SALEM, Ore. (KOIN) — Even though the Detroit Lake drawdown is not expected for another year, the consequences of what that means for Salem is already apparent. That’s why the Salem City Council unanimously voted to declare a water emergency on Monday night.
The water drawdown impacts hundreds of thousands of people in Marion County. The US Army Corps of Engineers, the body behind the plans to lower the water levels in Fall 2026, said it will essentially help endangered salmon and steelhead get from one place to another.
The drawdown could affect not just drinking water in the region, but affect firefighting and other emergencies.
Detroit Lake drawdown bad news for Stayton water, sewer
Salem Public Works Director Brian Martin said ample preparation is key. He said his team’s plan includes expanding alternative supply sources and adding groundwater wells.
“We need to take some actions immediately,” Martin said. “If we get our improvements completed successfully, hopefully nobody would be impacted.”…