Recent Rains Results in Sewer Overflow Into Willamette River in Salem

Signs have been posted warning people to avoid contact with the water in the Willamette River due to potentially high levels of bacteria.

Photo: Bonnie King

(SALEM) - Recent rainfall combined with saturated ground conditions have resulted in the City of Salem overflowing diluted raw sewage into the Willamette River.

The gates at the North River Road diversion structure were opened at approximately 8:44 AM.

Additionally, the Union Street diversion structure activated at approximately 10:06 AM.

When the ground becomes saturated, groundwater enters the sanitary sewer from cracks and holes in the pipes in addition to footing drains and other sources of extraneous water from private property.

When this occurs, the ability of the sewer system to transport sewerage to the water pollution control facility is exceeded and the system becomes surcharged.

When these conditions become severe enough, the gates must be opened to avoid damaging property from sanitary sewer backups and basement flooding.

Signs have been posted warning people to avoid contact with the water in the Willamette River due to potentially high levels of bacteria.

The signs will be removed once the bacteria levels return to normal.