residents and visitors are asked to stay out of the sloughs while treatment is in progress and for 24 hours after treatment to protect against possible exposure. Treated plants will show signs of blue-green dye. The dye may persist for up to two weeks.

 

City of Salem and Willamette Riverkeeper representatives will be available for questions or conversations at Minto-Brown Island Park July 20-22 while the work is visible from the park.

 

This is the third year of a five-year partnership with Willamette Riverkeeper to reduce the invasive plant in Oxbow Slough. This is a similar project to the work previously done in Willamette Slough, which will also be treated to remove small remnant patches of Ludwigia.

 

Ludwigia forms dense mats in slow-moving backwater channels, oxbow lakes and sloughs. While this yellow-flowered plant may appear pretty, it has the potential to choke entire waterways, severely restricting recreational access, degrading water quality and creating an environment that is unfriendly to native fish and wildlife.

 

Groups along the Willamette River have been working to stop the spread of this highly invasive plant.

2026 Ironman 70.3 Oregon Comes To Salem, Willamette Valley (Photo) - 07/13/26

SALEM, Ore. — Athletes from all around will swim, bike and run their way through Oregon’s capital city during the annual Ironman 70.3 Oregon event July 17-19. Residents should expect large crowds downtown, as well as area road closures July 19 for the main event.
 
Events surrounding the sold-out race begin July 17 with athlete check-ins, briefings and an Ironman Village in Riverfront Park. New this year is the Currents to Kicks event starting at 5 p.m. The event includes a 1.2-mile swim followed by a 2.1-mile run finishing at a community celebration event.
 
July 18 will see additional pre-race events for athletes, as well as the Ironkids race starting in Riverfront Park.
 
The Sunday race will showcase Salem and the Willamette Valley to thousands of athletes. The 70-mile racecourse includes a 1.2-mile swim in the Willamette River; a 56-mile bike ride through South Salem to the Ankeny Nature Preserve and back; and a 13.1-mile run through Minto-Brown Island Park, finishing at the Gerry Frank | Salem Rotary Amphitheater in Riverfront Park.
 
The triathlon itself is scheduled to begin at 6:15 a.m. July 19 at Minto-Brown Island Park, where swimmers will enter the Willamette River. The weekend ends with the Awards Ceremony and 2026 Ironman 70.3 World Championship Slot Allocation/Rolldown Ceremony at 3:45 p.m. at the amphitheater.
 
Several road closures are planned around Minto-Brown Island Park, Riverfront Park and River Road South. Signs will be posted in these areas warning drivers of the traffic impacts that may occur throughout the day. The Peter Courtney Pedestrian Bridge connecting Riverfront Park and Minto-Brown Island Park will be closed to the public on race day.
 
Vehicles traveling between Salem and Independence on River Road South should use alternate routes between 5 a.m. and 2 p.m., as River Road South will be impacted by the event. Roads will reopen for normal use once the street portion of the bicycle race is completed.
 
Riverfront Park, Minto-Brown Island Park and Wallace Marine Park will remain open during the event, though access and parking will be limited.
 

Lane Restrictions and Road Closures: July 19, 5 a.m. to 2 p.m.

  • Front Street SE to Trade Street SE (Southbound): Two lanes closed, one lane open for vehicle traffic
  • Commercial Street SE (Southbound): Two lanes closed, one lane open for vehicle traffic
  • Mission Street (Commercial Street to Saginaw Street S): Local traffic only
  • Saginaw Street S (Mission Street to Owens Street): Local traffic only
  • Owens Street between Liberty Street SE and River Road S: Closed to westbound traffic
  • River Road S between Owens Street and Minto Island Park Road: Closed to southbound traffic
 
For more information about the course, including maps and details on street impacts, please visit https://www.ironman.com/races/im703-oregon.

Attached Media Files: IRONMAN_Road_Closure_Map_2026.png,

2026 Ironman 70.3 Oregon Comes To Salem, Willamette Valley (Photo) - 07/13/26

SALEM, Ore. — Athletes from all around will swim, bike and run their way through Oregon’s capital city during the annual Ironman 70.3 Oregon event July 17-19. Residents should expect large crowds downtown, as well as area road closures July 19 for the main event.
 
Events surrounding the sold-out race begin July 17 with athlete check-ins, briefings and an Ironman Village in Riverfront Park. New this year is the Currents to Kicks event starting at 5 p.m. The event includes a 1.2-mile swim followed by a 2.1-mile run finishing at a community celebration event.
 
