Planning for Our Water Future

The City of Salem’s Public Works Department is planning the community’s drinking water supply through 2050 and beyond. Salem’s water system serves a population of 170,000 and that number increases every year. Over the next decade, demand for water will approach Salem’s current capacity. A new transmission pipeline is planned to meet the community’s needs for early years. Looking ahead, Salem’s Public Works Department has also begun a comprehensive process to evaluate long-term demand and answer key questions:

• Where will Salem get its drinking water for the future?
• How much water will be needed?
• What role can water conservation play?
• What steps are required to assure Salem’s water future?
  • Regulatory approvals.
  • Facility construction.
  • Operational improvements.
• How can future investments in drinking water contribute to the health and viability of our drinking water source, our economy and our community?

Coordinated studies–called Salem Water Plans–are underway now to answer these questions. Water customers and citizens are invited to find out more and to get involved in planning for Salem’s water future.

NEXT: Salem's Current Water Source