Sweet Home, OR. — The 2025 drawdown of Green Peter Reservoir by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has concluded its primary phase, with City of Sweet Home officials reporting temporary water quality impacts but no threat to public safety.
The drawdown began earlier this fall under a federal court order, with reservoir levels lowered to a target elevation of 780 feet by December 1 and held until December 15 before allowing natural refill. Officials anticipated the highest turbidity levels in November. Similar water quality impacts were observed during the first drawdown in fall 2023, particularly affecting raw water drawn from Foster Reservoir.
As of December 7, refill of Green Peter and Foster reservoirs has begun, marking the end of the main drawdown period. The City is currently observing elevated turbidity, or cloudiness, largely attributed to an ongoing atmospheric river expected to last through December 12.
City officials said the increased turbidity is being successfully filtered at the Sweet Home water treatment plant before water is distributed to customers. All treated water continues to meet regulated safety standards. Some residents may notice temporary discoloration or changes in odor due to necessary treatment adjustments, but officials emphasized that water quality testing is conducted before distribution to homes and businesses.
The City of Sweet Home stated it has no jurisdiction over the operation of the reservoirs or dams but has taken steps since 2023 to enhance treatment plant operations and monitoring. The City has also issued an emergency declaration to allow rapid access to supplies if conditions worsen. Officials clarified that the declaration is a precautionary measure and does not indicate that the water supply is unsafe.
Residents experiencing water quality concerns are encouraged to contact the Sweet Home Public Works Department at (541) 367-6359. Questions about the drawdown or water quality information may also be directed to WQInfo@sweethomeor.gov.
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