On Monday , July 28, the Salem City Council will discuss whether to move forward quickly with contracts aimed at protecting Salem’s drinking water supply.
The Council meets at Loucks Auditorium, starting at 6 p.m., along with the Salem Housing Authority and Salem Urban Renewal Agency. The council will consider declaring an emergency, which would make it easier to arrange services and gather the materials and equipment needed to strengthen the City’s water system. The emergency is related to the planned deep drawdown of Detroit Reservoir in Fall 2026. Detroit Reservoir is the source of drinking water for Salem’s residents and businesses. The drawdown could affect the City’s ability to meet water demand.
The planned drawdown of Detroit Reservoir is explained in a report from the National Marine Fisheries Service, issued in December 2024. The report, required by the Endangered Species Act, directs the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to lower the water level in the reservoir to depths not seen since the dam was built more than 70 years ago.
Read more about Salem’s drinking water supply
Council will also discuss Oregon Government Ethics Commission (OGEC) guidance on Oregon ethics and public meetings law.