July 18 will see additional pre-race events for athletes, as well as the Ironkids race starting in Riverfront Park.
 
The Sunday race will showcase Salem and the Willamette Valley to thousands of athletes. The 70-mile racecourse includes a 1.2-mile swim in the Willamette River; a 56-mile bike ride through South Salem to the Ankeny Nature Preserve and back; and a 13.1-mile run through Minto-Brown Island Park, finishing at the Gerry Frank | Salem Rotary Amphitheater in Riverfront Park.
 
The triathlon itself is scheduled to begin at 6:15 a.m. July 19 at Minto-Brown Island Park, where swimmers will enter the Willamette River. The weekend ends with the Awards Ceremony and 2026 Ironman 70.3 World Championship Slot Allocation/Rolldown Ceremony at 3:45 p.m. at the amphitheater.
 
Several road closures are planned around Minto-Brown Island Park, Riverfront Park and River Road South. Signs will be posted in these areas warning drivers of the traffic impacts that may occur throughout the day. The Peter Courtney Pedestrian Bridge connecting Riverfront Park and Minto-Brown Island Park will be closed to the public on race day.
 
Vehicles traveling between Salem and Independence on River Road South should use alternate routes between 5 a.m. and 2 p.m., as River Road South will be impacted by the event. Roads will reopen for normal use once the street portion of the bicycle race is completed.
 
Riverfront Park, Minto-Brown Island Park and Wallace Marine Park will remain open during the event, though access and parking will be limited.
 

Lane Restrictions and Road Closures: July 19, 5 a.m. to 2 p.m.

  • Front Street SE to Trade Street SE (Southbound): Two lanes closed, one lane open for vehicle traffic
  • Commercial Street SE (Southbound): Two lanes closed, one lane open for vehicle traffic
  • Mission Street (Commercial Street to Saginaw Street S): Local traffic only
  • Saginaw Street S (Mission Street to Owens Street): Local traffic only
  • Owens Street between Liberty Street SE and River Road S: Closed to westbound traffic
  • River Road S between Owens Street and Minto Island Park Road: Closed to southbound traffic
 
For more information about the course, including maps and details on street impacts, please visit https://www.ironman.com/races/im703-oregon.

Attached Media Files: IRONMAN_Road_Closure_Map_2026.png,

City Of Salem Files Lawsuit Against US Army Corps Of Engineers Over Detroit Reservoir Drawdown - 07/09/26

Salem, Ore. — Today, the City of Salem filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon in Eugene. The suit challenges the Corps’ intended drawdown of Detroit Reservoir, a critical water source for Salem. The City is seeking legal relief to protect the community’s drinking water supply.

 

“Our drinking water is safe, clean and plentiful, but the Corps’ plan raises critical concerns about the long-term reliability of our water supply,” said Krishna Namburi, Salem’s city manager. “Our actions today will help safeguard our water source now while allowing the system to support future population and economic growth.”

 

Background and Need for Legal Action

For more than a year, the City of Salem has actively engaged with the Corps, providing detailed feedback and proposing measures designed to protect and preserve the quality and quantity of Salem’s drinking water — not only today, but for future generations. Among the City’s key requests was a safeguard to pause or stop the drawdown when the amount of sediment in the North Santiam River harms Salem’s water treatment systems and causes those systems to shut down.

 

Despite these efforts, the Corps is planning to proceed with the drawdown without incorporating these essential protections into their plan, the final Supplemental Environmental Impact statement. The Corps has also failed to fulfill its federal obligation to publish a study of the impacts of previous drawdowns, and to apply federal law in its analysis of the proposed drawdown.

 

Relief Sought by the City

The City remains committed to protecting the health and safety of its residents and ensuring the long-term sustainability of its water supply. Through this lawsuit, the City of Salem is seeking the Corps:

  • Comply with the National Environmental Policy Act, the Administrative Procedure Act and the 2024 Water Resources Development Act by preparing and publishing a comprehensive turbidity impact and assessment report from previous drawdowns conducted on similar water sources in other areas.
  • Establish a trigger that would halt or pause the drawdown if sediment levels in the North Santiam River reach thresholds unsafe for Salem’s water treatment infrastructure.
  • Construct a long-term physical solution that was outlined in the 2008 Willamette Project Biological Opinion to help young salmon migrate.

 

Detroit Reservoir Drawdowns, Sediments and Salem’s Drinking Water

The City has been working with the Corps throughout the development of the plan for drawdowns, which would lower the elevation in Detroit Reservoir to a level not seen since the dam was built over 70 years ago. Such deep drawdowns would result in high levels of suspended sediments — fine particles of clay, silt and other matter — in the North Santiam River downstream of the dam.

