West Salem Sewer Main Repairs: Important Updates

Salem, OR. — Official Release: The City of Salem’s Public Works Department has identified the damage to two wastewater sewer mains that serve the West Salem area. Crews from the City of Salem, along with outside contractors, are working overnight to repair approximately 400 feet of the 18-inch sewer main. That work is expected to be completed during the overnight hours.

Work to repair the second 24-inch sewer main is scheduled to begin on Saturday, December 28, 2024. Further updates and information regarding the repair will be provided throughout the weekend.

Drinking water remains safe for all uses. We ask West Salem residents to continue to reduce water usage to help manage the flow of wastewater into the City sewers. Limiting the flow of water into the sewer system will help manage and slow the flow being released into the creeks, streams, and Willamette River.

Only West Salem residents need to reduce water use at this time.

Residents are asked to take the following steps to minimize water use:

• Limit the use of water for washing dishes and clothes.
• Reduce toilet flushing and avoid unnecessary water usage in bathrooms.
• Use water for essential needs only.

All West Salem’s wastewater is currently being diverted into open fields and the natural creek systems leading to the Willamette River, including areas of Glen Creek, River Bend Slough, and Wallace Marine Park. Signs are posted to warn residents to avoid these areas due to the potential for bacterial contamination. Water quality samples will continue to be taken until the results indicate that the issue has been cleared. Signs will be removed once the bacteria levels return to normal.

Further updates will be provided to West Salem residents using Marion-Polk Alerts and news releases will be available at www.cityofsalem.net/SewerUpdate.