Salem Officials Say Drinking Water is Safe

As a result of the monitoring program, staff has identified the presence of frequent, but low levels of algal toxins, in the reservoir this summer.

No sample of Salem's finished drinking water has ever been found to contain any algal toxin based on analytical test results. Image Courtesy: City of Salem

(SALEM, Ore. ) - Salem Public Works Department staff monitored water contamination developments in Toledo, Ohio, and Lincoln City, Oregon, with interest this week, as a toxic algae bloom restricted use of drinking water in both cities.

Algae blooms are also known to occur in Detroit Lake and the North Santiam River, Salem's water source.

This toxin is produced by several types of blue-green algae that are typically present in the reservoir.

The Public Works Department has maintained a reservoir and river sampling program for the last four years to monitor for algae blooms and potential toxic blooms.

Staff is typically at Detroit Reservoir and on the North Santiam River several times a week during the summer months, when algal blooms are likely to occur.

As a result of the monitoring program, staff has identified the presence of frequent, but low levels of algal toxins, in the reservoir this summer.

During routine water sampling last week, extremely small amounts of the toxin were found in the North Santiam River for the first time this summer.

Source: City of Salem