Mid Valley Reporter

May 7 - 13 is Drinking Water Week! This week is coordinated by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and recognizes the important role that water plays in our daily lives. Water is one of our most precious natural resources, with the most important use being drinking water. 

Salem gets its drinking water from the North Santiam River. Water from the river is diverted to the Geren Island Water Treatment Facility where it is treated using a slow sand filtration process and ozone treatment. This provides high-quality drinking water to Salem residents. You can read more about Salem’s drinking water source, water quality monitoring and testing, and water treatment on the City’s website. 

You can conserve water at home to help keep water in local streams and rivers. Here are some tips to practice in the home: 

• Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth, washing your hands, and washing your face. 
• Only run full loads of dishes and clothes in the washer. 
• Collect water in the shower to use on your plants, yard, and garden. 
• Put a pitcher of water in the fridge instead of running the tap to get cold water. 

Here are some tips to practice outside your home: 

• During the dry months, only water your lawn 1 inch per week or let it go dormant. 
• When washing your car, wash from a bucket and use a hose with a shut-off nozzle. 
• Sweep your porch and driveway instead of hosing them off. 
• Check outdoor faucets and automatic sprinkler systems annually for leaks. 

You can find more water conservation tips on the City’s website.

Original source can be found here