Salem, OR. — A weeklong operational test of Salem’s newest water-supply resiliency measure exceeded expectations, delivering more than 23 million gallons of water from the City of Keizer over five days and bolstering preparedness for an upcoming reservoir drawdown that could disrupt the City’s primary drinking water source.
City crews tested a newly constructed pump station connecting the City of Salem’s system with Keizer’s supplies from Jan. 26–30. The first connection was activated Jan. 26, followed two days later by a second intertie to evaluate simultaneous flow rates. By the conclusion of testing, the system had transferred 23.8 million gallons.
“We want to thank the City and residents of Keizer for being our steadfast partners in this effort, and the Salem City Council for supporting our preparations,” said Brian Martin, Salem’s Public Works Director. “These connections, along with other resiliency measures, are essential to ensuring uninterrupted drinking water if we are unable to draw from the North Santiam River during a deep drawdown of Detroit Reservoir.”
The improvements are part of a package of resiliency measures approved by City Council in July to prepare for a planned deep drawdown of Detroit Reservoir, scheduled for late fall or early winter 2026. The drawdown is directed by a Biological Opinion issued in December 2024 by the National Marine Fisheries Service under the Endangered Species Act and will be implemented by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Lowering the reservoir to levels not seen since the dam’s construction more than 70 years ago is intended to improve downstream passage for ESA-protected fish. However, the operation is expected to increase suspended sediment in the North Santiam River, posing a risk to Salem’s water treatment plant on Geren Island. Elevated sediment levels could require the City to temporarily stop drawing river water for several weeks.
During any interruption, Salem plans to rely on alternative sources, including existing and new groundwater wells on Geren Island, the Aquifer Storage and Recovery facility in South Salem, and the emergency intertie with the Keizer. City officials say these sources are expected to meet demand during the drawdown and recovery period in 2026 and beyond.
City leaders emphasized that the new interties also strengthen Salem’s long-term resilience against other disruptions, including flooding. Residents with questions are encouraged to contact Salem Public Works Dispatch at 503-588-6311 or visit the City’s drinking water information page online.
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