 

Drinking Water for 220,000

The City of Salem is responsible for supplying safe and reliable drinking water to about 220,000 residents, as well as hospitals, schools, businesses and other critical infrastructure. Our service area includes the City of Turner, two water districts and portions of unincorporated Marion and Polk counties. We also provide water in sufficient quantities for firefighting and other emergency needs. This is the only emergency source of drinking water for the City of Stayton and the City of Keizer.

 

Efforts to Expand Water Supply

Despite this legal action, we are prepared to continue to provide safe and clean drinking water to residents and businesses during a deep drawdown of Detroit Reservoir. During a drawdown, 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 connections with the City of Keizer. The City has invested nearly $8 million the past 18 months making these facilities available if the drawdown proceeds as planned by the Corps.

 

The City anticipates these sources will meet the expected water demand during the initial drawdown and recovery period planned by the Corps for this fall.

 

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

 

Visit https://www.cityofsalem.net/community/household/water-utilities/salem-s-drinking-water/special-projects-upcoming-improvements to learn more about the deep drawdown and what the City is doing to prepare.

 

###

 

No further comment will be made about this pending litigation at this time.

City Of Salem Files Lawsuit Against US Army Corps Of Engineers Over Detroit Reservoir Drawdown - 07/09/26

Salem, Ore. — Today, the City of Salem filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon in Eugene. The suit challenges the Corps’ intended drawdown of Detroit Reservoir, a critical water source for Salem. The City is seeking legal relief to protect the community’s drinking water supply.

 

“Our drinking water is safe, clean and plentiful, but the Corps’ plan raises critical concerns about the long-term reliability of our water supply,” said Krishna Namburi, Salem’s city manager. “Our actions today will help safeguard our water source now while allowing the system to support future population and economic growth.”

 

Background and Need for Legal Action

For more than a year, the City of Salem has actively engaged with the Corps, providing detailed feedback and proposing measures designed to protect and preserve the quality and quantity of Salem’s drinking water — not only today, but for future generations. Among the City’s key requests was a safeguard to pause or stop the drawdown when the amount of sediment in the North Santiam River harms Salem’s water treatment systems and causes those systems to shut down.

 

Despite these efforts, the Corps is planning to proceed with the drawdown without incorporating these essential protections into their plan, the final Supplemental Environmental Impact statement. The Corps has also failed to fulfill its federal obligation to publish a study of the impacts of previous drawdowns, and to apply federal law in its analysis of the proposed drawdown.

 

Relief Sought by the City

The City remains committed to protecting the health and safety of its residents and ensuring the long-term sustainability of its water supply. Through this lawsuit, the City of Salem is seeking the Corps:

  • Comply with the National Environmental Policy Act, the Administrative Procedure Act and the 2024 Water Resources Development Act by preparing and publishing a comprehensive turbidity impact and assessment report from previous drawdowns conducted on similar water sources in other areas.
  • Establish a trigger that would halt or pause the drawdown if sediment levels in the North Santiam River reach thresholds unsafe for Salem’s water treatment infrastructure.
  • Construct a long-term physical solution that was outlined in the 2008 Willamette Project Biological Opinion to help young salmon migrate.

 

Detroit Reservoir Drawdowns, Sediments and Salem’s Drinking Water

The City has been working with the Corps throughout the development of the plan for drawdowns, which would lower the elevation in Detroit Reservoir to a level not seen since the dam was built over 70 years ago. Such deep drawdowns would result in high levels of suspended sediments — fine particles of clay, silt and other matter — in the North Santiam River downstream of the dam.

 

Drinking Water for 220,000

The City of Salem is responsible for supplying safe and reliable drinking water to about 220,000 residents, as well as hospitals, schools, businesses and other critical infrastructure. Our service area includes the City of Turner, two water districts and portions of unincorporated Marion and Polk counties. We also provide water in sufficient quantities for firefighting and other emergency needs. This is the only emergency source of drinking water for the City of Stayton and the City of Keizer.

 

Efforts to Expand Water Supply

Despite this legal action, we are prepared to continue to provide safe and clean drinking water to residents and businesses during a deep drawdown of Detroit Reservoir. During a drawdown, 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 connections with the City of Keizer. The City has invested nearly $8 million the past 18 months making these facilities available if the drawdown proceeds as planned by the Corps.

