City to test interconnected Salem-Keizer drinking water systems starting Friday
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As part of routine city testing of the interconnected water systems between Salem and Keizer, Keizer’s drinking water will be pumped into Salem taps from Friday through Monday.
The testing will slightly affect the taste, color, and odor of water primarily for West Salem residents during the testing period, the city of Salem said in a news release Friday.
The testing will not compromise water safety or quality.
The reason for the disruption is because the city of Keizer uses water pumped from underground while Salem gets its drinking water from the North Santiam River. Combining the two water sources may slightly change the water temporarily.
The testing ensures that the pipes connecting the two systems work properly and will allow the city to determine how much water can be pumped from Keizer’s system into Salem’s system. The city anticipates around five million gallons of water will be pumped into Salem’s system per day, about 20% of the average daily demand for this time of year.
Residents with questions regarding the water quality or testing are encouraged to call the Salem Public Works Department’s dispatch center at 503-588-6311.
Contact reporter Joe Siess: [email protected] or 503-335-7790.
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Joe Siess is a reporter for Salem Reporter. Joe joined Salem Reporter in 2024 and primarily covers city and county government but loves surprises. Joe previously reported for the Redmond Spokesman, the Bulletin in Bend, Klamath Falls Herald and News and the Malheur Enterprise. He was born in Independence, MO, where the Oregon Trail officially starts, and grew up in the Kansas City area.
