When Did Salem Open Its New Water Treatment Plant?

After years of planning and construction, the city of Salem, Oregon, officially opened its new water treatment plant on September 22, 2019. This state-of-the-art facility marks a significant improvement in the city's ability to provide clean and safe drinking water to its residents.

Why Was a New Water Treatment Plant Needed?

For decades, the city of Salem had relied on a water treatment plant that was built in the 1950s. As the population grew and water quality standards became more stringent, the plant began to show its age. The old plant was not designed to handle the contaminants and pollutants that are present in today's water sources, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to meet federal and state regulations for safe drinking water.

In addition, the old plant was located near an earthquake fault line and was at risk of failure in the event of a seismic event. Rather than invest in costly upgrades and repairs, the city decided to build a new water treatment plant that would be better equipped to handle current and future needs.

What Are the Features of the New Water Treatment Plant?

The new water treatment plant is a $185 million facility that incorporates the latest technologies for water treatment and safety. Some of its key features include:

A new intake system that draws water from deeper in the North Santiam River, which has been shown to contain fewer contaminants and pollutants.

A membrane filtration system that removes bacteria, viruses, and other small particles from the water.

A chlorine injection system that disinfects the water to eliminate any remaining contaminants.

Aeration tanks that allow any remaining organic matter to settle out of the water.

A new pumping station that can deliver up to 75 million gallons of treated water per day to the city's distribution system.

In addition to its advanced technology, the new water treatment plant has also been designed to withstand seismic activity and ensure that city residents have access to safe and clean drinking water even in the event of a major earthquake.

What Benefits Will the New Water Treatment Plant Bring?

The new water treatment plant offers several benefits to the city of Salem and its residents. First and foremost, it ensures that the city can meet all federal and state standards for safe drinking water. Second, it provides a more reliable source of water, even in times of drought or other environmental challenges. Finally, it will serve as a valuable asset for the city's economic development efforts, as it provides a key infrastructure component that is necessary for attracting new businesses and residents to the area.

Overall, the opening of the new water treatment plant marks a significant milestone for the city of Salem and its residents. It is a testament to the city's commitment to providing safe and clean drinking water, and it will serve as a critical piece of infrastructure for many years to come.