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UPDATE: South Salem neighborhood boil advisory lifted water after water main breaks

A map showing areas of Salem under a boil notice after a water main broke on Wednesday, Sept. 24. (Courtesy/City of Salem)

UPDATE: South Salem residents no longer need to boil their water after a bacteriological analysis of drinking water samples found that the water is safe. The sample used for the analysis was collected Thursday morning. The city made the announcement Friday afternoon.

Residents of about 1,000 south Salem homes are advised to boil their water before using it to cook, brush their teeth or wash vegetables until at least Friday.  

The city of Salem issued the boil notice late Wednesday night as a precaution following a water main break that occurred earlier that afternoon while it tests for possible bacteria contamination. Residences under the notice can be found on a map posted by the city.

Lacey Goeres-Priest, Salem water quality supervisor, said that crews worked overnight Wednesday to repair the ruptured 12-inch cast iron main after the city received reports of large water flows on Madrona Avenue S.E. She said that while the main was fixed it caused a loss of pressure. While crews took caution to not contaminate the water supply while working, the city issued a boil notice to prevent residents from coming into contact with harmful bacteria.

Sample results are expected by late Friday, Sept. 25. The notice will be lifted if no bacteria is found.

Residents in affected areas are advised to bring water to a rolling boil for one full minute and allow the water to cool before using it. Water should be stored in a clean container with a cover. Boiled water should be used for drinking, preparing baby formula, making ice and cleaning contact surfaces.

 Contact reporter Jake Thomas at 503-575-1251 or [email protected] or @jakethomas2009.

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