 

The City anticipates these sources will meet the expected water demand during the initial drawdown and recovery period planned by the Corps for this fall.

 

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

 

Visit https://www.cityofsalem.net/community/household/water-utilities/salem-s-drinking-water/special-projects-upcoming-improvements to learn more about the deep drawdown and what the City is doing to prepare.

 

###

 

No further comment will be made about this pending litigation at this time.

City Of Salem Launches Northeast United Survey To Hear From Northeast Salem Residents (Photo) - 07/07/26

  • Northeast Salem Neighborhood Survey asks community members to provide their thoughts on pressing neighborhood issues.
  • The Northeast Salem Neighborhood Survey is available from July 6 through August 2.
  • Northeast United is focused on outreach and engagement to the Northeast Salem community.

City of Salem Launches Northeast United Survey to Hear from Northeast Salem Residents

 

Salem, Ore. — The City of Salem is excited to announce the launch of a new community outreach initiative, Northeast United, aimed at engaging members of Northeast Salem community to identify and address key neighborhood concerns. As part of this effort, a community questionnaire titled the Northeast United Collaboration Survey, will be available today.

 

The Northeast United Collaboration Survey is designed to gather input directly from community members about the issues they believe are most pressing in their neighborhoods. The survey will take approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete and will provide valuable insights to help guide community-focused, community-driven solutions.

 

“We want to hear from the people who know Northeast Salem best, its residents and community members,” said Ashley Dunn, City of Salem’s Community Engagement Manager. “This survey is an important step in ensuring that our outreach efforts are grounded in the real experiences and priorities of the community.”

 

Residents, business owners, and community members are encouraged to participate and share their perspectives to help shape the future of Northeast Salem. The City of Salem is committed to fostering a collaborative approach that empowers community members to be active partners in creating positive change.

 

Rian Rasubala, Community Development & Programs at Valor Mentoring and Northeast Salem resident, said, "I am very excited to see what happens with this project. Northeast Salem is a special place, with unique needs and challenges. With the right folks at the table, we can make a positive difference in this neighborhood." 

 

The survey will be accessible online starting July 7 and will close on August 2. For more information about Northeast United and to participate in the survey, please visit www.cityofsalem.net/community/northeast-united.

 

About Northeast United:
Northeast United is a City of Salem initiative focused on outreach and engagement with Northeast Salem neighbors to explore community issues and advance solutions that reflect the community’s voice and needs.

Attached Media Files: Northeast-United-Survey-Final.png,

City Of Salem Launches Northeast United Survey To Hear From Northeast Salem Residents (Photo) - 07/07/26

  • Northeast Salem Neighborhood Survey asks community members to provide their thoughts on pressing neighborhood issues.
  • The Northeast Salem Neighborhood Survey is available from July 6 through August 2.
  • Northeast United is focused on outreach and engagement to the Northeast Salem community.

City of Salem Launches Northeast United Survey to Hear from Northeast Salem Residents

 

Salem, Ore. — The City of Salem is excited to announce the launch of a new community outreach initiative, Northeast United, aimed at engaging members of Northeast Salem community to identify and address key neighborhood concerns. As part of this effort, a community questionnaire titled the Northeast United Collaboration Survey, will be available today.

 

The Northeast United Collaboration Survey is designed to gather input directly from community members about the issues they believe are most pressing in their neighborhoods. The survey will take approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete and will provide valuable insights to help guide community-focused, community-driven solutions.

 

“We want to hear from the people who know Northeast Salem best, its residents and community members,” said Ashley Dunn, City of Salem’s Community Engagement Manager. “This survey is an important step in ensuring that our outreach efforts are grounded in the real experiences and priorities of the community.”

 

Residents, business owners, and community members are encouraged to participate and share their perspectives to help shape the future of Northeast Salem. The City of Salem is committed to fostering a collaborative approach that empowers community members to be active partners in creating positive change.

 

Rian Rasubala, Community Development & Programs at Valor Mentoring and Northeast Salem resident, said, "I am very excited to see what happens with this project. Northeast Salem is a special place, with unique needs and challenges. With the right folks at the table, we can make a positive difference in this neighborhood." 

 

The survey will be accessible online starting July 7 and will close on August 2. For more information about Northeast United and to participate in the survey, please visit www.cityofsalem.net/community/northeast-united.

 

About Northeast United:
Northeast United is a City of Salem initiative focused on outreach and engagement with Northeast Salem neighbors to explore community issues and advance solutions that reflect the community’s voice and needs.

Attached Media Files: Northeast-United-Survey-Final.png,