Salem Declares Emergency as Detroit Lake Drawdown Threatens Water Supply

In a proactive move, the city of Salem, Oregon, has unanimously approved an emergency declaration to prepare for a possible drinking water shortage next year. This decision comes as the Detroit Lake Reservoir, the main water source for Salem and surrounding areas, is scheduled to undergo a significant drawdown in the fall of 2026.

The planned drawdown, which will lower the reservoir to its lowest level since the Detroit Dam was constructed in the 1950s, is intended to improve downstream conditions and aid the migration of endangered fish species, including juvenile salmon. However, this process is expected to have a significant impact on Salem's water supply, as it will flush out decades of sediment trapped behind the dam, complicating the treatment process at the city's Geren Island Water Treatment Plant.

The situation highlights the delicate balance Salem must strike between environmental priorities and the essential needs of its growing population. The city has experienced rapid growth in recent decades, rising from around 137,000 residents in 2000 to over 175,000 by 2020. This expansion has put increasing strain on the city's water resources, with projections indicating that without new water sources, Salem could exceed its legally available water rights by 2046.

To mitigate the potential impact of the drawdown, Salem is exploring various options, including drawing on emergency supplies from the nearby city of Keizer and utilizing groundwater wells on Geren Island. However, even with these measures, the city's water infrastructure may still fall short of meeting the daily demand of 24 to 25 million gallons for residents and businesses.