PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Salem City Council will decide whether to declare an emergency at its July 28 meeting to prepare for an expected drinking water shortage.
The declaration could fast-track improvements to the city’s water system that are needed before the planned lowering of the water level at Detroit Lake next year.
The improvements are needed to mitigate the high levels of sediment expected to result from the deep drawdown of the reservoir.
The U.S. Corps of Army Engineers originally planned the deep drawdown for fall 2025, but in April, they announced a one-year delay. The pause is meant to provide more time to gather public input and complete a supplemental environmental impact statement for long-term planning to ensure the project meets federal requirements, including a possible end to hydropower production, according to a statement…