Salem Water Quality Summary
Salem Public Works supplies drinking water to about 199,820 people in Salem, Oregon, and draws from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), which requires fuller treatment for runoff, sediment, and microbial risk. On the IsWaterSafe scale it earns a good Water Safety Score of 85 out of 100 (Grade B), a composite of its EPA SDWIS violation and contaminant record.
EPA SDWIS shows no health-based or monitoring violations on record for Salem Public Works, though 5 enforcement actions are logged in its history.
Across the single substance sampled, none exceeded its EPA limit. Total Coliform (TCR) sits highest relative to its ceiling, detected at 2.5 % positive against an MCL of 5 % positive (sampled July 2023) — within the legal limit.
The most recent documented episode is a treatment technique violation involving Total Coliform (TCR), beginning July 2023 and marked resolved July 2023.
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Detected Contaminants
| Contaminant | Detected Level | MCL (Limit) | Status | Sample Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Coliform (TCR) | 2.5 % positive | 5 % positive | Within Limit | Jul 1, 2023 |
Violation History
Frequently Asked Questions
Salem Public Works has a Water Safety Score of B (85/100). The system serves 199,820 people and has 0 health violations on record. Check the contaminant table above for specific detected substances.
Salem Public Works has 0 contaminant exceedances above EPA health guidelines. See the full contaminant detection table above for all tested substances and their levels relative to legal limits and health guidelines.
The Water Safety Score (0-100, grades A through F) is based on contaminant levels relative to legal limits, health guideline exceedances, violation history, and enforcement actions. Higher scores indicate fewer concerns.
If your water system has violations, request the Consumer Confidence Report from your utility, consider getting an independent water test from a certified lab, and look into certified water filters for specific contaminants of concern. For lead, run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking.
Water quality data sourced from EPA's Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). Safety scores are calculated based on contaminant levels, violations, and enforcement history. This is not a substitute for your utility's official Consumer Confidence Report.
Source: EPA Ground Water and Drinking Water, 2026.