Report: Salem’s lack of communication during water crisis fueled disarray

The city of Salem’s initial response to cyanotoxins breaching the water supply this summer caused a frenzy, an independent report found.

The 34-page report, conducted by Ohio-based Novak Consulting Group, found that the city focused too much on sensational messaging and not enough on getting clean water to residents. However, it also found staff were incredibly quick in working to treat the water and end the health risk.

While Salemites were ultimately unharmed by…