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Good morning, Salem.

You may have seen headlines that Salem city councilors voted to declare an emergency over the city’s drinking water.

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The phrase conjures up images of imminent catastrophe – but as reporter Joe Siess explains in his story below, that’s not quite what’s going on.

Instead, city officials are trying to speed up the timeline to prepare for a deep drawdown of the Detroit Reservoir that’s scheduled for next fall. That project, scheduled to last 30 days, could severely impact the city’s water treatment facilities downriver by flooding them with sediment.

Joe’s story below breaks down what’s coming and what the city is doing about it for now. We’ll keep a close eye on the preparations on both the city and federal side for this, and let you know of any expected impacts to your tap – or water bill.

Here’s some of today’s news. For the latest, you can always head to our website.

www.salemreporter.com

Salem city councilors unanimously authorized a state of emergency Monday night over a deep drawdown of the Detroit Reservoir scheduled for next year which is expected to render Salem’s current…

www.salemreporter.com

Eclectic portraits, local watercolor pieces and celebrations of nature are among the art showing in Salem’s galleries and museums this month.

www.salemreporter.com

Travel Salem is currently negotiating with a new airline and raising money for a revenue guarantee of $1 to $3 million. City councilors on Monday gave little indication of how…

www.salemreporter.com

A 17-year-old Salem boy was among seven teens charged following a fight July 22 where three were stabbed at Claggett Creek Park. Authorities said most had no previous arrests.

www.salemreporter.com

A proposal to require utilities cover federal income taxes on settlements paid to powerline-ignited wildfire survivors died and a federal law providing relief is set to expire.

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TIP US TO NEWS: We welcome your tips about possible Salem stories – a community event, a local resident doing something extraordinary, a government action that needs investigating. Send your information, ideas or questions by email to our editor, Les Zaitz, at [email protected].

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