City of Salem Prepares to Protect Water Supply During Detroit Reservoir Drawdowns

The City of Salem is preparing for the first deep drawdown of Detroit Reservoir, expected to begin in late 2026. This operation, mandated by federal agencies to improve fish passage for endangered species, will stir up sediment, making the North Santiam River "muddier" (turbid) and creating a negative impact on Salem's primary water source.

The City's water treatment system relies on low-turbidity water to function effectively, making the drawdown a significant challenge for providing drinking water for 220,000 residents.

Resiliency Measures in Progress

To address these risks, Salem has implemented several resiliency measures. Four new groundwater wells have been developed at Geren Island. Additional work is needed to increase their capacity.

A temporary pump station has been installed at a connection with the City of Keizer's water supply. This will allow Salem to access over 8 million gallons of water daily from Keizer's unaffected groundwater system.

Maintenance of Salem's slow sand filters has also been accelerated, and the city's Aquifer Storage and Recovery system in South Salem has been filled to support water needs during the drawdown.

Advocacy and Public Outreach

The City has urged federal agencies to include enforceable turbidity limits in their plans to minimize risks to the water supply. Salem is also pursuing federal funding for additional water system upgrades. Public outreach efforts are ongoing, with presentations to neighborhood associations and updates on the City's website.

Looking Ahead